Rice think tank survey: 'Extreme economic turbulence' post-COVID triggers worry among Houstonians

A think tank at Rice University released its annual survey on Monday, and it revealed mounting frustrations Houstonians have with crime and the economy.

According to Houston ABC affiliate KTRK, the Kinder Institute for Urban Research discovered that while many people in Texas’ largest city are concerned about crime, it’s the economy that yields lots of worry.

The survey deduced the things which made Houston an attractive destination for job seekers and homebuyers – mostly notably the low cost of living – are close to nonexistent.

"The extreme economic turbulence brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic followed by surging inflation and the decadelong uptick in housing costs are eroding the basic promise Houston has long offered: That anyone can afford to live here and earn more, as long as they work hard," the report’s authors said, per the station.

Axios reported that the survey marked the 42nd the Kinder Institute conducted, with nearly 3,200 Harris County residents asked to participate earlier this year and just around 61% actually completing it.

On the economy, the website reported, an additional 20% are worried about housing costs and instability, a bump from 7% posted last year. At least 40% replied that they struggle to put $400 into an emergency fund.

KTRK reported that the latest edition of the survey touched on firearms for the first time, with at least 75% of Houstonians declaring some support for the Second Amendment and the right to own guns.

Within the figure that backs gun ownership, the survey said, 86% believe all gun transactions should involve background checks and 65% support federal handgun registration laws.

Per a report from Houston FOX affiliate KRIV, the survey is the first to be conducted following the retirement of its founder, Dr. Stephen L. Klineberg.

The Kinder Institute plans to include Fort Bend and Montgomery counties.