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Houston ranks No. 2 in U.S. for most households with kids, says study

The Greater Houston area boasts the second-most number of households with kids under 18.

Photo courtesy of Elyson

If the folks behind the Full House franchise ever move ahead with a third incarnation of the cult-favorite TV series, they might want to look at Houston as the setting.

Houston ranks second among the largest U.S. cities for the share of households with children under 18 (33.8 percent) and fourth for the average number of people per household (3.3). Michigan-based Lombardo Homes assembled the rankings based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to the Lombardo Homes rankings, released February 16, only Fresno, California, tops Houston for the share of households with children under 18 (35.8 percent). Ahead of Houston for average household size are Fresno (3.57), Los Angeles (3.41), and Las Vegas (3.33). Among all U.S. cities, Houston ranks 23rd for average household size.

Houston’s big-city counterparts in Texas also appear toward the top of one or both of the lists.

Dallas ranks fourth for the share of households with children under 18 (32.5 percent), with Austin at No. 8 (29.3 percent) and San Antonio at No. 10 (29.2 percent).

In the category of average number of people per household, Dallas comes in at No. 8 (3.28), San Antonio at No. 11 (3.18), and Austin at No. 31 (No. 2.91).

In 2016, Apartment List ranked Houston the 10th best big city for families. Dallas claimed the No. 1 spot. Ranking and review website Niche.com lists Houston as the 69th best city in the U.S. for families, with Dallas at No. 92, San Antonio at No. 81, and Austin at No. 33.

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no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

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