UH poll reveals Houstonians divided on issues, quality of life, and city’s overall direction

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: A general view of downtown Houston on March 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images) (Aaron M. Sprecher, 2025 Aaron M. Sprecher)

HOUSTON – A recent survey by the University of Houston shows some internal conflicts among residents regarding issues such as quality of life, safety, and the overall direction of the city.

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In a big city like Houston, it might already be expected for residents to disagree—especially when one factor in generational, and educational already present in the United States, it warrants a closer look into just how Houston residents feel about issues important to them.

See below to read the full report:

The Hobby School of Public Affairs at UH surveyed about 1,400 registered voters in Houston between March 29 and April 4, where they asked for residents’ opinions on several topics including their satisfaction with city services, what they believe are the most prevalent issues facing Houston and the mayor’s job performance.

WATCH: Houston Mayor John Whitmire sits down for one-on-one interview with KPRC 2’s Gage Goulding

Some of the glaring standouts from the survey said more than half of Houstonians think Houston residents think the city (and the United States) is heading in the wrong direction. This is contrasted though when it comes to how they feel about Mayor John Whitmire; 59% of residents, for example, approve of the job he’s doing as mayor, while 41% disapprove.

51% of Houstonians are also dissatisfied with how the City provides police protection, trash and recycling. Additionally, 72% of Houston residents are not happy with the city’s street, water and drainage services.

SEE ALSO: More than 30 billion gallons of Houston water wasted from leaks across the city

On the other hand, over half of residents believe the quality of life is “excellent” but are almost neck-and-neck when it comes to Houston’s quality of life worsening or staying the same.


About the Author
Ahmed Humble headshot

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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