Top reasons why Houston-area residents struggle to afford housing

A Kinder Institute survey in early 2026 found about 6 in 10 Houston-area residents said it was at least a little difficult to afford housing in the prior 12 months. Those residents most often cited day-to-day costs and utility bills as factors.

Note: About 8,800 residents of Fort Bend, Harris and Montgomery counties participated in the survey. Percentages represent the share of residents who cited each factor among residents who reported at least a little difficulty affording housing.
Chart: Kinder Institute for Urban ResearchSource: Greater Houston Community PanelGet the data