Houston is the biggest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the United States, with a population of about 2.2 million people. This thriving metropolis is known for its diversified culture, strong economy, and rich history. Nonetheless, Houston, like any big urban region, has a variety of issues, including air pollution, poverty, crime, floods, and traffic congestion.
These difficulties frequently vary in intensity throughout various areas in the city. In this post, we will look at the 10 regions in Houston that are facing the most serious difficulties, using multiple indicators and data sources.
We assessed and ranked these Houston communities using four key criteria: air quality, poverty rates, crime rates, and flood danger. This evaluation’s data originates from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the United States Census Bureau, City-Data.com, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
We also considered population size, geographic location, and historical patterns. This rating is intended as a broad comparison rather than a thorough or conclusive assessment of various Houston areas.
Here are the ten places in Houston dealing with the most significant challenges:
1. Pasadena
Pasadena, a city of around 150,000 people in southeast Houston, is well-known for its petrochemical sector and annual strawberry festival. However, it risks serious air quality difficulties with an annual PM2.5 value in 2020 of 12.4 µg/m³, greatly surpassing the WHO recommendation. In addition, the city has a 21.1% poverty rate and a crime rate of 366 per 100,000 population. Its low elevation, along with its closeness to Galveston Bay, increases flood danger.
2. Galena Park
Located in east Houston, Galena Park has around 11,000 people and is bordered by industrial facilities. It has poor air quality, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 12 µg/m³ in 2020, which is twice the WHO recommendation. The poverty rate is shockingly high at 33%, well above Houston’s average, and the crime rate is 405 per 100,000 people. Its proximity to the Houston Ship Channel amplifies flood threats.
3. Jacinto City
located adjacent to Galena Park, has comparable issues. It has a population of around 11,000 and confronts poor air quality, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 11 µg/m³ in 2020. The poverty rate is 32%, while the crime rate is 381 per 100,000 population. Flooding threats are heightened by the closeness to Buffalo Bayou.
4. South Houston
located in the southeast, near Pasadena and Hobby Airport, and has a population of around 18,000. It has poor air quality, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 10 µg/m³ in 2020, which is double the WHO recommendation. The poverty rate exceeds 31%, while the crime rate is 331 per 100,000 people. Its proximity to Sims Bayou increases the risk of flooding.
5. Aldine
Aldine, a census-designated place in north Houston, with around 16,000 people is located near George Bush Intercontinental Airport. In 2020, the annual PM2.5 concentration was 9 µg/m³. The poverty rate is 30%, with a crime rate of 326 per 100,000 population. Flooding threats exist owing to its closeness to Greens Bayou.
6. Cloverleaf
Cloverleaf is a neighborhood in east Houston with around 23,000 people. It is between the East Freeway and the Sam Houston Tollway. In 2020, the annual PM2.5 concentration is 9 µg/m³, causing ongoing air quality problems. The poverty rate is 29%, with a crime rate of 323 per 100,000 people. Flooding concerns are increased because of its closeness to the San Jacinto River.
7. Humble
Located in northeast Houston, Humble has around 16,000 people and is adjacent to George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Lake Houston. In 2020, the yearly PM2.5 concentration was 9 µg/m³, indicating poor air quality in the area. The poverty rate is 24%, with a crime rate of 418 per 100,000 people. Its proximity to the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston heightens flood threats.
8. West University Place
A community in southwest Houston with around 16,000 people near Rice University and the Texas Medical Center, is dealing with air quality difficulties. The annual PM2.5 concentration was 9 µg/m³ in 2020. Despite a low poverty rate of 3%, it has a high crime rate of 533 per 100,000 people. Its proximity to Brays Bayou increases the possibility of moderate flooding.
9. Bellaire
A city in southwest Houston with around 19,000 people between West University Place and Loop 610, has poor air quality, with an annual PM2.5 concentration of 9 µg/m³ in 2020. While the poverty rate is modest at 4%, it has a high crime rate of 415 per 100,000 people.
10. Missouri City
Missouri City, a 75,000-person city in southwest Houston, with an annual PM2.5 value of 9 µg/m³ in 2020, raising worries about air quality. Its poverty rate is reasonable, at 10%, but it has a high crime rate of 376 per 100,000 people. Its proximity to Oyster Creek and the Brazos River increases the possibility of moderate flooding.
Final Words
Finally, our culinary tour of Harris County, Texas, reveals a tapestry of gastronomic excellence, with distinct flavors and culinary expertise defining the county’s eating scene. From the authentic halal pleasures of Tahini Plus to the delicious steaks of Taste of Texas and the inventive fusion of D’Alba Garden Oaks, these top-tier restaurants highlight the diversity of Harris County’s culinary traditions.
Each location, from Spices 39 to La Lucha, adds its own distinct character, resulting in a colorful culinary mosaic that assures every dining experience is a scrumptious tour through the best Harris County has to offer.