Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Arthur, TX
Considering a move to Port Arthur, TX? Home to about 54,000 residents, Port Arthur offers affordable living with median home prices around $93,400 and average rents at $830. The city features a mild, sunny coastal climate and a short average commute of 21 minutes. While property and violent crime rates are higher than average, residents benefit from local healthcare options and easy access to higher education. If value and Gulf Coast weather are priorities for you, Port Arthur may be a great fit.
Demographics - Port Arthur, TX
Demographics - Port Arthur, TX
Port Arthur is home to nearly 54,000 residents, featuring a diverse population with significant Black, White, and Hispanic communities. The median age is 35.6, and almost one in five residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity contributes to the city’s rich cultural fabric and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
53,866
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.6
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
33.2%
Black:
38.1%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
23.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Arthur, TX?
Port Arthur offers a notably low cost of living, with a median house value of $93,400 and average rent around $830. Essentials like groceries, utilities, and transportation are all below the national average, making this city an affordable choice for families and individuals alike. Texas’s lack of state income tax further enhances its budget-friendly appeal.
Median House Value:
$93,400
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,410
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.6
Grocery:
89.0
Housing:
47.0
Utilities:
92.0
Transportation:
94.2
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is Port Arthur, TX a safe place to live?
The city experiences higher than average crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 138 and property crime at 1 in 33. While these rates are above U.S. averages, many neighborhoods remain safe and residents often take common-sense precautions. It’s important for newcomers to research local areas and connect with neighbors for up-to-date safety insights.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
726
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,999
Crime Index:
3,725
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 138
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 33
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Arthur, TX year-round?
Port Arthur enjoys a mild, coastal climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from winter lows of 44°F to summer highs near 91°F, complemented by about 61 inches of annual rainfall and 60% sunny days. This weather is ideal for those who appreciate a gulf coast environment and outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
44°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
59°F
Max:
81°F
Summer
Min:
74°F
Max:
91°F
Fall
Min:
61°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
60.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Typical households in Port Arthur have a median income of about $38,900, with a relatively high poverty rate of 24.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, while 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is just over 20 minutes, making it convenient to get around town.
Median Income:
$36,700
Household Income:
$38,900
Family Income:
$47,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,400
Income Male:
$42,800
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
24.5%
Non English Speakers:
19.4%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
8.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
20.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.4%
Bachelors or More:
11.8%
Education
How are the schools in Port Arthur, TX?
Port Arthur offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Memorial High School, private institutions, and local higher education through Lamar State College Port Arthur. With student-teacher ratios around 14–15 and nearby universities, families and students have access to quality learning environments at every level.
Public Schools
Name:
Memorial High School
Street:
3501 S/Sgt. Lucian Adams Dr
Phone:
409-984-4000
Students:
1,900
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Port Acres Elementary School
Street:
5901 W Port Arthur Rd
Phone:
409-989-6150
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School
Street:
3840 Woodrow Dr
Phone:
409-962-3011
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Lamar State College Port Arthur
City:
Port Arthur
State:
TX
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Name:
Lamar University
City:
Beaumont
State:
TX
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
16,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals like The Medical Center of Southeast Texas and CHRISTUS Southeast Texas – St. Mary, both offering emergency and general care. With 1.8 physicians per 1,000 people and over 81% health insurance coverage, essential medical services are readily available in the community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
The Medical Center of Southeast Texas
Address:
2555 Jimmy Johnson Blvd, Port Arthur, TX 77640
Phone:
(409) 724-7389
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
CHRISTUS Southeast Texas - St. Mary
Address:
3600 Gates Blvd, Port Arthur, TX 77642
Phone:
(409) 985-7431
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.3%
Health Care Index:
64.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Arthur, TX?
The Port Arthur housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $93,400 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $830. About 58% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a moderate rental vacancy rate. Recent home values have seen steady appreciation, appealing to both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$93,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
57.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
1.1%
DMV Information
Port Arthur residents can access DMV services through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive online resources and a main office in Austin. Vehicle registration, licensing, and other services are efficiently managed at the state level, ensuring smooth access for local drivers.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1001 E. Parmer Lane, Austin, TX 78753
Phone:
1-888-368-4689
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.