Economic Issues for Women in Texas

Abstract

As opportunities have opened for women, they have made strides in many societal domains. However, women remain more financially insecure than men by many measures. The greater likelihood of living in poverty and lower incomes creates insecurity not only for women, but for an increasingly large share of families that depend on their incomes. Texas is one of the largest states in the United States with a population of over 26 million. Analyzing Census and state agency data, the article identifies four “building blocks” of economic security for women: child care as a work support, education as a pathway to greater opportunities, health insurance as a critical protection, and housing as a financial anchor. Educational attainment and health insurance rates have improved for women, while housing and child care continue to be financial challenges. The analysis points to areas of investment that can help communities strengthen the economic security of women, and by extension, their families.