Houston residents between the ages of 18 and 34 cited the area’s diversity, community and lifestyle as the best aspects of living in the Bayou City, according to the 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey.
The results show Houston offers plenty of opportunities for professional and personal fulfillment, which can help government and business leaders market the city to young adults deciding where to make their home.
Houston’s affordability and style of living, in particular, are big attractions for Gen Z and young millennials delaying traditional milestones for financial reasons.
A Census Bureau report published earlier this year showed young adults are finishing higher education, moving out of their parents’ homes, getting married and having children later in life than prior generations.
These four charts illustrate young people’s preferences, perceptions and long-term opinions of living and working in Houston. Over 3,400 young adults living in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties took the survey.
Admiration for diversity, culture
Diversity is synonymous with Houston. And for the largest share of young adults, it’s the best thing about living in the area.
Roughly one-third of Fort Bend and Harris County young adults chose the region’s diversity as their favorite aspect of Houston, while 16% chose it in Montgomery County.
Community and local culture was the most common response, at 21%, for Montgomery County young adults. The option ranked second in Harris County (14%) and third in Fort Bend County (11%).
“Residents called forward the people who made up their local community, who contribute to the vibe and character of their neighborhood, as the best thing about living in the Houston area,” the survey authors wrote.
Positive outlook for recreation, education
Most young adults had optimistic attitudes about the culture, education and jobs available in Houston.
The vast majority lauded Houston’s culture and leisurely activities, including the region’s ability to host large-scale events like concerts, theater performances and professional sports.
Higher education was viewed as a local asset, with 70% rating it as “good,” “very good” or “excellent.” Attitudes were slightly more mixed about employment opportunities, with 38% describing them as “poor” or “fair.”
Why they’re staying
When given 10 options for why they choose to live in Houston, young adults primarily cited two reasons: the life they’ve created here and keeping close to family and friends.
“Jobs may be the main factor that brings people to Houston, and it contributes to their staying in the area, but the life they are able to create here is what primarily keeps them planted,” the survey said.
Nearly 30% of young people in Harris County said they stay because they have a good job, while 35% of Fort Bend County residents believe the region is a good place to raise kids.
Mixed financial prospects
Throughout the three-county region, the largest share of young adults said they were “doing OK” when asked about their individual or household finances.
A little over one-quarter said they were “living comfortably,” while slightly under one-quarter reported they were “just getting by.”
