"This survey is one of the most detailed looks at what everyday Houston-area residents are actually thinking and feeling. If you want to understand what's shaping life in your community — from financial stress to flood fears to how your neighborhood relationships affect your health — this is a good place to start. It can also help community members, advocates, and local leaders point to real data when pushing for change."
Kinder Institute for Urban Research | Rice University
The 45th annual Kinder Houston Area Survey, conducted in early 2026, gathered responses from nearly 9,000 Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery County residents. Key findings show a sharp drop in confidence about job prospects, with lower-income households hit hardest. Over 70% of residents worry about flooding, extreme heat, and industrial pollutants. The report also finds that strong social and community ties improve financial well-being, health, and feelings of safety.
Residents are concerned about job prospects, mounting financial pressures and environmental hazards. This report also examines how social cohesion is related to resident well-being.
While residents express concerns about the economy and environment, the survey peers into how social connections shape prosperity and well-being.
According to the 45th annual Kinder Houston Area Survey, residents are feeling more discouraged as they face slowing job growth and ever-present environmental threats. As national divisions rise, the region’s social cohesion and perceptions of others’ beliefs demonstrate the potential for progress.
Conducted in January and February 2026 through the Greater Houston Community Panel, the survey draws on responses from nearly 9,000 Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery County residents.
Key findings
The economy is the region’s “biggest problem,” fueled by shrinking confidence in job opportunities and growing financial pressures.
The percentage of residents rating job prospects as “good” or “excellent” fell by more than 25%, the sharpest single-year decline since the 1980s.
Lower- and middle-income households are struggling the most, with 79% of those earning less than $25,000 unable to cover an unexpected $400 expense.
The percentage of residents rating job prospects as “good” or “excellent” fell by more than 25%, the sharpest single-year decline since the 1980s.
Lower- and middle-income households are struggling the most, with 79% of those earning less than $25,000 unable to cover an unexpected $400 expense.
In addition to severe weather, residents are wary of pollutants and contaminants in their communities.
Over 70% are concerned about flooding, extreme heat, wind and hail damage, and freezes.
Over 70% are concerned about nearby industries releasing pollutants into the air, water or soil.
Over 70% are concerned about flooding, extreme heat, wind and hail damage, and freezes.
Over 70% are concerned about nearby industries releasing pollutants into the air, water or soil.
Connections matter for residents’ wealth, health and sense of safety.
Individuals with strong personal and professional networks are more likely to report having greater control over their financial situation.
Stronger community ties are linked to better physical and mental health; they also influence feelings of safety more than actual crime rates do.
Individuals with strong personal and professional networks are more likely to report having greater control over their financial situation.
Stronger community ties are linked to better physical and mental health; they also influence feelings of safety more than actual crime rates do.
Despite perceived differences, residents’ views on some social issues are often more aligned than they think, such as bipartisan support for background checks on gun sales.
The report emphasizes that Houston’s prosperity depends on collective action and social cohesion. Residents and leaders can increase economic mobility, safety and well-being more effectively by strengthening communities and personal connections.
Suggested citations
Potter, D., Bhakta, K., DeLisi, A., Goolsby, K., Liu, T., Niznik, A., & Simburger, D. (2026). The 45th Kinder Houston Area Survey: The economy, the environment, and the importance of social connections. Houston, TX: Houston Population Research Center, Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25611/J7WA-A370
Potter, D., Bhakta, K., DeLisi, A., Goolsby, K., Liu, T., Niznik, A., & Simburger, D. (2026). 45th Kinder Houston Area Survey: Political and social attitudes. Houston, TX: Houston Population Research Center, Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Rice University. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25611/CSNM-SN98
The 45th Kinder Houston Area Survey found residents reported a dimmer outlook on job opportunities, rising financial stress and growing anxiety about affordability.
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.
For over four decades, the Kinder Houston Area Survey has been tracking the changing attitudes and experiences of Houstonians.
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