HOUSTON (June 4, 2026) – The 18th edition of the Growing Up in Houston report examines the cross-sector indicators that shape quality of life for children in Harris County. As Harris County approaches 5 million residents, more than one quarter of the county’s population, 26.4%, are children, making the region’s future inseparable from the well-being of its youngest residents.

CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R) hosted a virtual press conference on Thursday, June 4, at 10 AM, to discuss major trends affecting child well-being in Harris County, including access to health insurance, early childhood education, economic stability for low-income families, and the impact of immigration enforcement on children and family well-being.

“Houston is one of the fastest growing cities in the country,” said Dr. Bob Sanborn, president & CEO of CHILDREN AT RISK. “How we care for our children and the opportunities we give them will directly impact our economic future, not only here in Houston or Texas, but across the nation.”

This year’s findings point to a central challenge: many children are living in one of the nation’s most opportunity-rich regions while still facing barriers that affect their health, stability, and long-term success. Nearly 7 in 10 public school students in Harris County are classified as economically disadvantaged, compared to roughly 6 in 10 statewide. While public schools are working to meet this heightened need, more than 614,000 children in the region live in households experiencing financial instability significant enough to qualify under TEA’s economic disadvantage criteria.

Health coverage remains another major barrier for Harris County children. Reflecting the rising cost of insurance and challenges connecting families to available coverage, Harris County continues to have a significantly higher rate of uninsured children than both Texas and the nation. Approximately 14% of Harris County children are uninsured, compared to about 5% nationally.

Beyond economic hardship and barriers to health coverage, many Harris County families are navigating growing uncertainty around immigration enforcement and the threat of family separation. As Houston’s population becomes increasingly diverse, these stressors can create chronic fear and instability for children. 

Access to quality, affordable child care remains out of reach for too many Houston families. In Harris County, 87 zip codes qualify as Child Care Deserts, areas where the need for child care outpaces supply by at least three times. That leaves an estimated 21 subsidized seats available for every 100 children of low-income working families. Within the Gulf Coast Local Workforce Development Board, more than half of all identified Child Care Desert zip codes have been classified as such for at least three years, directly affecting early development and the economic stability of families in those neighborhoods.

Key findings from this year’s analysis include:

• Nearly 7 in 10 public school students in Harris County (69.3%) are classified as economically disadvantaged, compared to roughly 6 in 10 statewide (62.2%).
• Nearly half of Houston-area schools serve high levels of economic need—well above the state—yet they are outperforming expectations, with more schools earning Gold Ribbon distinction than the statewide average (23% vs 19%).
• 24.6% of children experience food insecurity.
• Only 13% of eligible families receive child care assistance, and 87 Harris County zip codes are classified as Child Care Deserts.
• One in five students is chronically absent, with rates as high as 71% among students in alternative education settings.
• One in four children has a mental or behavioral health condition, while schools continue to face severe counselor shortages.
• Approximately 14% of Harris County children are uninsured, compared to about 5% nationally.

 About CHILDREN AT RISK

Established in 1989, CHILDREN AT RISK is an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of Texas children through strategic research, public policy analysis, innovation, community education, collaboration, and advocacy. We envision a world where children’s needs are made a priority, and where children and their families have the resources needed to truly thrive. In order to bring this vision to fruition, CHILDREN AT RISK focuses its efforts on public education, child trafficking, and child health. We would like to extend a special recognition and thanks to the United Way of Greater Houston for generously funding this publication. We would also like to thank the members of our board, the CHILDREN AT RISK Institute, and community partners for providing us with research, data, wisdom, and feedback on the book.