Kinder Houston Area Survey: 2025 Results
As one of the fastest-growing metropolitan regions in the United States, Greater Houston has added over 1.5 million new residents since 2010. The 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey captures the voices of nearly 10,000 individuals across Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties — offering a revealing look into what residents love about Houston and the barriers that threaten its future success.
Highlights from the Report:
Community & Culture Shine: Residents overwhelmingly cite people, culture, and opportunity as Houston’s defining strengths. Four out of five believe it’s a better place to live than other major metros.
Deep Roots & Newcomer Magnet: Over half have lived in Houston for two decades or longer, while those who arrived as adults point to jobs and family as their draw.
Persistent Challenges: Crime, economic pressure, and housing costs top the list of concerns. Infrastructure ratings are low across all counties, with around 30% of residents calling it “poor.”
Departure on the Horizon?: Nearly 40% are considering leaving the area in the coming years, a sobering trend fueled in part by economic stress.
Inequality Matters: Quality of life gaps are stark — lower-income residents are far more likely to report negative experiences. Yet there’s strong public appetite for solutions: over 80% support government efforts to reduce inequality and ensure a basic standard of living for all.
Welcoming Immigrants: Most residents see immigrants — including undocumented individuals — as net contributors to the economy, signaling a broad base of support for inclusive policies.
This year’s survey reinforces Houston’s potential as a thriving, diverse, and opportunity-rich region — but also underscores the urgent need to address inequities in infrastructure, safety, and economic mobility. These findings are a call to action for civic-minded changemakers working to build a more resilient and inclusive future for all.
