So I guess living in the Houston Area evaporation rates would not be as bad because of the high humidity. At least that is what I am reading.
Correct.
Dry and windy leads to the highest evaporation rates.
If you have some tall pines for a wind break, then that will also help a little. However, if the trees (or other terrestrial plants) are close enough to the pond, then they can also pull down your water level due to transpiration.
