Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sour Lake, TX
Considering a move to Sour Lake, TX? This friendly small town of 1,773 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $158,000 and average rents near $950. Commute times are moderate at 27 minutes, and the area enjoys warm, sunny weather for much of the year. With crime rates below national averages and a tight-knit community feel, Sour Lake is an appealing option for those seeking value, safety, and Texas hospitality. Public schools are well-rated, and nearby Beaumont provides healthcare and higher education options.
Demographics - Sour Lake, TX
Demographics - Sour Lake, TX
Sour Lake, Texas, is a small community of 1,773 residents with a median age of 38.6, reflecting a balanced mix of families and individuals. The population is predominantly white, with some diversity, and the gender ratio is nearly even. Most residents are English speakers, fostering a close-knit, accessible environment.
Population:
1,773
Density:
650 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.6
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.7%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.7%
Black:
11.5%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sour Lake, TX?
Sour Lake offers a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $158,000 and average rents at $950. Housing is particularly affordable, and daily expenses like groceries and transportation are budget-friendly. No state income tax further adds to the area's financial appeal.
Median House Value:
$158,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,430
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,320
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.1
Grocery:
90.2
Housing:
62.5
Utilities:
106.3
Transportation:
92.7
Health Care:
98.4
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Sour Lake, TX a safe place to live?
The city experiences relatively low crime rates, with a 1 in 435 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 58 chance of property crime annually. These statistics suggest Sour Lake is generally a safe community for families and individuals. Residents can enjoy peace of mind thanks to security that falls below national averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
230
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,710
Crime Index:
1,940
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 435
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 58
Weather
What is the weather like in Sour Lake, TX year-round?
Residents enjoy warm, humid summers with highs near 92°F and mild winters averaging 42°F. The area sees about 58 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine over 60% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout most seasons.

Winter
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F

Spring
Min:
56°F
Max:
79°F

Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
92°F

Fall
Min:
57°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
58.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Sour Lake's households have a median income of $63,100, with a family income of $74,500, reflecting a stable, middle-class community. The area has a poverty rate of 13.1% and moderate unemployment at 4.8%. Most residents commute about 27 minutes to work, and public transportation use is minimal.
Median Income:
$34,900
Household Income:
$63,100
Family Income:
$74,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,200
Income Male:
$41,500
Income Female:
$31,200
Poverty Rate:
13.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.7%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.3%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Sour Lake, TX?
Sour Lake is served by well-rated public schools, including Sour Lake Elementary and Hardin-Jefferson High School, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios around 14:1. For higher education, the Lamar Institute of Technology in nearby Beaumont provides accessible college options just 22 miles away. The community values education, with over 84% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Sour Lake Elementary
Street:
1301 Hwy 326 N
Phone:
409-287-3450
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Name:
Hardin-Jefferson High School
Street:
3155 Hwy 326 S
Phone:
409-981-6400
Students:
705
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.9

Colleges
Name:
Lamar Institute of Technology
City:
Beaumont
State:
TX
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
4,100
Healthcare
Healthcare access is strong, with 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and a major hospital, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, located nearby in Beaumont. About 82% of residents have health insurance, and local healthcare services are rated as affordable and comprehensive. Emergency services are readily available within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
Address:
3080 College St, Beaumont, TX 77701
Phone:
(409) 212-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.7%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sour Lake, TX?
The housing market in Sour Lake is attractive for buyers, with median home prices at $158,000 and most homes being owner-occupied. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $950 and a vacancy rate of 7.2%. Home values have appreciated modestly, making this a stable market for investment or settling down.
Median Home Price:
$158,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Sour Lake are managed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, with comprehensive resources available online and at their Austin headquarters. Residents benefit from straightforward access to registration, licensing, and other DMV needs. The process is designed to be efficient for new arrivals and long-term residents alike.
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.