Demographics

United Way data shows where Houstonians are struggling to make ends meet

According to the United Way of Greater Houston, more than 1 million households in the Greater Houston area are considered asset-limited, income-constrained and employed (ALICE) or are below the federal poverty level. These households — as many as 8 in 10 in some neighborhoods — are unable to afford basic necessities.

With economic concerns rising, Houstonians want more done to address the gap between rich and poor

As economic aftershocks from the COVID-19 pandemic linger, Houstonians have a dimmer view of their prospects, according to the 42nd annual Kinder Houston Area Survey. With inflation and housing costs reaching record highs—and a potential recession on the horizon—optimism among survey respondents was at one of its lowest levels in nearly three decades. More than ever before, Houston residents are also in alignment that more must be done to close income gaps.

Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2023 Results

The 42nd Kinder Houston Area Survey provides a glimpse into how Houstonians are thinking about the economy, affordable housing, inequality, and other critical challenges and issues facing their communities.

Kinder Institute Luncheon 2023

The annual luncheon brings together hundreds of business, nonprofit and community leaders to learn about the leading issues facing our community and country.

Harris County bounces back in a big way in 2022 population estimate

Harris County’s population growth has found renewed vigor after a year of stagnation, according to new Census estimates released today, but these gains were far overshadowed by more rapid suburban growth.

Public school enrollment is facing a 'demographic bubble.' Urban districts are already seeing its effects

As part of a wide range of testimony before the state Senate finance committee, education commissioner Mike Morath told lawmakers that Texas is entering a new demographic era for public school enrollment.

Fort Bend County found to be among the nation’s most prosperous for immigrants

In the past decade, immigrant populations fueled immense population growth in cities and suburbs in particular, according to a new report by the George W. Bush Institute. In the Houston metropolitan area, the report finds that immigrants are thriving best in Fort Bend County, ranked No. 8 in the country, and Brazoria County, ranked No. 15. Harris County was ranked No. 99.

After Census redefines urban and rural, Texas remains steadfastly both

The number of people in the U.S. who live in an urban setting has grown by 6.4%, according to new 2020 Census data. But the nation's overall percentage of urban area population was slightly reduced after the U.S. Census Bureau altered the criteria for what is considered an urban or rural area.

'The New Red Book' is a call to appreciate Houston as a bastion of Black heritage

A new book serves as a long overdue field guide to Black history in Houston, one that hearkens back to a century-old catalog of the city’s African American community. In “The New Red Book,” author Lindsay Gary takes readers to 50 sites, telling the stories about these important spaces and the people whose legacies remain relevant today.

Houston Community Data Connections

An interactive data platform, this initiative seeks to facilitate the practical use of data by city and community leaders for decision-making and capacity building in Houston's communities.

Where Houstonians stand on education, CRT, abortion rights, and voter access in 2022

If you built a political platform based on what most Houstonians would agree with, what would it look like? We have one version of a “Houston agenda”, thanks to the 2022 Kinder Houston Area Survey. While divisions persist, big shares of Houstonians across party lines agree on several big issues.

Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2022 Results

The 41st Kinder Houston Area Survey shares Houstonians’ views on the economy, crime, the pandemic and other issues related to the city’s demographic transformations.

In the 2022 Houston Area Survey, residents reassess their prospects

Houstonians are looking slightly less optimistic than they normally do, and the economy is their main concern—more than crime, pandemics, traffic, flooding, and other recent plagues. In fact, optimism is at its lowest level in the history of the Kinder Houston Area Survey, driven largely by the rising cost of living. This cloudy outlook also comes with a dose of clarity about the lingering effects of racism and even stronger agreement on the need to support public education.

Kinder Institute Lunch-Out 2020

Stephen Klineberg presents the findings from the 39th Kinder Houston Area Survey. The event also honors Rev. William A. Lawson with the 2020 Stephen L. Klineberg Award for more than 60 years of service to Houston and its people.

Urban Reads: Stephen L. Klineberg

Kinder Institute Founding Director Stephen Klineberg talks with Director Bill Fulton about his new book, which tracks the progress of Houston during almost four decades of remarkable economic, demographic and technological change.