Surveying the City

This year's Kinder Houston Area Survey reveals strengths and challenges facing the nation’s fourth-largest city.

Photo of downtown Houston
The vision of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research is prosperity for all, where everyone has an opportunity to contribute to Houston’s success and share in its opportunities. Photo of downtown Houston by Brandon Martin

Fall 2025
By Kat Cosley Trigg and Lynn Gosnell

The annual 2025 Kinder Houston Area Survey, one of the nation’s longest-running studies of an urban area, was released in May. This year’s findings draw from the largest sample in the survey’s 44-year history, reflecting the growth of the Greater Houston Community Panel, which now includes more than 10,000 members from Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. The results provide local and state leaders with significant data for addressing key issues impacting the well-being of their communities.

“The Kinder Institute is committed to providing accessible data, research and engagement to help our community take action — that’s our mission,” said Ruth N. López Turley, director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research and professor of sociology at Rice. “And with the growth of the Greater Houston Community Panel, we’re now able to study an even wider area with even more depth.”

The survey’s model of rigorous sampling around universal topics like economic opportunity, urban infrastructure, quality of life and immigration has served as a blueprint for cities around the world who value data-driven solutions that address the needs and aspirations of their own citizenry.

Survey Highlights

Key takeaways on pride, quality of life, challenges, and daily services across Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties.
 

Houston Proud
80% Residents across all three counties believe Houston is a better place to live than other major metropolitan areas. Why? The people, culture, economic opportunities and activities are what residents cited.
 
Quality of Life

Percentage of county residents who rated quality of life as good, very good or excellent
County Percent
Harris 71%
Montgomery 80%
Fort Bend 83%

However, those earning below $25,000 are three times as likely as those earning $100,000 to rate their quality of life as poor or fair.
Biggest Problems
County Top Issue Details
Harris Crime & Safety Harris County respondents (24%) marked crime and safety as the No. 1 problem impacting the Houston area
Fort Bend Traffic Top issue selected by respondents
Montgomery Traffic Top issue selected by respondents

 

Immigration

Percentage of county residents who say immigrants contribute more than they take away from economy
County Percent
Harris 71%
Fort Bend 72%
Montgomery 48%

Majorities in Harris and Fort Bend counties agreed that undocumented immigrants contributed more than they take
 
Jobs and Equity
88% Residents want the government to ensure job access for all who want to work.
81% Agree the government should act to reduce inequality between rich and poor — the highest levels of support recorded in survey history on both items.

 
Day-to-Day Issues
Infrastructure More than six in 10 residents rated infrastructure as poor or fair
Air & Water Quality More than 50% registered dissatisfaction (poor or fair)
Public Transportation Two-thirds of residents rated public transportation as poor or fair


The Greater Houston Community Panel is composed of scientifically selected adults in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. They are surveyed on a regular basis about their families and communities, providing the most representative insights into all Houston residents.