The 2020 census published its Annual Community Survey data March 17, showing changes in the amount of commuters on Harris County roads and an increase in telecommuters. Although the pandemic caused a disruption in predicted trends, the U.S. Census Bureau went on with its survey collection, adjusting its methods to account for bias and unresponsiveness.

The average and median income of Harris County residents increased between 2015 and 2020 estimates. The median income increased from $54,457 in 2015 to $63,022 in 2020, while the average income rose from $81,214 to $93,184, according to the data.

Additionally, the number of employed people has increased by 7.7% in Harris County, while the county's overall population increased 7.44% in the same time period. Management, business, science, the arts, production and transportation all saw an increase in workers. However, the service industry, sales and construction all saw fewer workers, according to the data. Additionally, the amount of Harris County residents with college degrees has increased by 16.7% in the last five years. Most degree paths saw an increase in graduates, but the amount of residents pursuing education, the arts and humanities decreased, according to the data. Although the number of people working, and therefore commuting, in Harris County has increased by 163,514 people since 2015, the number of people driving alone, carpooling and taking public transportation has decreased, and the amount of people working from home has increased by 2.9 percentage points. Kelly Schafler contributed to this report.