Educational Attainment An indicator correlated with many life outcomes, educational attainment profoundly affects individual and regional prosperity Though the average Houstonian today has more education than they did 10 years ago, significant disparities across race/ethnicity persist. Why educational attainment matters to Houston The benefits of obtaining an education beyond the 12 mandatory years extend not …
Category Archives: Sub Topic
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education in Houston The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted early childhood education in the region, prompting concerns about future academic readiness After experiencing years of steady growth, early childhood education enrollment in Houston’s three-county region fell during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why early childhood education matters to Houston What is early childhood education? Early childhood education …
Population and Diversity
Population, Diversity and Immigration in Houston One of the strongest forces to shape the region, Houston’s diverse population is also its greatest asset. In the last decade, the population in Houston’s three-county region — due to strong levels of international and domestic migration — grew substantially and became far more diverse. Why population and diversity …
Voter & Non-Electoral Participation
Voter & Non-Electoral Participation in Houston Voter registration and turnout levels in the region have risen while non-electoral participation lags The 2020 election inspired the biggest increase in voter registration and turnout in the region’s recent history, but Houston has more work to do on other measures of civic engagement. Why voter and non-electoral participation …
Social Connectedness
Social Connectedness in Houston Despite national trends, levels of trust in our community and local government are on the rise Social connectedness and trust — foundational to a well-functioning society — are on the rise in our region, though loneliness levels remain high. Why social connectedness matters to civic engagement in Houston Social connectedness is …
Philanthropy & Volunteering
Philanthropy and Volunteering in Houston Volunteer activity and financial donations are a force of good throughout our region Nonprofits in Houston’s three-county region advance civic engagement not only by improving the condition of our residents and their communities but also through the strengthening of social ties among those who actively participate. Why philanthropy and volunteering …
Small Business
Small Business in Houston As significant contributors to our regional economy, small businesses provide income and wealth-generating opportunities for residents Despite the pandemic’s immediate effect on the economy, small business growth in Houston’s three-county region remains strong. Yet, disparities persist for women and Black, Indigenous, and other people of color. Why small businesses matter to …
Credit & Debt
Access to Credit and Household Debt Good financial health is essential to economic security and upward mobility Houston-area residents are more likely to be banked, have better credit access and quality, and be current on debt obligations than in the past. However, despite this improvement, the Houston region continues to lag behind the nation in …
Poverty & Social Mobility
Poverty and Social Mobility in Houston Too many Houston-area families are stuck in the cycle of intergenerational poverty, preventing economic mobility Despite a slight decline in poverty rates over the last decade, one million households in Houston’s three-county region struggle to afford basic necessities. Why poverty and social mobility matter to Houston Poverty has devastating …
Unemployment & Jobs
Unemployment and Jobs in Houston Strong job and industry growth are essential to increasing economic opportunity and security for all Houstonians Despite job losses and economic disruptions caused by the pandemic, Houston’s three-county region has had strong job and industry growth over the last decade. Why employment matters to Houston A growing, skilled workforce and …