Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Isabel, TX
Thinking of moving to Port Isabel, TX? This coastal community of about 5,000 offers affordable living, with median home values around $131,200 and average rents near $900. Residents enjoy mild winters, over 70% sunny days, and short commutes averaging 16 minutes. While property crime is above national averages, the town offers small class sizes in local schools and easy access to Gulf Coast recreation. Explore housing, schools, climate, and more to see if Port Isabel matches your coastal lifestyle dreams.
Demographics - Port Isabel, TX
Demographics - Port Isabel, TX
Port Isabel is a small, diverse coastal city with a population of just over 5,000, a median age of 37.8, and nearly equal numbers of males and females. The community is predominantly White, and almost half of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a rich multicultural environment. With a moderate population density, the city offers a close-knit feel for newcomers.
Population:
5,028
Density:
1,330 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.8
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
47.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Isabel, TX?
Living in Port Isabel is budget-friendly, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home prices around $131,200. Rent is affordable, typically under $900 monthly, and state income taxes are nonexistent, making it attractive for those seeking value. Essentials like groceries, healthcare, and utilities are also lower than U.S. averages.
Median House Value:
$131,200
Gross Rent:
$890
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
83.2
Grocery:
85.0
Housing:
77.0
Utilities:
94.0
Transportation:
90.0
Health Care:
95.0
Miscellaneous:
88.0
Crime
Is Port Isabel, TX a safe place to live?
Port Isabel experiences a higher property crime rate compared to national figures, with a 1 in 48 chance of being affected, while violent crime remains relatively low. Residents should take common-sense precautions, but overall, the community maintains a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Local law enforcement works to keep the area safe for families and retirees alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,365
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Isabel, TX year-round?
Port Isabel boasts a mild subtropical climate, with winter temperatures averaging in the 50s and 60s and summer highs reaching the low 90s. The city enjoys approximately 71% sunny days annually, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and receives about 28 inches of rainfall per year. Its pleasant weather is a major draw for those seeking a relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
51°F
Max:
68°F
Spring
Min:
64°F
Max:
81°F
Summer
Min:
77°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
66°F
Max:
85°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
27.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
71%
Neighbors
Residents of Port Isabel typically have modest incomes, with a median household income around $35,000 and a notable 37.5% poverty rate. The community is primarily working class, with most adults having completed high school and a small percentage holding college degrees. Commutes are short, and the area retains a friendly, small-town vibe with many bilingual households.
Median Income:
$21,000
Household Income:
$35,000
Family Income:
$41,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$23,500
Income Female:
$18,900
Poverty Rate:
37.5%
Non English Speakers:
47.0%
Rent:
$890
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
16.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
66.7%
Bachelors or More:
13.2%
Education
How are the schools in Port Isabel, TX?
Port Isabel offers quality public education with small class sizes, as seen at Port Isabel High School and Junior High. While there are no private schools in town, families have access to higher education at Texas Southmost College, just 25 miles away. The schools emphasize a supportive learning environment for both local and newcomer families.
Public Schools
Name:
Port Isabel High School
Street:
101 Port Rd
Phone:
956-943-0040
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.7
Name:
Port Isabel Junior High
Street:
17001 Hwy 100
Phone:
956-943-0132
Students:
530
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Colleges
Name:
Texas Southmost College
City:
Brownsville
State:
TX
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
8,900
Healthcare
Port Isabel provides access to essential healthcare services, including nearby Valley Regional Medical Center for emergency and surgical care. The city has about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of over 75%. While healthcare resources are available, residents may travel to neighboring cities for specialized care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Valley Regional Medical Center
Address:
100 E Alton Gloor Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78526
Phone:
(956) 350-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
75.2%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Isabel, TX?
The Port Isabel housing market is affordable, with median home prices near $131,200 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment around $900. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees steady, moderate appreciation, making it a practical choice for first-time homebuyers. Rental vacancy rates are low, contributing to housing stability in the community.
Median Home Price:
$131,200
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Port Isabel are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Austin. Residents can access DMV services online or by phone, ensuring convenient support for all auto-related needs. Texas offers straightforward processes for new residents relocating to Port Isabel.
State:
Texas
Department:
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4000 Jackson Ave, Austin, TX 78731
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.