The high cost of housing is straining Texas families, leaving many to fall behind financially and delay seeking healthcare, according to a new survey.
The findings highlight the growing affordable housing crisis and the urgent need for policies that support the development of affordable housing across the state, says the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers (TAAHP), which recently polled 1,128 adults across the state.
"The Texas economy continues to lead the nation, but housing affordability is becoming one of the greatest threats to our future growth," says TAAHP executive director Roger Arriaga. "When teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, service industry employees, and other essential members of our workforce cannot afford to live near where they work, communities suffer. Affordable housing isn't just a housing issue, it's an economic development issue, a workforce issue, and a quality-of-life issue. If we want to keep Texas competitive, our local, state, and federal governments must support policies that encourage investment in more affordable rental housing now."
The poll details significant concerns about housing costs, including:
- 49% of Texans say the cost of housing is a major problem where they live, a concern that rises to 60% among renters;
- 58% of Texans say they are either just getting by or falling behind financially, including 43% of middle-class Texans who say they are struggling to keep up with rising costs;
- 42% of renters say they have delayed seeking healthcare because of other expenses, demonstrating how housing affordability challenges are affecting quality of life and access to essential services;
- Nearly one-third (31%) of Texans say support for affordable housing should be a top priority for elected officials, reflecting growing public concern about the state's housing shortage;
- 56% of Texans believe state officials are doing too little to address affordable housing, a figure that climbs to 66% among renters, who are most directly affected by rising costs; and
- 69% support expanding tools such as housing incentives and tax credits to encourage the development of affordable housing for lower-income Texans, signaling broad bipartisan support for policies that increase housing supply and affordability.
TAAHP’s survey was conducted between April 24 and May 4, 2026, with a margin of error +/- 4.06%, and included responses from 350 Republicans, 414 Democrats, and 364 identifying as Independent/other/no affiliation.
The organization’s “Build Texas” report combines statewide housing and economic data along with findings from the survey, which were released at the organization’s Texas Housing Conference in July.
"Affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities and economic opportunity," says Kathryn Saar, TAAHP board president. "The survey results make it clear that Texans understand what's at stake. Families are making difficult choices every day, whether that's delaying medical care, cutting back on essentials, or putting off their dreams of homeownership. Texans want practical solutions that help keep our communities affordable, support economic growth, and ensure that working families here can continue to thrive."