History of Houston in Timeline
Houston, located in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, is the most populous city in Texas and the fourth-most populous city in the United States with a population of 2,314,157 in 2023. It serves as the seat and largest city of Harris County and is the principal city of the Greater Houston metropolitan area, the fifth-most populous metropolitan statistical area in the United States. Houston is the southeast anchor of the Texas Triangle megaregion.
1900: Galveston Hurricane Devastates Texas's Primary Port
In 1900, a devastating hurricane struck Galveston, leading to its decline as Texas's primary port. This event spurred efforts to develop Houston into a viable deep-water port.
1900: Galveston Hurricane
The devastating hurricane that hit Galveston in 1900 accelerated the development of Houston as a deep-water port.
1902: President Roosevelt Approves Houston Ship Channel Improvement
In 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt approved a $1 million project to improve the Houston Ship Channel, further solidifying Houston's position as a major port.
1905: Houston Abandons Ward System
In 1905, the city of Houston abandoned the ward system of representation in favor of a commission government.
1905: Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston Park features restored and reconstructed houses dating back to 1823-1905, showcasing historical architecture from various periods.
1910: Houston's Population Doubles
By 1910, Houston's population had almost doubled from a decade prior, reaching 78,800. Notably, African Americans comprised nearly one-third of the city's residents.
1912: Rice University Founded
Rice University, known for its selectivity and research activity, was established in 1912.
1914: Port of Houston Opens
President Woodrow Wilson officially opened the deep-water Port of Houston in 1914, marking a significant milestone in the city's development as a major shipping hub. This came after seven years of digging and construction.
1927: Texas Southern University Established as Houston's First State University
In 1927, Texas Southern University (TSU) was founded, becoming the first state university in Houston.
January 18, 1930: Record Low Temperature in Houston
The coldest temperature officially recorded in Houston was 5 °F (−15 °C) on January 18, 1930.
1930: Houston Becomes Texas's Most Populous City
In 1930, Houston earned the title of Texas's most populous city, with Harris County becoming the most populous county in the state.
1940: 1940 Air Terminal Museum opens
The 1940 Air Terminal Museum, which showcases Houston's aviation history, opened in the old terminal building on the west side of Hobby Airport in 1940.
1940: U.S. Census Data on Houston's Racial Demographics
The 1940 U.S. Census reported that Houston's population was 77.5% White and 22.4% Black, providing a snapshot of the city's racial demographics at the time.
1942: Brown Shipbuilding Company Founded
The Brown Shipbuilding Company was established in 1942 with the purpose of building ships for the U.S. Navy during World War II.
1945: Texas Medical Center Established
In 1945, the M.D. Anderson Foundation played a pivotal role in the formation of the Texas Medical Center, setting the stage for Houston's future as a major healthcare hub.
1947: University of St. Thomas Founded
In 1947, the University of St. Thomas, Houston's only Catholic university, was established.
1948: Houston Annexes Unincorporated Areas
Houston significantly expanded its size in 1948 by annexing several unincorporated areas, marking a period of rapid growth and expansion for the city.
1948: Zoning Referendum Rejected
Voters in Houston rejected a proposal to establish separate residential and commercial land-use districts in a referendum held in 1948.
1950: Air Conditioning Fuels Economic Boom and Shift to Energy Sector
The widespread availability of air conditioning in 1950 served as a catalyst for companies to relocate to Houston, attracted by lower wages compared to the North. This led to an economic boom and a significant shift in the city's economy towards the energy sector.
1960: Development of Farm to Market Road 1960
Farm to Market Road 1960 was established as a notable arterial road in the Greater Houston region as part of the city's transportation planning.
1960: Houston Christian University Founded
Houston Christian University, formerly known as Houston Baptist University, was founded in 1960, offering bachelor's and graduate degrees.
1961: NASA Establishes Manned Spacecraft Center
1961 saw the establishment of NASA's "Manned Spacecraft Center" in Houston, later renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1973. This development propelled the growth of the city's aerospace industry.
1962: Zoning Referendum Rejected
In 1962, Houston voters once again rejected a referendum aimed at implementing separate residential and commercial land-use districts.
1962: Formation of the Houston Astros
The Houston Astros, a Major League Baseball expansion team, was formed in 1962, originally known as the "Colt .45s".
1965: Houston Astros Name Change
In 1965, the Houston Astros changed their name from the "Colt .45s" to their current moniker.
1965: Construction of NRG Astrodome
In 1965, the world's first indoor stadium, the NRG Astrodome, was constructed.
1965: Astrodome Opens
The Astrodome, famously nicknamed the "Eighth Wonder of the World," opened its doors in 1965. It made history as the world's first indoor domed sports stadium.
1965: Immigration and Nationality Act
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 removed quotas that had previously favored immigration from Western Europe. This allowed for greater religious diversity in Houston as people from different religious backgrounds were able to immigrate to the city.
1967: Houston International Airport renamed
In 1967, Houston International Airport was renamed William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
1967: Houston's Nickname "Space City"
In 1967, Houston was officially nicknamed "Space City" due to its designation as the home of NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center.
1968: MLB All-Star Game in Houston
Houston hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 1968.
1969: Bush Intercontinental Airport opens
Bush Intercontinental Airport opened in 1969, leading to the cessation of international flights from Hobby Airport.
1970: Downtown Houston's Energy Boom
In 1970, Downtown Houston was on the verge of a significant boom driven by the energy industry.
1970: Non-Hispanic White Population
In 1970, the proportion of non-Hispanic whites in Houston was 62.4%.
1971: Houston Rockets NBA Franchise Establishment
The Houston Rockets NBA franchise was established in 1971.
October 5, 1972: First Same-Sex Marriage in Texas
On October 5, 1972, Billie Ert and Antonio Molina were married in what is considered the first same-sex marriage in Texas history. This occurred before the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States.
1973: Manned Spacecraft Center Renamed Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
NASA's "Manned Spacecraft Center" in Houston was renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in 1973.
1974: AMA Supercross Championship in Astrodome
From 1974 to 2003, the Astrodome hosted a round of the AMA Supercross Championship.
1979: Establishment of City Council Structure
In 1979, the U.S. Justice Department mandated the establishment of Houston's initial city council, consisting of 14 members: nine representing districts and five at-large positions.
1981: Air Conditioning Costs in Houston
In 1981, the annual cost of electricity for interior cooling in Houston exceeded $600 million (equivalent to $2.01 billion in 2023).
1982: JPMorgan Chase Tower Completed
Houston's tallest skyscraper, the 75-floor, 1,002-foot-tall JPMorgan Chase Tower (formerly the Texas Commerce Tower), was completed in 1982.
1983: Wells Fargo Plaza Completed
The 71-floor, 992-foot-tall Wells Fargo Plaza (formerly Allied Bank Plaza) was finished in 1983, becoming the second-tallest building in both Houston and Texas.
1985: LGBT Influence in Montrose
By 1985, the LGBT community significantly influenced the character and politics of the Montrose neighborhood.
1986: MLB All-Star Game in Houston
Houston hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 1986.
December 23, 1989: Coldest Temperature at Bush Airport and Snowfall
The temperature dropped to 7 °F (−14 °C) at Bush Airport on December 23, 1989, representing the coldest temperature ever recorded at that location. On the previous day, 1.7 inches of snow fell at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
1989: NBA All-Star Game in Houston
Houston hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1989.
1990: Lower Rate of Solo Commuters in Houston Compared to 2016
In 1990, 71.7% of Houston commuters drove alone to work, representing a lower rate compared to 2016.
1990: LGBT Identification in Montrose
In 1990, approximately 19% of Montrose residents identified as LGBT.
1991: Paul Broussard Murder
In 1991, Paul Broussard was murdered in Montrose.
1991: Term Limits Introduced in Houston
In 1991, conservative political activist Clymer Wright spearheaded the introduction of term limits for the city controller and city council members. These limits restricted them to a two-year term with a maximum of three terms.
1993: Zoning Referendum Rejected
For the third time, voters in Houston rejected an effort to establish separate residential and commercial land-use districts in a referendum held in 1993.
1994: NBA Finals in Houston
Houston hosted the 1994 NBA Finals, emerging victorious.
1994: Houston Rockets NBA Championship
The Houston Rockets won their first NBA Championship in 1994.
1995: Hearst Communications Acquires Assets of Houston Post
Hearst Communications, owner of the Houston Chronicle, acquired the assets of the Houston Post in 1995 after the latter ceased operations.
1995: NBA Finals in Houston
Houston hosted the 1995 NBA Finals, securing their second consecutive championship win.
1995: Houston Rockets NBA Championship
The Houston Rockets secured their second consecutive NBA Championship in 1995.
1996: Houston Oilers Leave the City
In 1996, the Houston Oilers NFL team left the city, marking the end of an era for Houston football fans.
1997: Lee P. Brown Elected as Houston's First African American Mayor
Houston made history in 1997 by electing Lee P. Brown as the city's first African American mayor.
1998: Houston Relaxes Mandatory Lot Sizes
In 1998, Houston eased its mandatory lot sizes for single-family homes from 5,000 square feet to 3,500 square feet, leading to a significant increase in housing construction within the city.
1999: Houston's Commute Length and Urban Density Compared to Other U.S. Cities
A 1999 Murdoch University study revealed that out of 13 large American cities surveyed, Houston had both the longest commute and the lowest urban density.
1999: Williams Tower Renamed
The Transco Tower was renamed to Williams Tower in 1999.
September 4, 2000: Record High Temperature in Houston
The highest temperature ever recorded in Houston was 109 °F (43 °C) at Bush Intercontinental Airport on September 4, 2000.
2000: Residential Tower Construction Boom
A mini-boom of midrise and highrise residential tower construction occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with some buildings exceeding 30 stories in height. Since 2000, over 30 skyscrapers have been developed in Houston, totaling 72 high-rises and approximately 8,300 units.
2000: Houston's Population Continues to Grow
Houston's population experienced a 15.7% increase from 2000 to 2022, demonstrating the city's ongoing growth and expansion in the 21st century.
2000: Mosques and Religious Centers
In 2000, Houston had over 41 mosques and storefront religious centers serving the Muslim community. The largest mosque was the Al-Noor Mosque (Mosque of Light) of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston.
2000: Lakewood Church Growth
In 2000, Lakewood Church had 11,000 weekly attendees.
2000: Racial and Ethnic Composition
The 2000 U.S. census revealed that Houston's racial makeup consisted of 49.3% White, 25.3% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, 0.7% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 16.5% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanics and Latinos of any race constituted 37.4% of the population, while non-Hispanic whites made up 30.8%.
2000: Minute Maid Park Opens
The year 2000 saw the opening of Minute Maid Park, the new baseball stadium for the Houston Astros, located downtown adjacent to the old Union Station.
June 2001: Tropical Storm Allison Causes Devastating Floods
Tropical Storm Allison wreaked havoc on Houston in June 2001, dumping up to 40 inches of rain and causing the worst flooding in the city's history up to that point. The storm resulted in billions of dollars in damage and 20 deaths in Texas.
2001: Tropical Storm Allison
In 2001, Houston experienced significant flooding due to Tropical Storm Allison.
2001: Jewish Community in Houston
In 2001, Houston's Jewish community was estimated to be around 47,000 people.
2001: Enron Corporation Bankruptcy
In 2001, Houston-based Enron Corporation, a company with $100 billion in revenue, faced a major accounting scandal that ultimately led to its bankruptcy. This event shook the business world and had significant implications for Houston's economy.
2002: Houston Texans Formed and NRG Stadium Opens
In 2002, the Houston Texans were established as an NFL expansion team, filling the void left by the Houston Oilers. NRG Stadium also opened its doors that year.
2002: Office Space in Uptown District
In 2002, the Uptown District had over 23 million square feet of office space, including 16 million square feet of Class A office space.
2002: Formation of the Houston Texans
The Houston Texans, an NFL expansion team, was established in 2002.
2003: AMA Supercross Championship Relocation
In 2003, the AMA Supercross Championship relocated from the Astrodome to NRG Stadium.
2003: Toyota Center Opens
The Toyota Center, home to the Houston Rockets, opened in 2003, adding another modern sports venue to Houston's landscape.
2003: Five-Line Light Rail System Approved
Voters approved a referendum in 2003 for a five-line light rail system in Houston.
December 24, 2004: Snowfall in Houston
On December 24, 2004, a snowstorm brought 1 inch (3 cm) of snow accumulation to parts of the Houston metro area.
2004: MLB All-Star Game in Houston
Houston hosted the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2004.
2004: METRO Light Rail Service Begins
METRO inaugurated its light rail service in 2004 with the opening of the 8-mile (13 km) Red Line, connecting Downtown to NRG Park.
August 2005: Houston Shelters Hurricane Katrina Evacuees
In August 2005, Houston provided shelter to over 150,000 people who evacuated New Orleans due to Hurricane Katrina, demonstrating the city's compassion and support during times of crisis.
2005: Triumph Healthcare Ranks Among Top Long Term Acute Care Providers
In 2005, Triumph Healthcare, headquartered in Houston, held the position of the third largest long term acute care provider in the nation.
2005: Lakewood Church Moves to Former Compaq Center
Lakewood Church began occupying the former Compaq Center sports stadium in 2005.
2005: Houston Area Survey Reveals Political Divide
The 2005 Houston Area Survey highlighted the political divide in Houston, with 68% of non-Hispanic whites favoring Republicans and 89% of non-Hispanic blacks favoring Democrats. Additionally, about 62% of Hispanics leaned towards the Democratic party.
2005: Houston Airport System Recognized
The Houston Airport System was named "Airport of the Year" in 2005 by the Federal Aviation Administration and the state of Texas, largely due to the implementation of a $3.1 billion airport improvement program for both major Houston airports.
2005: Houston Astros World Series Appearance
The Houston Astros made their first appearance in the World Series in 2005.
2005: Houston Dynamo Soccer Team Forms
The Houston Dynamo soccer team was formed in 2005, expanding the city's presence in the world of professional sports.
2006: NBA All-Star Game in Houston
Houston hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2006.
2006: IAH Recognized as Fastest-Growing Airport
In 2006, the United States Department of Transportation recognized IAH as the fastest-growing among the top ten airports in the United States.
2006: Grand Prix of Houston
The Grand Prix of Houston was held on a temporary street circuit in NRG Park, utilizing a specific course layout from 2006 to 2007.
2006: Houston Dynamo MLS Franchise Establishment
The Houston Dynamo MLS franchise was established in the city in 2006.
2007: Texas Medical Center Leads in Heart Surgeries
Around 2007, the Texas Medical Center performed more heart surgeries than any other institution worldwide.
2007: Office Space in Downtown Houston
By 2007, Downtown Houston had over 43 million square feet of office space.
2007: Bush Intercontinental Airport Designated as Model "Port of Entry"
In early 2007, U.S. Customs and Border Protection named Bush Intercontinental Airport a model "port of entry" for international travelers.
2007: Grand Prix of Houston
The Grand Prix of Houston was held on a temporary street circuit in NRG Park, utilizing a specific course layout from 2006 to 2007.
2007: Houston Dynamo MLS Cup Victory
The Houston Dynamo won their second consecutive MLS Cup title in 2007.
December 10, 2008: Snowfall in Houston
On December 10, 2008, Houston received at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of snowfall.
2008: Influx of Foreign Companies
Between 2008 and 2010, over 100 foreign companies relocated, expanded, or initiated new ventures in Houston. This openness to external business significantly contributed to job creation during a period of weak domestic demand.
2008: Houston Issues Building Permits
The city of Houston issued 42,697 building permits in 2008.
December 4, 2009: Consecutive Years of Measurable Snowfall in Houston
Houston experienced at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of snowfall on December 4, 2009, marking the first instance of measurable snowfall occurring in two consecutive years in the city's recorded history.
2009: Houston's Housing Market
Houston's housing market was ranked first among the healthiest housing markets in 2009.
2009: Moderate Rate of Solo Commuters in Houston Compared to 1990 and 2016
In 2009, 75.6% of Houston commuters drove alone to work, falling between the rates observed in 1990 and 2016.
2009: Annise Parker Elected as Houston's First Openly Gay Mayor
In 2009, Annise Parker made history by becoming the first openly gay mayor of a U.S. city with over 1 million residents.
2009: Growth of Houston's International Community
Since 2009, the Greater Houston metropolitan area witnessed a significant increase in its foreign-born population, with almost two-thirds originating from south of the U.S.-Mexico border.
2009: Hobby Airport receives global recognition
The Airports Council International recognized Hobby Airport in 2009 with two awards, one for being among the top five performing airports worldwide and the other for customer service.
September 2010: Outreach Magazine's Largest Churches List
In September 2010, Outreach magazine published a list of the 100 largest Christian churches in the United States. Several Houston-area churches were included, with Lakewood Church being the largest in the country, having 44,800 weekly attendees. Houston tied with Dallas as the second-most popular city for megachurches.
2010: Influx of Foreign Companies
Between 2008 and 2010, over 100 foreign companies relocated, expanded, or initiated new ventures in Houston. This openness to external business significantly contributed to job creation during a period of weak domestic demand.
2010: Continental Airlines Merges with United Airlines
Continental Airlines, headquartered in Houston, merged with United Airlines in 2010. Regulatory approval for the merger was granted in October of that year.
2010: Houston's Official Census Count
Houston's official census count in 2010 was just 600 residents short of the 2.1 million threshold that would necessitate the addition of two more city council districts. However, anticipating the city's continued growth, these districts were added in August 2011.
2010: Racial and Ethnic Composition
In 2010, Houston's population consisted of 57.6% whites (including Hispanic whites), with non-Hispanic whites accounting for 24.6%. Blacks or African Americans made up 22.5%, American Indians 0.3%, Asians 6.9%, and Pacific Islanders 0.1%.
2010: Mining's Contribution to Houston's Economy
Mining, primarily oil and gas exploration and production, contributed significantly to Houston's economy. In 2010, it accounted for 26.3% of the city's GAP, driven by high energy prices and reduced global oil production capacity.
2010: Population Growth
The 2010 United States census recorded Houston's population at 2,100,263, marking significant growth from the 1850 census.
August 2011: Addition of City Council Districts
In August 2011, two additional districts were incorporated into the Houston City Council, expanding its representation. These additions were implemented in anticipation of the city's population exceeding 2.1 million residents, as stipulated by the city charter.
August 27, 2011: Record High Temperature in Houston
On August 27, 2011, Houston matched its all-time high temperature record of 109 °F (43 °C) at Bush Intercontinental Airport.
2011: Harris Health System Dental Centers Implement Age-Based Patient Referral Policy
In 2011, Harris Health System's dental centers started accepting patients aged 16 and above, while patients younger than 16 were referred to the City of Houston's dental clinics.
2011: Houston's Walkability Ranking
In 2011, a study by Walk Score ranked Houston the 23rd most walkable among the 50 largest U.S. cities, highlighting the city's pedestrian-friendly areas.
2011: Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians in Texas
In 2011, an estimated 32,000 people actively attended Orthodox churches throughout the state of Texas.
May 2012: Houston's Bicycle Sharing System Launched
Houston's bicycle sharing system commenced operations in May 2012 with 19 stations.
2012: Ethnic Diversity
A 2012 Kinder Institute report recognized Greater Houston as the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the United States, surpassing even New York City.
2012: Median Commute Length in Houston Region Estimated at 12.2 Miles
A commuting study in 2012 estimated the median length of commute in the Houston region to be 12.2 miles (19.6 km).
2012: Largest Muslim Community in Texas
As of 2012, Houston had the largest Muslim community in Texas and the Southern United States. Muslims were estimated to make up 1.2% of Houston's population.
2012: Houston's Export Revenue
The Houston–The Woodlands–Sugar Land area recorded $110.3 billion in merchandise exports in 2012. Petroleum products, chemicals, and oil and gas extraction equipment made up about two-thirds of the metropolitan area's exports. Mexico, Canada, and Brazil were the top three export destinations.
October 2013: Grand Prix of Houston
In October 2013, the Grand Prix of Houston, an IndyCar Series race, was held on a modified version of the 2006-2007 temporary street circuit in NRG Park.
2013: Average Work Commute Time in Houston City Measured at 26.3 Minutes
According to the 2013 American Community Survey, the average work commute in the city of Houston took 26.3 minutes.
2013: Toyota Center's Largest Indoor Arena Screen
Coinciding with hosting the 2013 NBA All-Star Game, Toyota Center constructed the largest screen for an indoor arena in the United States.
2013: Freshman Councilmembers Eligible for Extended Terms
Freshman councilmembers elected in 2013 became eligible to serve up to two additional terms under the revised term limit law.
2013: NBA All-Star Game in Houston
Houston hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 2013.
2013: Eastern Orthodox Christians in Houston
In 2013, Father John Whiteford estimated there were about 6,000-9,000 Eastern Orthodox Christians living in Houston.
2013: Houston Surpasses New York City in Exports
In 2013, Houston became the top U.S. market for exports, surpassing New York City according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration.
2013: Houston's Job Creation Success
The U.S. Bureau of Statistics in 2013 recognized Houston as the top U.S. city for job creation. Not only did it recover all jobs lost during the preceding economic downturn, it added more than two jobs for every one lost. This was attributed to the adaptability of Houston's real estate and energy sectors and the influx of foreign companies establishing businesses in the city between 2008 and 2010.
2014: Age Distribution and Median Age
At the 2014-2018 census estimates, Houston's median age was 33.5.
2014: Irreligious Demographics
In 2014, 16% of Houston's irreligious community identified as practicing nothing in particular, 3% were agnostic, and 2% were atheist.
2014: Expansion of Houston Bcycle Network
In 2014, the Houston Bcycle network expanded to 29 stations and 225 bicycles, registering over 43,000 equipment checkouts in the first six months.
2014: Pew Research Center Study on Religion
In 2014, the Pew Research Center conducted a study that found 73% of the Houston area population identified as Christian, with 50% Protestant and 19% Roman Catholic. About 20% claimed no religious affiliation, and 7% identified with other religions.
May 2015: Memorial Day Flood Claims Seven Lives
The Memorial Day Flood in May 2015 brought 12 inches of rain in just 10 hours, leading to the tragic loss of seven lives.
2015: Cycle Track Added to Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston saw the addition of a cycle track on Lamar Street in 2015, connecting Sam Houston Park to Discovery Green.
2015: Median Gross Rent
From 2015 to 2019, Houston's median gross rent stood at $1,041.
2015: Car Ownership in Houston
In 2015, 8.3 percent of Houston households did not own a car.
2015: Memorial Day Flood
In 2015, Houston experienced a major flood event known as the "Memorial Day" flood.
2015: Houston's Skyline Ranking
In 2015, Houston had the fifth-tallest skyline in North America and the 36th tallest in the world.
2015: Hobby Airport launches international flights
In 2015, Southwest Airlines began offering international flights from a new terminal at Hobby Airport to destinations in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. These marked the first international flights from the airport since Bush Intercontinental opened in 1969.
2015: Houston Referendum Amends Term Limits
In 2015, a referendum in Houston changed the term limits for the mayor and city council members. The mayor's term was set to four years with a limit of two consecutive terms, while council members' terms were amended to two four-year terms.
2015: Population Distribution in Houston
In 2015, approximately 470,000 people resided within Houston's Interstate 610 loop, while 1.65 million lived between Interstate 610 and Beltway 8, and 2.25 million lived within Harris County outside Beltway 8.
January 2016: Chris Brown as City Controller
Chris Brown assumed the role of city controller in January 2016, marking the commencement of his inaugural term. His responsibilities involve verifying available funds before allocation and processing disbursements.
April 2016: Eight Fatalities in April 2016 Storm
In April 2016, Houston was hit with a severe storm that dumped 17 inches of rain, tragically resulting in eight deaths.
2016: Growth of Jewish Community
By 2016, the Jewish community in Houston had grown to an estimated 51,000 people, according to a study by Berman Jewish DataBank. Greater Houston was home to over 40 synagogues.
2016: METRO's Local Bus Network
During the 2016 fiscal year, METRO's local bus network, with over 1,200 buses, served approximately 275,000 riders daily. Its 75 local routes, encompassing nearly 8,900 stops, recorded close to 67 million boardings.
2016: Passenger Traffic at Houston Airports
George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, managed by the Houston Airport System, handled 55 million passengers in 2016.
2016: Passenger Traffic at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
In 2016, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), located 23 miles (37 km) north of Downtown Houston, served 40 million passengers, with 10 million being international travelers.
2016: Tax Day Flood
In 2016, Houston was hit by another major flood event referred to as the "Tax Day" flood.
2016: Diversity in Houston's Muslim Community
In 2016, Houston's Muslim community was noted for its diversity, including South Asians, Middle Easterners, Africans, Turks, Indonesians, and a growing number of Latino Muslim converts.
2016: Increase in Solo Commuters in Houston
In 2016, an estimated 77.2% of Houston commuters drove alone to work. This marked an increase from 71.7% in 1990 and 75.6% in 2009.
2016: LGBT Acceptance and Discrimination
In 2016, levels of LGBT acceptance and discrimination in Houston varied due to the region's traditionally conservative culture.
2016: Car Ownership in Houston
In 2016, the percentage of Houston households without a car remained virtually unchanged from the previous year at 8.1 percent. The national average in 2016 was 8.7 percent, with Houston averaging 1.59 cars per household compared to the national average of 1.8.
2016: METRO Light Rail Ridership
The METRO light rail system registered about 16.8 million boardings in the 2016 fiscal year.
February 5, 2017: Super Bowl LI in Houston
NRG Stadium in Houston hosted Super Bowl LI on February 5, 2017.
March 2017: Houston Bike Plan Approved
In March 2017, the Houston City Council approved the Houston Bike Plan, incorporating it into the city's Code of Ordinances.
August 2017: Hurricane Harvey Causes Catastrophic Flooding
Hurricane Harvey stalled over southeastern Texas in August 2017, causing catastrophic flooding in the Houston area. Some areas received over 50 inches of rain, breaking the national rainfall record. The storm caused an estimated $125 billion in damage and resulted in over 70 deaths, making it one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history.
August 2017: Funding Approved for Bike Trails
The Houston City Council approved funding for the construction of 13 miles of bike trails in August 2017.
November 2, 2017: Houston Press Transitions to Online-Only Format
On November 2, 2017, the Houston Press, a free alternative weekly newspaper, switched to an online-only format following the destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey.
December 7, 2017: Snowfall in Houston
Houston experienced 0.7 inches (2 cm) of snowfall on December 7, 2017.
2017: Bcycle's Growth
Bcycle recorded over 142,000 checkouts and expanded to 56 docking stations in 2017.
2017: Impact of Amended Term Limits on Councilmembers
By 2017, the amended term limits resulted in some councilmembers, who had served two terms and won a final term under the previous law, serving a total of eight years. In contrast, councilmembers elected in 2013 could serve up to two additional terms, potentially reaching 10 years in office.
2017: Hurricane Harvey
In 2017, Houston was significantly impacted by Hurricane Harvey, a major flood event that caused widespread damage.
2017: Growing Preference for Walkability in Houston
In 2017, a study by the Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research found that 56% of Harris County residents preferred dense, mixed-use, walkable housing over single-family housing in low-density areas.
2017: Estimated Population and Undocumented Immigrants
In 2017, the census estimated Houston's population to be 2,312,717. An estimated 600,000 undocumented immigrants resided in the Houston area during this year.
2017: Grand Prix of Houston Five-Year Contract
The Grand Prix of Houston secured a five-year contract with IndyCar, ensuring the race's continuation through 2017.
2017: Houston Astros Win Their First World Series
The Houston Astros achieved a historic victory in 2017 by winning their first-ever World Series championship.
2017: Houston Astros World Series Victory
The Houston Astros achieved victory in the 2017 World Series, marking their first championship win.
2017: United Airlines' Market Share in Houston
United Airlines held nearly 60% of the Houston Airport System's commercial aviation market in 2017, with 16 million enplaned passengers.
2018: Age Distribution and Median Age
At the 2014-2018 census estimates, Houston's median age was 33.1.
2018: Measurable Snowfall in Houston
Between 1895 and 2018, Houston has experienced measurable snowfall 38 times.
2018: Construction of the Grand Parkway
By 2018, eight out of eleven segments of the 180-mile (290 km) State Highway 99, known as the Grand Parkway, were complete. The finished segments D through I-2 formed a 123-mile (198 km) tollway connecting various cities, including Sugar Land, Richmond, Katy, and Baytown.
2018: LGBT Friendliness Score
In 2018, Houston received a score of 70 out of 100 for LGBT friendliness.
2018: Racial Demographics
In 2018, non-Hispanic whites comprised 20.7% of Houston's population, Hispanics or Latino Americans constituted 44.9%, Blacks or African Americans represented 30.3%, and Asian Americans made up 8.2%.
2018: Floodplain Development Rules
In 2018, the Houston City Council passed regulations requiring developers to construct homes less susceptible to flooding by raising them above the 500-year floodplain.
2018: Estimated Population
In 2018, the estimated population of Houston was 2,325,502.
2019: Age Distribution and Median Age
According to the 2019 American Community Survey, Houston's median age was 33.4.
2019: Racial Demographics
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2019, non-Hispanic whites made up 23.3% of Houston's population, Hispanics and Latino Americans accounted for 45.8%, Blacks or African Americans represented 22.4%, and Asian Americans comprised 6.5%.
2019: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston
As of 2019, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, the largest Catholic jurisdiction in Texas and fifth largest in the United States, claimed approximately 1.7 million Catholics within its boundaries. Its co-cathedral is located in Houston.
2019: Housing and Household Data
In 2019, Houston had 987,158 housing units and 876,504 households. The median household income was $52,338, and 20.1% of Houstonians lived at or below the poverty line.
2019: Tropical Storm Imelda
In 2019, Tropical Storm Imelda brought further flooding to Houston.
2019: Lower Murder Rate in Houston Compared to 2021
In 2019, the murder rate in Houston was significantly lower compared to the figures recorded in 2021.
2019: Houston Astros World Series Appearance
The Houston Astros participated in the 2019 World Series.
2020: Significant Increase in Houston's Murder Rate
Houston experienced a dramatic surge in its murder rate since 2020.
2020: Tropical Storm Beta
In 2020, Houston faced additional flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Beta.
2020: Religious Demographics
In 2020, the Public Religion Research Institute estimated that 72% of Houston's population was Christian, with 40% Protestant and 29% Catholic. The Association of Religion Data Archives found that the Catholic Church had the largest following, with 1,299,901 members in the metropolitan area. Southern Baptists were the second largest Christian denomination with 800,688 members.
2020: U.S. Census
The 2020 U.S. census determined Houston's population to be 2,304,580.
2020: Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Houstonians
The Association of Religion Data Archives reported that there were 16,526 Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Christians in Houston in 2020.
2020: Houston Dash Championship Victory
The Houston Dash clinched their inaugural championship title in 2020.
2021: Houston Astros World Series Appearance
The Houston Astros competed in the 2021 World Series.
2021: Houston's Murder Rate Nearly Doubles Compared to 2019
The murder rate in Houston reached alarming levels in 2021, with nearly 500 murders recorded. This figure represented almost double the number of murders in 2019.
April 4, 2022: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Relocates Global Headquarters
On April 4, 2022, Hewlett Packard Enterprise moved its global headquarters from California to the Greater Houston area.
2022: Houston's Population Reaches New Heights
By 2022, Houston's population continued its upward trajectory, showcasing the city's ongoing growth and attraction as a place to live and work.
2022: World Series in Houston
Houston hosted the 2022 World Series, culminating in their second baseball championship.
2022: Hobby Airport earns 5-Star Airport Certification
In 2022, Hobby Airport became the first airport in North America to be certified as a 5-Star Airport by Skytrax. This achievement marked it as the 16th airport globally to receive such an honor.
2022: Houston Astros World Series Victory
The Houston Astros secured their second World Series title in 2022.
2023: Air Conditioning Prevalence in Houston
By the late 1990s, approximately 90% of Houston homes had air conditioning systems.
2023: Houston Prioritizes Enforcement of Anti-Food Sharing Ordinance
In 2023, the City of Houston made the enforcement of an ordinance prohibiting food sharing a priority. This resulted in volunteers receiving over 80 tickets and the filing of a federal lawsuit against the city.
May 16, 2024: Derecho Causes Widespread Damage
On May 16, 2024, a powerful derecho swept through Houston, causing widespread damage across the city and surrounding metropolitan area.
2024: Houston Roughnecks UFL Team Operations
The Houston Roughnecks are slated to commence operations as a UFL team in 2024, following their previous stint in the XFL.
2026: FIFA World Cup Matches in Houston
Houston is scheduled to host several matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
