GREATER HOUSTON
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(Redirected from Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown Metropolitan Area)
'Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown' is a 10-county metropolitan area defined by the Office of Management and Budget. It is located along the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. state of Texas. The metropolitan area is colloquially referred to as "Greater Houston" and is situated in East Texas, west of the Golden Triangle.
Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of 5.5 million as of the 2006 U.S. Census estimate.[2][3] The population of the metropolitan area is centered in the city of Houston—the largest economic and cultural center of the American South with a population of more than 2 million.[4]
Houston is among the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The area grew 25.2 percent between the 1990 and 2000 censuses—adding more than 950,000
people—while the nation's population increased 13.2 percent over the same period. From 2000 to 2030, the metropolitan area is projected by Woods & Poole Economics to rank sixth in the nation in population growth—adding 2.66 million people.[5]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area has a total area of 10,062 square miles (26,060 km²); slightly smaller than Massachusetts and slightly larger than New Jersey.[6]
The metropolitan area is located in the gulf coastal plains biome, and its vegetation is classified as temperate grassland. Much of the metro area was built on forested land, marshes, swamp, or prairie—all of which can still be seen in surrounding areas. Scenic rolling hills can be seen in the far northern suburbs (Conroe, Magnolia, Willis, etc.).
Much of the Houston area is very flat, making flooding a recurring problem for its residents.
Underpinning Houston's land surface are unconsolidated clays, clay shales, and poorly-cemented sands up to several miles deep. The region's geology developed from stream deposits formed from the erosion of the Rocky Mountains. These sediments consist of a series of sands and clays deposited on decaying organic matter that, over time, transformed into oil and natural gas. Beneath these tiers is a water-deposited layer of halite, a rock salt. The porous layers were compressed over time and forced upward. As it pushed upward, the salt dragged surrounding sediments into dome shapes, often trapping oil and gas that seeped from the surrounding porous sands. This thick rich soil also provides a good environment for rice farming in suburban outskirts that the city continues to grow into near Katy. Evidence of past rice farming is even still evident in developed areas as there is an abundance of rich dark loamy top soil.
The Houston region is generally earthquake-free. While the city of Houston contains over 150 active surface faults (some have estimated as many as 300 active faults[7]) with an aggregate length of up to 310 miles (500 km),[8][9] the clay below the surface precludes the buildup of friction that produces ground shaking in earthquakes. These faults generally move at a smooth rate in what is termed "fault creep."
There are 10 counties in the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan statistical area (MSA) defined by the U.S. Census as of 2003.[10] They are listed below with population figures as of the 2006 U.S. Census estimates.[11]
★ Harris County — 3,886,207
★ Fort Bend County — 493,187
★ Montgomery County — 398,290
★ Brazoria County — 287,898
★ Galveston County — 283,551
★ Liberty County — 75,685
★ Waller County — 35,185
★ Chambers County — 28,779
★ Austin County — 26,407
★ San Jacinto County — 24,760
Main articles: List of cities and towns in Greater Houston, List of cities and towns in Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown MSA
There are four "principal" cities defined by the U.S. Census as of 2003.[12] Population figures are within the city limits as of the 2005 U.S. Census estimates.[13]
★ Houston — 2,144,491
★ Sugar Land — 78,901
★ Baytown — 68,371
★ Galveston — 57,466
Listing of sports teams in the Greater Houston area:
★ 'Baseball'
★
★ 'MLB:' Houston Astros
★
★ 'CBL:' Bay Area Toros
★ 'Basketball'
★
★ 'NBA:' Houston Rockets
★
★ 'WNBA:' Houston Comets
★
★ 'ABA:' Houston Takers
★ 'Football (American)'
★
★ 'NFL:' Houston Texans
★
★ 'WPFL:' Houston Energy
★ 'Hockey'
★
★ 'AHL:' Houston Aeros
★ 'Soccer'
★
★ 'MLS:' Houston Dynamo
★ 'Tennis'
★
★ 'WTT:' Houston Wranglers
Houston is home to three NCAA Division I programs. The University of Houston and Rice University play in Division I-A and both belong to Conference USA. Both schools were also once part of the Southwest Conference. Texas Southern University, which is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, plays in Division I-AA. Houston Baptist University currently plays in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I and is a member of the Red River Athletic Conference, but is reportedly applying for readmission to the NCAA as a Division I member. Rice and Houston Baptist are widely noted for their student-athlete graduation rates, which number at 91% for Rice (tied for highest in the nation courtesy of a 2002 Sports Illustrated issue on best college sports programs) and 80% for HBU.
Greater Houston plays home to various sporting events. The most notable is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is the world's largest livestock exhibition and rodeo event. Other events of importance to Greater Houston include the Shell Houston Open (PGA Tour), the Houston Marathon, and the Texas Bowl college football bowl game. Houston has also played host to two Super Bowls (VIII) and (XXXVIII), the 2005 World Series, the 2004 MLB All-Star Game, and the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. Houston has also played host to various high school and college sporting events, including the Big 12 Championship Game and will host the 2011 NCAA Men's Final Four. Houston was also considered a candidate for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Greater Houston is widely noted for its ethnic diversity and strong international community. The Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network ranks Houston as a Gamma World City (minor world city), and also one point shy of being a Beta World City (which would make Houston a major world city). Houston ranks with six points, the highest in the Gamma category along with Washington, D.C., Boston and its cross-state arch rival, Dallas.
Houston's concentration of consular offices ranks third in the nation, with 86 countries represented. Many of these countries are in Latin America and South America, including Mexico. Houston has a notable Hispanic population, boasting the third-largest Hispanic and third-largest Mexican-American population in the United States, including over 400,000 illegal immigrants. Hispanics also have large population bases in a number of suburbs, most notably Pasadena and Rosenberg, whose Hispanic populations make up the majority of these cities. Greater Houston is also home to a large and growing Asian-American population, boasting the largest Vietnamese-American community in Texas.
CNN/Money and Money magazine have recognized cities in the Greater Houston area the past three years as part of its 100 Best Places to Live in the United States. In 2005, Sugar Land, situated southwest of Houston in northeast Fort Bend County, was ranked 46th in the nation, and one of only three Texas cities among the Top 100. In 2006, the magazine recognized Sugar Land again, this time as the third best city on its list. [1][14] Also making the 2006 list were League City (65th) in northern Galveston County and The Woodlands (73rd) in southern Montgomery County. In 2007, another Houston suburb, Friendswood made the list ranked 51st in the nation. It should be noted that the 2006 list only includes cities with at least 50,000 residents and that the 2007 list contains only cities with less than 50,000 residents.
Houston’s freeway system includes of freeways and expressways in the 10-county metro area.[15] The State of Texas plans to spend $5.06 billion on Houston area highways between 2002 and 2007. Houston freeways are heavily traveled and often under construction to meet the demands of continuing growth.
The Greater Houston area has a hub-and-spoke freeway structure with multiple loops. The innermost is Interstate 610, forming approximately a diameter loop around downtown. The roughly square "Loop-610" is quartered into "North Loop," "South Loop," "West Loop," and "East Loop." The roads of Beltway 8 and their freeway core, the Sam Houston Tollway, are the next loop, at a diameter of roughly . A proposed highway project, Texas Highway 99 (The Grand Parkway), would form a third loop outside of Houston. Currently, the completed portion of Texas Highway 99 runs from just north of Interstate 10, west of Houston, to U.S. Highway 59 in Sugar Land, southwest of Houston, and was completed in 1994. The next portion to be constructed is from the current terminus at U.S. Highway 59 to State Highway 288 in Brazoria County.
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, or METRO, provides public transportation in the form of buses, trolleys, and lift vans.
METRO began running light rail service (METRORail) on January 1, 2004. Currently the track is rather short—it runs about 8 miles (13 km) from Downtown Houston to the Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park. METRO's various forms of public transportation still do not connect many of the suburbs to the greater city, causing Houstonians to rely on the automobile as a primary source of transportation. Prior to the opening of METRORail, Houston was the largest city in the United States devoid of a rail transit system by a very large margin.
Following a successful referendum held locally in 2004, METRO is currently in the beginning design phases of a 10-year expansion plan to add five more sections to connect to the current rail system. An 8.3 mile (13.4 km) expansion has been approved to run the service from Uptown (the Galleria area) through Texas Southern University, ending at the University of Houston campus.
Houston's largest airport (and Texas's second-largest), George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is located in north Houston. Continental Airlines is headquartered in Downtown Houston. The southeast of Houston has William P. Hobby Airport, the second-largest commercial passenger airport. Houston's third-largest airport is Ellington Field, which houses several National Guard and Air National Guard units, as well as the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center's fleet of jets that are used to train astronauts. Sugar Land, southwest of Houston, has the Sugar Land Regional Airport. Sugar Land Regional is the fourth-largest airport in the metropolitan area and the only general reliever airport in the southwest sector.
Among the 10 most populous metropolitan areas in the US, Houston ranked first in employment growth rate and second in nominal employment growth.[16] In 2006, the Houston metropolitan area ranked first in Texas and third in the U.S. within the category of "Best Places for Business and Careers" by ''Forbes''.[17]
The Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown MSA's Gross Area Product (GAP) in 2005 was $308.7 billion, up 5.4 percent from 2004 in constant dollars—slightly larger than Austria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Only 28 nations other than the United States have a GDP exceeding Houston's GAP.[18] Mining, which in Houston is almost entirely oil and gas exploration and production, accounts for 11 percent of Houston's GAP—down from 21 percent as recently as 1985. The reduced role of oil and gas in Houston's GAP reflects the rapid growth of other sectors—such as engineering services, health services, and manufacturing.[19]
The area's economic activity is centered in Houston, the county seat of Harris County. Houston is second to New York City in Fortune 500 headquarters. The city has attempted to build a banking industry, but the companies originally started in Houston have since merged with other companies nationwide. Banking, however, is still vital to the region.
Houston is a major port and financial center for oil companies. Houston's energy industry is a world powerhouse (particularly oil), but biomedical research, aeronautics, and the ship channel are also large parts of the city's industrial base. The Houston metropolitan area comprises the largest petrochemical manufacturing area in the world, including for synthetic rubber, insecticides, and fertilizers. The area is also the world's leading center for building oilfield equipment.
Much of metro area's success as a petrochemical complex is due to its busy man-made ship channel, the Port of Houston.[20] Because of these economic trades, many residents have moved to the Houston area from other U.S. states, as well as hundreds of countries worldwide. Unlike most places, where high gas prices are seen as harmful to the economy, they are generally seen as beneficial for Houston as many are employed in the energy industry. Baytown, Texas City, Clute, and Galveston also have major ports and chemical plants. Galveston also has the largest cruise ship terminal in Texas (and the 12th-largest in the world) and is a recreational area for people in the region.
Sugar Land is home to the second-largest economic activities and third-largest city in the metropolitan area. Sugar Land has the most important and booming economic center in Fort Bend County. The city holds the Nalco/Exxon and Western Airways headquarters. Engineering firms and other related industries have managed to take the place as an economic engine.
:''See also: List of companies in Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown MSA''
Historically, politics in the Greater Houston area are divided between the Republican and Democratic parties[21].
The city of Houston itself has historically voted Democratic except for its affluent western and west-central portions, including the River Oaks, Westchase, Memorial and Uptown/Post Oak areas, as well as the Kingwood and Clear Lake City master-planned communities on Houston's far northeast and southeast sides, respectively. All these areas favor and are almost entirely represented both in Congress and in the Texas Legislature by Republicans. Democrats' strongest areas are within Loop 610, and also in the largely poor and minority northern, eastern and southern portions of Houston. Most of these areas have sizable Hispanic populations, though some northern and southern parts of the city have notable African-American communities. Democrats are also stronger in lower middle class areas of Montrose, which is home to a large artist and LGBT community, and Alief, which boasts a sizable Asian-American population. In 2004, every county in the region voted for George W. Bush, despite Houston and Galveston going for John Kerry. Galveston has long been a staunch Democratic stronghold, boasting the most active Democratic county establishment in the state. [22]. Many attribute this to the large Hispanic and African American population in the city, as well as its significant LGBT community.
Houston's suburbs, while heavily Republican, are also politically divided. Such examples:
★ Houston's largest incorporated suburb, Pasadena, which went for John Kerry, is heavily Hispanic and lower-middle class on its north side, which favors Democrats, and slightly more affluent on its south side, which favors Republicans. A northwestern section of the city is represented by Democrat Ana Hernandez (District 143), while the city's central core, which contains most of its population, is represented by Republican Robert Talton (District 144). A small, largely unincorporated southeastern section of the city is represented by Republican John Davis (District 129), who also represents the NASA Johnson Space Center. Hernandez's district is also home to Galena Park and Jacinto City, which also have large Hispanic populations that favor Democrats.
★ In Fort Bend County, southwest of Houston, Democrats are strongest in northern Missouri City and older sections of Rosenberg, which boast large numbers of black and Hispanic voters, while more affluent areas of the county—such as Sugar Land and the Katy, Sienna Plantation, area are heavily Republican. While these areas boast sizeable Asian-American populations, many of them are largely pro-business and generally favor Republicans, though a sizeable community of Democratic business owners does exist among the area's Asian caucuses. Despite this divide, the county went for George W. Bush by a double-digit margin and boasts one of the state's most active county Republican bases. Republicans also control every countywide elected office here as well.
★ Montgomery County, north of Houston, has emerged as a staunch Republican stronghold due to mostly high-end planned community developments along Lake Conroe and also along the southern edge of the county, most notably The Woodlands, a large master-planned community that is overwhelmingly Republican. However Conroe, the county seat is a Democratic stronghold.
★ The mainland areas of Galveston County, north of Galveston Island, has also become increasingly divided on political issues. Democrats have a presence in La Marque and Texas City—both of which home to large numbers of unionized refinery workers, a traditionally Democratic voting bloc. However, Democrats' strength in this area is increasingly being superseded by newer developments in the northern areas of the county around Friendswood and League City that favor Republicans.
★ Brazoria County is heavily Republican, especially out in the countryside or in rural areas, also such as cities like Manvel, Alvin, and Angelton. Although such cities like Pearland is recently very Democratic due to its large Northern and Western born population, as well as its ethnic diversity. Also Lake Jackson, Clute, and Freeport are also heavily Democratic due to its large Hispanic population and union refinery workers.
Houston's two most notable congressional districts are the 7th congressional district, which includes much of west Houston, and the 18th congressional district, which includes downtown Houston.
★ The 7th, one of the most heavily affluent and Republican in the state, was previously represented by George Bush, who would eventually go on to become the 41st President of the United States. Its current representative is John Culberson, a conservative Republican who has continued the conservative record of George Bush's successor, Bill Archer.
★ The 18th is represented by Sheila Jackson Lee, a liberal African-American Democrat whose role model, Barbara Jordan, previously represented the same district. Jackson Lee's district is overwhelmingly African-American and poor, even though her 1994 victory in the primary (against the district's previous representative, Craig Washington) was largely funded by Republican businessmen who opposed Washington's stances on NAFTA and NASA. Washington's predecessor, Mickey Leland, whom succeeded Jordan, was widely noted as a spokesperson for the poor.
1. in Northwestern Montgomery County near the borders with Grimes County and Walker County. USGS Richards (TX) Topo Map, UTM 15 229939E 3389282N (NAD27). Topozone.com. Last accessed January 5, 2007. ''Note:'' Texas Almanac, 1988-1989. Edited by Elizabeth Cruce Alvarez, Robert Plocheck, lists San Jacinto county: Altitude (ft): 74-386. However, there are multiple points in San Jacinto County and Montgomery County higher than .
2. Current Population Estimates. ''Houston Population Estimates, July 2006'' 2006. Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
3. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/09AW001.pdf
4. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2005-01.csv
5. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/09AW005.pdf
6. http://www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/houstonfacts.html
7. Mapping Active Faults in the Houston area Using LIDAR. ''Richard Engelkeimer, Shuhab Khan, Carl Norman. University of Houston.
8. Faults in Parts of North-Central and Western Houston Metropolitan Area, Texas. ''Earl R. Verbeek, Karl W. Ratzlaff, Uel S. Clanton. U.S. Geological Survey.''
9. Principal Active Faults. Houston Area, Texas. ''U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1984.''
10. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/metro_general/List4.txt
11. http://http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2006-01-48.xls
12. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/metro_general/List2.txt
13. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2005-04-48.xls
14. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/index.html
15. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/11BW001.pdf
16. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/10AW001.pdf
17. http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/03/06bestplaces_best-places-for-business_land.html
18. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/02CW001.pdf
19. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/15AW001.pdf
20. http://www.portsl.com/pages/15_overview.html
21. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mejn/election/
22. http://www.galvestoncountydemocraticparty.com
★ Greater Houston Partnership
★ The Center for Houston's Future
'Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown' is a 10-county metropolitan area defined by the Office of Management and Budget. It is located along the Gulf Coast region in the U.S. state of Texas. The metropolitan area is colloquially referred to as "Greater Houston" and is situated in East Texas, west of the Golden Triangle.
Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of 5.5 million as of the 2006 U.S. Census estimate.[2][3] The population of the metropolitan area is centered in the city of Houston—the largest economic and cultural center of the American South with a population of more than 2 million.[4]
Houston is among the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas. The area grew 25.2 percent between the 1990 and 2000 censuses—adding more than 950,000
people—while the nation's population increased 13.2 percent over the same period. From 2000 to 2030, the metropolitan area is projected by Woods & Poole Economics to rank sixth in the nation in population growth—adding 2.66 million people.[5]
Geography
An image of the Greater Houston area taken on NASA's Landsat 7 satellite with Galveston Bay and Galveston Island visible towards the bottom of the picture.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area has a total area of 10,062 square miles (26,060 km²); slightly smaller than Massachusetts and slightly larger than New Jersey.[6]
The metropolitan area is located in the gulf coastal plains biome, and its vegetation is classified as temperate grassland. Much of the metro area was built on forested land, marshes, swamp, or prairie—all of which can still be seen in surrounding areas. Scenic rolling hills can be seen in the far northern suburbs (Conroe, Magnolia, Willis, etc.).
Much of the Houston area is very flat, making flooding a recurring problem for its residents.
Geology
Underpinning Houston's land surface are unconsolidated clays, clay shales, and poorly-cemented sands up to several miles deep. The region's geology developed from stream deposits formed from the erosion of the Rocky Mountains. These sediments consist of a series of sands and clays deposited on decaying organic matter that, over time, transformed into oil and natural gas. Beneath these tiers is a water-deposited layer of halite, a rock salt. The porous layers were compressed over time and forced upward. As it pushed upward, the salt dragged surrounding sediments into dome shapes, often trapping oil and gas that seeped from the surrounding porous sands. This thick rich soil also provides a good environment for rice farming in suburban outskirts that the city continues to grow into near Katy. Evidence of past rice farming is even still evident in developed areas as there is an abundance of rich dark loamy top soil.
The Houston region is generally earthquake-free. While the city of Houston contains over 150 active surface faults (some have estimated as many as 300 active faults[7]) with an aggregate length of up to 310 miles (500 km),[8][9] the clay below the surface precludes the buildup of friction that produces ground shaking in earthquakes. These faults generally move at a smooth rate in what is termed "fault creep."
Components of the metropolitan area
Location in the USA
Counties
There are 10 counties in the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan statistical area (MSA) defined by the U.S. Census as of 2003.[10] They are listed below with population figures as of the 2006 U.S. Census estimates.[11]
★ Harris County — 3,886,207
★ Fort Bend County — 493,187
★ Montgomery County — 398,290
★ Brazoria County — 287,898
★ Galveston County — 283,551
★ Liberty County — 75,685
★ Waller County — 35,185
★ Chambers County — 28,779
★ Austin County — 26,407
★ San Jacinto County — 24,760
Cities and towns
Main articles: List of cities and towns in Greater Houston, List of cities and towns in Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown MSA
There are four "principal" cities defined by the U.S. Census as of 2003.[12] Population figures are within the city limits as of the 2005 U.S. Census estimates.[13]
★ Houston — 2,144,491
★ Sugar Land — 78,901
★ Baytown — 68,371
★ Galveston — 57,466
Sports Teams
Listing of sports teams in the Greater Houston area:
Professional teams
★ 'Baseball'
★
★ 'MLB:' Houston Astros
★
★ 'CBL:' Bay Area Toros
★ 'Basketball'
★
★ 'NBA:' Houston Rockets
★
★ 'WNBA:' Houston Comets
★
★ 'ABA:' Houston Takers
★ 'Football (American)'
★
★ 'NFL:' Houston Texans
★
★ 'WPFL:' Houston Energy
★ 'Hockey'
★
★ 'AHL:' Houston Aeros
★ 'Soccer'
★
★ 'MLS:' Houston Dynamo
★ 'Tennis'
★
★ 'WTT:' Houston Wranglers
College sports
Houston is home to three NCAA Division I programs. The University of Houston and Rice University play in Division I-A and both belong to Conference USA. Both schools were also once part of the Southwest Conference. Texas Southern University, which is a member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, plays in Division I-AA. Houston Baptist University currently plays in National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I and is a member of the Red River Athletic Conference, but is reportedly applying for readmission to the NCAA as a Division I member. Rice and Houston Baptist are widely noted for their student-athlete graduation rates, which number at 91% for Rice (tied for highest in the nation courtesy of a 2002 Sports Illustrated issue on best college sports programs) and 80% for HBU.
Events
Greater Houston plays home to various sporting events. The most notable is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which is the world's largest livestock exhibition and rodeo event. Other events of importance to Greater Houston include the Shell Houston Open (PGA Tour), the Houston Marathon, and the Texas Bowl college football bowl game. Houston has also played host to two Super Bowls (VIII) and (XXXVIII), the 2005 World Series, the 2004 MLB All-Star Game, and the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. Houston has also played host to various high school and college sporting events, including the Big 12 Championship Game and will host the 2011 NCAA Men's Final Four. Houston was also considered a candidate for the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Culture
Greater Houston is widely noted for its ethnic diversity and strong international community. The Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network ranks Houston as a Gamma World City (minor world city), and also one point shy of being a Beta World City (which would make Houston a major world city). Houston ranks with six points, the highest in the Gamma category along with Washington, D.C., Boston and its cross-state arch rival, Dallas.
Houston's concentration of consular offices ranks third in the nation, with 86 countries represented. Many of these countries are in Latin America and South America, including Mexico. Houston has a notable Hispanic population, boasting the third-largest Hispanic and third-largest Mexican-American population in the United States, including over 400,000 illegal immigrants. Hispanics also have large population bases in a number of suburbs, most notably Pasadena and Rosenberg, whose Hispanic populations make up the majority of these cities. Greater Houston is also home to a large and growing Asian-American population, boasting the largest Vietnamese-American community in Texas.
CNN/Money and Money magazine have recognized cities in the Greater Houston area the past three years as part of its 100 Best Places to Live in the United States. In 2005, Sugar Land, situated southwest of Houston in northeast Fort Bend County, was ranked 46th in the nation, and one of only three Texas cities among the Top 100. In 2006, the magazine recognized Sugar Land again, this time as the third best city on its list. [1][14] Also making the 2006 list were League City (65th) in northern Galveston County and The Woodlands (73rd) in southern Montgomery County. In 2007, another Houston suburb, Friendswood made the list ranked 51st in the nation. It should be noted that the 2006 list only includes cities with at least 50,000 residents and that the 2007 list contains only cities with less than 50,000 residents.
Transportation
Highways
Texas Highway 288 looking north to Downtown Houston
Houston’s freeway system includes of freeways and expressways in the 10-county metro area.[15] The State of Texas plans to spend $5.06 billion on Houston area highways between 2002 and 2007. Houston freeways are heavily traveled and often under construction to meet the demands of continuing growth.
The Greater Houston area has a hub-and-spoke freeway structure with multiple loops. The innermost is Interstate 610, forming approximately a diameter loop around downtown. The roughly square "Loop-610" is quartered into "North Loop," "South Loop," "West Loop," and "East Loop." The roads of Beltway 8 and their freeway core, the Sam Houston Tollway, are the next loop, at a diameter of roughly . A proposed highway project, Texas Highway 99 (The Grand Parkway), would form a third loop outside of Houston. Currently, the completed portion of Texas Highway 99 runs from just north of Interstate 10, west of Houston, to U.S. Highway 59 in Sugar Land, southwest of Houston, and was completed in 1994. The next portion to be constructed is from the current terminus at U.S. Highway 59 to State Highway 288 in Brazoria County.
Mass transit
The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas, or METRO, provides public transportation in the form of buses, trolleys, and lift vans.
METRO began running light rail service (METRORail) on January 1, 2004. Currently the track is rather short—it runs about 8 miles (13 km) from Downtown Houston to the Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park. METRO's various forms of public transportation still do not connect many of the suburbs to the greater city, causing Houstonians to rely on the automobile as a primary source of transportation. Prior to the opening of METRORail, Houston was the largest city in the United States devoid of a rail transit system by a very large margin.
Following a successful referendum held locally in 2004, METRO is currently in the beginning design phases of a 10-year expansion plan to add five more sections to connect to the current rail system. An 8.3 mile (13.4 km) expansion has been approved to run the service from Uptown (the Galleria area) through Texas Southern University, ending at the University of Houston campus.
Airports
Houston's largest airport (and Texas's second-largest), George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is located in north Houston. Continental Airlines is headquartered in Downtown Houston. The southeast of Houston has William P. Hobby Airport, the second-largest commercial passenger airport. Houston's third-largest airport is Ellington Field, which houses several National Guard and Air National Guard units, as well as the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center's fleet of jets that are used to train astronauts. Sugar Land, southwest of Houston, has the Sugar Land Regional Airport. Sugar Land Regional is the fourth-largest airport in the metropolitan area and the only general reliever airport in the southwest sector.
Economy
Among the 10 most populous metropolitan areas in the US, Houston ranked first in employment growth rate and second in nominal employment growth.[16] In 2006, the Houston metropolitan area ranked first in Texas and third in the U.S. within the category of "Best Places for Business and Careers" by ''Forbes''.[17]
The Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown MSA's Gross Area Product (GAP) in 2005 was $308.7 billion, up 5.4 percent from 2004 in constant dollars—slightly larger than Austria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Only 28 nations other than the United States have a GDP exceeding Houston's GAP.[18] Mining, which in Houston is almost entirely oil and gas exploration and production, accounts for 11 percent of Houston's GAP—down from 21 percent as recently as 1985. The reduced role of oil and gas in Houston's GAP reflects the rapid growth of other sectors—such as engineering services, health services, and manufacturing.[19]
The area's economic activity is centered in Houston, the county seat of Harris County. Houston is second to New York City in Fortune 500 headquarters. The city has attempted to build a banking industry, but the companies originally started in Houston have since merged with other companies nationwide. Banking, however, is still vital to the region.
Houston is a major port and financial center for oil companies. Houston's energy industry is a world powerhouse (particularly oil), but biomedical research, aeronautics, and the ship channel are also large parts of the city's industrial base. The Houston metropolitan area comprises the largest petrochemical manufacturing area in the world, including for synthetic rubber, insecticides, and fertilizers. The area is also the world's leading center for building oilfield equipment.
Much of metro area's success as a petrochemical complex is due to its busy man-made ship channel, the Port of Houston.[20] Because of these economic trades, many residents have moved to the Houston area from other U.S. states, as well as hundreds of countries worldwide. Unlike most places, where high gas prices are seen as harmful to the economy, they are generally seen as beneficial for Houston as many are employed in the energy industry. Baytown, Texas City, Clute, and Galveston also have major ports and chemical plants. Galveston also has the largest cruise ship terminal in Texas (and the 12th-largest in the world) and is a recreational area for people in the region.
Sugar Land is home to the second-largest economic activities and third-largest city in the metropolitan area. Sugar Land has the most important and booming economic center in Fort Bend County. The city holds the Nalco/Exxon and Western Airways headquarters. Engineering firms and other related industries have managed to take the place as an economic engine.
:''See also: List of companies in Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown MSA''
Politics
Historically, politics in the Greater Houston area are divided between the Republican and Democratic parties[21].
The city of Houston itself has historically voted Democratic except for its affluent western and west-central portions, including the River Oaks, Westchase, Memorial and Uptown/Post Oak areas, as well as the Kingwood and Clear Lake City master-planned communities on Houston's far northeast and southeast sides, respectively. All these areas favor and are almost entirely represented both in Congress and in the Texas Legislature by Republicans. Democrats' strongest areas are within Loop 610, and also in the largely poor and minority northern, eastern and southern portions of Houston. Most of these areas have sizable Hispanic populations, though some northern and southern parts of the city have notable African-American communities. Democrats are also stronger in lower middle class areas of Montrose, which is home to a large artist and LGBT community, and Alief, which boasts a sizable Asian-American population. In 2004, every county in the region voted for George W. Bush, despite Houston and Galveston going for John Kerry. Galveston has long been a staunch Democratic stronghold, boasting the most active Democratic county establishment in the state. [22]. Many attribute this to the large Hispanic and African American population in the city, as well as its significant LGBT community.
Houston's suburbs, while heavily Republican, are also politically divided. Such examples:
★ Houston's largest incorporated suburb, Pasadena, which went for John Kerry, is heavily Hispanic and lower-middle class on its north side, which favors Democrats, and slightly more affluent on its south side, which favors Republicans. A northwestern section of the city is represented by Democrat Ana Hernandez (District 143), while the city's central core, which contains most of its population, is represented by Republican Robert Talton (District 144). A small, largely unincorporated southeastern section of the city is represented by Republican John Davis (District 129), who also represents the NASA Johnson Space Center. Hernandez's district is also home to Galena Park and Jacinto City, which also have large Hispanic populations that favor Democrats.
★ In Fort Bend County, southwest of Houston, Democrats are strongest in northern Missouri City and older sections of Rosenberg, which boast large numbers of black and Hispanic voters, while more affluent areas of the county—such as Sugar Land and the Katy, Sienna Plantation, area are heavily Republican. While these areas boast sizeable Asian-American populations, many of them are largely pro-business and generally favor Republicans, though a sizeable community of Democratic business owners does exist among the area's Asian caucuses. Despite this divide, the county went for George W. Bush by a double-digit margin and boasts one of the state's most active county Republican bases. Republicans also control every countywide elected office here as well.
★ Montgomery County, north of Houston, has emerged as a staunch Republican stronghold due to mostly high-end planned community developments along Lake Conroe and also along the southern edge of the county, most notably The Woodlands, a large master-planned community that is overwhelmingly Republican. However Conroe, the county seat is a Democratic stronghold.
★ The mainland areas of Galveston County, north of Galveston Island, has also become increasingly divided on political issues. Democrats have a presence in La Marque and Texas City—both of which home to large numbers of unionized refinery workers, a traditionally Democratic voting bloc. However, Democrats' strength in this area is increasingly being superseded by newer developments in the northern areas of the county around Friendswood and League City that favor Republicans.
★ Brazoria County is heavily Republican, especially out in the countryside or in rural areas, also such as cities like Manvel, Alvin, and Angelton. Although such cities like Pearland is recently very Democratic due to its large Northern and Western born population, as well as its ethnic diversity. Also Lake Jackson, Clute, and Freeport are also heavily Democratic due to its large Hispanic population and union refinery workers.
Houston's two most notable congressional districts are the 7th congressional district, which includes much of west Houston, and the 18th congressional district, which includes downtown Houston.
★ The 7th, one of the most heavily affluent and Republican in the state, was previously represented by George Bush, who would eventually go on to become the 41st President of the United States. Its current representative is John Culberson, a conservative Republican who has continued the conservative record of George Bush's successor, Bill Archer.
★ The 18th is represented by Sheila Jackson Lee, a liberal African-American Democrat whose role model, Barbara Jordan, previously represented the same district. Jackson Lee's district is overwhelmingly African-American and poor, even though her 1994 victory in the primary (against the district's previous representative, Craig Washington) was largely funded by Republican businessmen who opposed Washington's stances on NAFTA and NASA. Washington's predecessor, Mickey Leland, whom succeeded Jordan, was widely noted as a spokesperson for the poor.
United States Congress
| 'Senators' | 'Name' | 'Party' | 'First Elected' | 'Level' | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senate Class 1 | Kay Bailey Hutchison | Republican | 1993 | Senior Senator | |
| Senate Class 2 | John Cornyn | Republican | 2002 | Junior Senator | |
| 'Representatives' | 'Name' | 'Party' | 'First Elected' | 'Area(s) of Greater Houston Represented' | |
| District 2 | Ted Poe | Republican | 2004 | Kingwood portion of Houston, Spring, northeast Harris County (including Baytown, Humble and La Porte), western and southern Liberty County | |
| District 7 | John Culberson | Republican | 2000 | West Houston, Memorial Villages, Bellaire, West University Place, west and northwest Harris County | |
| District 8 | Kevin Brady | Republican | 1996 | Montgomery and San Jacinto counties; northern Liberty County | |
| District 9 | Al Green | Democrat | 2004 | Alief, Southwest Houston, Houston’s Southside, portions of Fort Bend County (Mission Bend, eastern portion of Stafford, northern and eastern portions of Missouri City, county’s entire share of Houston) | |
| District 10 | Michael McCaul | Republican | 2004 | Northwest Harris County; Austin and Waller counties | |
| District 14 | Ron Paul | Republican | 1996 (also served 1976-1977 and 1979-1985) | Galveston, most of Brazoria County (except Pearland), far northern and western Fort Bend County, Chambers County, portions of Galveston County (League City, most of Texas City), Wharton County, and Matagorda County | |
| District 18 | Sheila Jackson Lee | Democrat | 1994 | Downtown Houston, Bush IAH, northwest and northeast Houston, inner portions of Houston’s Southside | |
| District 22 | Nick Lampson | Democrat | 2006 (also served 1997-2005) | most of Fort Bend County (Sugar Land, Rosenberg, western and southern portions of Missouri City), northern Brazoria County (including Pearland), portions of Galveston County (La Marque), southeastern Harris County (Clear Lake City, NASA Johnson Space Center, Ellington Field, southern and central Pasadena, Deer Park) | |
| District 29 | Gene Green | Democrat | 1992 | East Houston, northern Pasadena, Galena Park, Channelview (all Harris County) | |
Texas Legislature
Texas Senate
| 'District' | 'Name' | 'Party' | 'First Elected' | 'Area(s) of Greater Houston Represented' | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Robert Nichols | Republican | 2006 | Northern and western Montgomery County (including Conroe), San Jacinto County | |
| 4 | Tommy Williams | Republican | 2003 | Southern Montgomery County (including The Woodlands), Kingwood, Liberty County, Chambers County, far eastern portions of Baytown | |
| 6 | Mario Gallegos | Democrat | 1995 | Houston Ship Channel, eastern portions of Houston, Jacinto City, Galena Park, northern Pasadena, western portion of Baytown | |
| 7 | Dan Patrick | Republican | 2007 | Memorial Villages, Memorial/Spring Branch area, Addicks Reservoir, Northwest Harris County | |
| 11 | Mike Jackson | Republican | 1999 | Northern and central Brazoria County, southeastern portions of Houston and Harris County, the Galveston County mainland, and all areas roughly north of SH 87 on Galveston Island. | |
| 13 | Rodney Ellis | Democrat | 1990 | Downtown Houston, Texas Medical Center, southwest and northeast Houston, Houston’s Southside, northern portions of Missouri City, Stafford | |
| 15 | John Whitmire | Democrat | 1983 | Northwest Houston, Bush IAH, southern portion of Humble, eastern Harris County | |
| 17 | Kyle Janek | Republican | 2002 | Meyerland, Bellaire, West University Place, much of Katy area, far west Houston, Barker Reservoir, portions of Fort Bend County (Sugar Land and southern Missouri City) southern Brazoria County, the area of Galveston Island south of SH 87, entire Bolivar Peninsula, and Port Arthur. | |
| 18 | Glenn Hegar | Republican | 2006 | Austin, Waller and Wharton counties; western Fort Bend County | |
Texas House of Representatives
| 'District' | 'Name' | 'Party' | 'First Elected' | 'Area(s) of Greater Houston Represented' | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Jim McReynolds | Democrat | 1996 | San Jacinto County | |
| 13 | Lois Kolkhorst | Republican | 2000 | Austin County | |
| 15 | Rob Eissler | Republican | 2002 | The Woodlands, southern Montgomery County | |
| 16 | C. Brandon Creighton | Republican | 2006 | Northern and central Montgomery County (including Conroe) | |
| 18 | John Otto | Republican | 2004 | Liberty County, southeastern Montgomery County | |
| 23 | Craig Eiland | Democrat | 1994 | Galveston, Texas City, Bolivar Peninsula, Chambers County | |
| 24 | Larry Taylor | Republican | 2002 | Hitchcock, La Marque, Santa Fe, Dickinson, League City, Friendswood (all in Galveston County) | |
| 25 | Dennis Bonnen | Republican | 1996 | Southern Brazoria County (Lake Jackson, Angleton, Freeport) | |
| 26 | Charlie Howard | Republican | 1994 | Sugar Land | |
| 27 | Dora Olivo | Democrat | 1996 | Eastern Fort Bend County (including Rosenberg, most of Missouri City, county’s share of Houston) | |
| 28 | John Zerwas | Republican | 2006 | Wharton and Waller counties, western Fort Bend County | |
| 29 | Mike O'Day | Republican | 2007 | Matagorda County, part of Brazoria County (Pearland, Alvin) | |
| 126 | Patricia Harless | Republican | 2006 | Champions/FM 1960 | |
| 127 | Joe Crabb | Republican | 1992 | Kingwood, Lake Houston, Crosby, Wallisville | |
| 128 | Wayne Smith | Republican | 2002 | East Harris County (Baytown, Deer Park, La Porte) | |
| 129 | John Davis | Republican | 1998 | Southeast Harris County (Clear Lake City, NASA Johnson Space Center) | |
| 130 | Corbin Van Arsdale | Republican | 2002 | Northwest Harris County (including Tomball and Cypress-Fairbanks areas) | |
| 131 | Alma Allen | Democrat | 2004 | Outer portions of Houston’s Southside | |
| 132 | Bill Callegari | Republican | 2000 | West Harris County (including county’s share of Katy and unincorporated western parts of the Katy area) | |
| 133 | Jim Murphy | Republican | 2006 | West Houston, western portion of Memorial/Spring Branch, part of the Energy Corridor | |
| 134 | Ellen Cohen | Democrat | 2006 | Inner western portions of Houston (including Meyerland, River Oaks and Memorial Park), Texas Medical Center, West University Place, Bellaire, Southside Place | |
| 135 | Gary Elkins | Republican | 1994 | Parts of northwest Harris County (including Jersey Village) and southeastern segments of the Champions/FM 1960 area | |
| 136 | Beverly Woolley | Republican | 1994 | Memorial Villages and surrounding areas | |
| 137 | Scott Hochberg | Democrat | 1992 | Southwest Houston (including Sharpstown, Westwood and Fondren Southwest) | |
| 138 | Dwayne Bohac | Republican | 2002 | Northwest Houston and parts of the Memorial/Spring Branch area north of I-10, Addicks Reservoir | |
| 139 | Sylvester Turner | Democrat | 1988 | North Houston and Aldine west of I-45 | |
| 140 | Kevin Bailey | Democrat | 1990 | North Houston and Aldine east of I-45 | |
| 141 | Senfronia Thompson | Democrat | 1972 | Northeast Houston, Bush IAH, Greenspoint, southern portion of Humble | |
| 142 | Harold Dutton, Jr. | Democrat | 1984 | East Houston, Northshore | |
| 143 | Ana Hernandez | Democrat | 2006 | East Houston within Loop 610, Houston Ship Channel, Galena Park, Jacinto City, northern Pasadena | |
| 144 | Robert Talton | Republican | 1992 | Southern Pasadena, far southeast Houston | |
| 145 | Rick Noriega | Democrat | 1998 | Inner southeastern portions of Houston (mainly east of I-45), South Houston (not part of the city of Houston) | |
| 146 | Borris Miles | Democrat | 2006 | Inner portions of Houston’s Southside | |
| 147 | Garnet Coleman | Democrat | 1990 | Downtown Houston, inner southeastern portions of Houston (mainly west of I-45) | |
| 148 | Jessica Farrar | Democrat | 1994 | Northwest Houston mainly within Loop 610 (including Houston Heights) | |
| 149 | Hubert Vo | Democrat | 2004 | Far west Houston, Alief, unincorporated portions of Katy area east of Fry Rd, Barker Reservoir | |
| 150 | Debbie Riddle | Republican | 2002 | Northern Harris County (Spring, Klein, northern Humble) | |
Notes
1. in Northwestern Montgomery County near the borders with Grimes County and Walker County. USGS Richards (TX) Topo Map, UTM 15 229939E 3389282N (NAD27). Topozone.com. Last accessed January 5, 2007. ''Note:'' Texas Almanac, 1988-1989. Edited by Elizabeth Cruce Alvarez, Robert Plocheck, lists San Jacinto county: Altitude (ft): 74-386. However, there are multiple points in San Jacinto County and Montgomery County higher than .
2. Current Population Estimates. ''Houston Population Estimates, July 2006'' 2006. Retrieved on 2007-04-04.
3. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/09AW001.pdf
4. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2005-01.csv
5. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/09AW005.pdf
6. http://www.houstontx.gov/abouthouston/houstonfacts.html
7. Mapping Active Faults in the Houston area Using LIDAR. ''Richard Engelkeimer, Shuhab Khan, Carl Norman. University of Houston.
8. Faults in Parts of North-Central and Western Houston Metropolitan Area, Texas. ''Earl R. Verbeek, Karl W. Ratzlaff, Uel S. Clanton. U.S. Geological Survey.''
9. Principal Active Faults. Houston Area, Texas. ''U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1984.''
10. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/metro_general/List4.txt
11. http://http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2006-01-48.xls
12. http://www.census.gov/population/estimates/metro_general/List2.txt
13. http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/tables/SUB-EST2005-04-48.xls
14. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/index.html
15. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/11BW001.pdf
16. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/10AW001.pdf
17. http://www.forbes.com/2006/05/03/06bestplaces_best-places-for-business_land.html
18. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/02CW001.pdf
19. http://www.houston.org/blackfenders/15AW001.pdf
20. http://www.portsl.com/pages/15_overview.html
21. http://www-personal.umich.edu/~mejn/election/
22. http://www.galvestoncountydemocraticparty.com
External links
★ Greater Houston Partnership
★ The Center for Houston's Future
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