Overview

• The 2025 ParkScore index by the Trust for Public Land ranks Houston 66th and San Francisco 6th among the 100 most populous U.S. cities for their park systems.
• Houston's ranking improved from 68th last year, driven by increased per-resident park spending, which rose from $110 to $127, though it remains below the national average of $133.
• San Francisco advanced from 7th to 6th place, maintaining one of the nation's highest per-resident park investments at $561, second only to Washington, D.C.
• Access remains a challenge for Houston, where only 63% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, compared to the national average of 76%.
• The opening of San Francisco's India Basin Waterfront Park in an underserved area contributed to its rise, showcasing the city's focus on equity and innovation despite geographic constraints.