Fast growth, diverse views: What a new study reveals about Houston’s Asian population

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston’s Asian population is expanding at one of the fastest rates in the country, according to new research from Rice University’s Kinder Institute.

The report is part of a multiyear research project looking at Houston’s growing and diverse Asian population.

The first round of findings was released this week and showed differences in areas such as income and politics.

According to the Asian American Community Study, Houston’s Asian population has grown by five times over the past 40 years. The study said the number went from less than 2% to nearly 10% of the area’s total population.

But within the community, the study showed differences on a variety of topics.

The study said nearly half of Asian households reported earning more than $100,000 annually, while a quarter reported incomes below $50,000.

Researchers said they also found no dominant political identity.

Most Asian residents who were surveyed described themselves as politically moderate.

Despite economic and political differences, the study found one value remained consistent: family.

More than 80% of respondents said their family role is central to who they are.

For Said Rahim, that sense of connection has been key, even while living thousands of miles from his country of origin.

“We have so many Afghani population and Afghan community here,” Rahim said. “So I feel really good. You know, I feel like it’s my hometown.”

Inside a grocery store off Hillcroft Street, Rahim said he’s spent the last three years running an Indian-Pakistani market.

The store is in a neighborhood that Rahim said is known for its diverse South Asian community.

“So many people here, cultures,” Rahim said. “We have some other population as well, especially Asians from different countries.”

Rahim moved to the Houston area from Afghanistan 12 years ago. He said he was drawn by opportunity, community, and the city’s diversity.

“It’s a large city and also is good for the businesses and for the jobs,” Rahim said. “So many population lives here. So that’s why it is kind of better to see and meet with different people, talk to them to learn different cultures, different languages.”

The Kinder Institute said researchers will continue interviews and surveys over the next year, and additional findings will be released in future reports.

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