Urban Edge

Sharp insights. Smart solutions. Better cities.

Harris County records biggest shift toward renting, away from homeownership in a decade

About 19,000 fewer Harris County households lived in a home they owned in 2024, while nearly 30,000 more households opted to rent, according to the Kinder Institute's 2026 State of Housing in Harris County and Houston report.

New FEMA map would add 200 square miles, 115K housing units to Harris County floodplains

A Kinder Institute analysis illustrates the scope of proposed changes to Harris County’s floodplain map.

What are the biggest pre-K challenges on the horizon? National education leaders weigh in.

Educators and researchers from Houston, Chicago, Baltimore and San Francisco offer their perspectives on top issues facing providers.

When coverage isn't enough: 1 in 7 older Harris County adults not getting needed medical care

A Kinder Institute survey suggests nearly 100,000 people age 65 and older in Harris County didn’t get needed healthcare in the prior year.

‘We feel validated’: How Pasadena ISD’s new approach to bilingual instruction is paying off for students

Pasadena ISD students made greater academic gains with more class time in Spanish, a Kinder Institute analysis shows.

How Houstonians’ views on acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, gun access and other social issues are changing

The latest Kinder Houston Area Survey shows notable changes on LGBTQ+ acceptance, school funding and more.

Houston is filled with potentially polluted properties. Residents want them cleaned up.

The 45th Kinder Houston Area Survey shows Houstonians overwhelmingly support the redevelopment of brownfield sites across the region.

Tight-knit neighbors, better lives: How strong community ties can help Houstonians feel healthier, safer

New Kinder Institute research finds local residents living in neighborhoods with strong relationships and shared values have a higher probability of good health and feeling safe at home.

Houston’s economy is ticking along. Residents are worried it’s slipping away.

The 45th Kinder Houston Area Survey found residents reported a dimmer outlook on job opportunities, rising financial stress and growing anxiety about affordability. 

We asked 180 Houston advocates where to start on curbing food insecurity. Here’s what they said.

Houston-area advocates say collaboration, transportation and community engagement are key to reducing hunger.