Overview

• A study published in Nature Cities on May 8, 2025, shows all 28 most populous U.S. cities are experiencing land subsidence, with Houston sinking the fastest.
• Houston has over 40% of its land subsiding more than 5 mm annually, with some areas sinking up to 5 cm per year, largely due to groundwater and oil extraction.
• Groundwater withdrawal accounts for 80% of the subsidence, while other factors include glacial isostatic adjustment, building weight, and localized geological conditions.
• Differential sinking within cities creates stresses on infrastructure, with 29,000 buildings identified in high-risk zones for structural damage.
• The findings underscore the need for integrating subsidence data into urban planning, water management, and infrastructure resilience strategies to mitigate long-term risks.