The Missing Persons Problem is significant at the local and national level.
This data is provided annually by the Texas Department of Public Safety Missing Persons Clearinghouse and
the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Missing Children Numbers

• For 2024, of the 533,936 new missing persons reports entered into NCIC, 330,957 missing persons were
  under the age of 18.


• In Texas alone, there were 44,783 missing persons reports in 2024 with 31,864 of those children.


• In 2024, 6,945 new missing child cases were filed in Harris County and 9,109 in the 14-county Houston-Galveston Region.

Missing Children Categories

• Runaways: 80-85% — Just because the child ran away does not mean he/she is safe!


• Family Abductions: 10-15% — Just because the child is with family does not mean he/she is safe!


• Non-Family Abductions: 3-4% — These are the 2nd-most serious cases where bodily injury and death are most likely.


• Stranger Abductions: <1% — These are the most serious cases where bodily injury and death are most likely.

Missing Adult Numbers

• For 2024, of the 533,936 new missing persons reports entered into NCIC, 203,339 missing persons were 18 or older.


• In Texas alone, there were 44,783 missing persons reports in 2024 with 12,919 of those adults.


• In 2024, 3,513 new missing adult cases were filed in Harris County and 4,327 in the 14-county Houston-Galveston Region.

Limited Resources Making Huge Impact

Law Enforcement partners in our area work tirelessly to serve our communities, especially searching families. However, overwhelming numbers make this work incredibly challenging. For example, the 2 largest agencies serving our region, in 2024 alone:

• Worked over 10,700 missing persons cases


• With just 18 investigators!


• Despite the odds, the vast majority of missing persons are recovered through collaboration and dedication.

Search and Recovery Documents