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 2025, of the 498,038 new missing persons reports entered into NCIC, 305,339 missing persons were under the age of 18.
- In Texas alone, there were 40,309 missing persons reports in 2025 with 28,229 of those children.
- In 2025, 6,357 new missing child cases were filed in Harris County and 7,988 in the 14-county Houston-Galveston Region.
- 28% of ALL missing TEXAS children were from our region here in Southeast Texas in 2025.
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 2025, of the 498,038 new missing persons reports entered into NCIC, 192,699 missing persons were 18 or older.
- In Texas alone, there were 40,309 missing persons reports in 2025 with 12,080 of those adults.
- In 2025, 3,327 new missing adult cases were filed in Harris County and 4,159 in the 14-county Houston-Galveston Region.
- 34% of ALL missing TEXAS adults were from our region here in Southeast Texas in 2025.
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 2025 alone:
- Worked over 11,000 missing persons cases
- With just 24 investigators!
- Despite the odds, the vast majority of missing persons are recovered through collaboration and dedication.
Search and Recovery Documents
Texas Center for the Missing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or age in the delivery of any services.