The Big Number: 87%

Fall 2024
By Amy McCaig

Since 1982, the Kinder Houston Area Survey has measured Houstonian’s attitudes, beliefs and experiences about the present — and their hopes for the future. This year’s survey, released in May, revealed a new set of data about Houston’s past, present and, notably, the city’s potential future. Topics surveyed about the Houston of tomorrow include climate change, the energy transition and artificial intelligence. Among the headline findings —

Nearly nine out of 10 area residents (87% in the 30–54 age group) believe that Houston should lead the world in transitioning to alternative energy sources. 

Young adults surveyed were in even stronger agreement (89% in the 18–29 age group) with the statement that “Houston should be a leader when it comes to America’s alternative energy future.” Relatedly, more than 80% of Houstonians also said the energy transition was necessary to the city’s economic prosperity. Three-quarters of respondents also agreed that the top priority for the energy sector in Texas should be expanding and improving technologies for the production of alternative energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen.

“This year, the Kinder Houston Area Survey focuses on the Houston of tomorrow,” said Kinder Institute for Urban Research Director Ruth N. López Turley. “And there is no better place to think about the future than Houston, because the nation’s future happens here.”

More Key Numbers

The annual survey reveals worries about persistent challenges as well as optimism for the future.

	A Positive Outlook Seventy-two percent of participants said they are enthused about new opportunities in the Houston area.
	Housing Affordability One in five respondents said affordable housing was the biggest problem facing the region.
	Crime and Safety Crime and safety was named the overall biggest problem for the second year in a row, with 27% of survey respondents flagging this issue.
	Climate Change Nearly 60% of survey respondents said they were either worried, very worried or extremely worried about the impact of climate change on the region.
	AI Impact More than 50% said they already use AI tools at work, and 60% said AI will result in job losses in Houston in the next five years.
	Emergency Cash Forty-six percent of survey respondents said they cannot afford a $400 emergency with cash on hand — the highest level recorded in the survey’s history.