TexasPop. 55,828Smaller cities
Is Port Arthur a Good Place to Live? Port Arthur, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Port Arthur ranks #1300 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #521 of 524 smaller cities and #74 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($107,400, #7 of 524) and low living costs (90, #45 of 524), and trails on high poverty (29%, #515 of 524) and low household income ($46,354, #513 of 524).
Port Arthur by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Port Arthur's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Port Arthur?
Port Arthur's cost of living index is 90, 10% below the US level of 100 and #206 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,021/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $127,534, 57% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Port Arthur | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 90#206 of 1,308 | 97 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home value (Zillow)Zillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $127,534#15 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rent (Zillow)Zillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,288/mo#157 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $107,400#16 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,021/mo#236 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.3x#17 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 26.4%#1117 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Port Arthur housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Port Arthur is in the Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Port Arthur safe?
Port Arthur recorded 596 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 60% above the US rate of 373 and 49% above Texas's 401. That ranks #910 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #400 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Port Arthur Police Department. Property crime runs 1,333 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
| Measure | Port Arthur | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 373 | 596#910 of 1,083 | 401 | 264 | 373 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,553 · US 2,083 | 1,333#373 of 1,083 | 2,463 | 1,553 | 2,083 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Port Arthur?
The median household in Port Arthur earns $46,354, 40% below the US figure of $76,827 and 37% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 8.1% (US 4.2%). 29% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
| Measure | Port Arthur | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $76,827 | $46,354#1269 of 1,312 | $73,035 | $83,646 | $76,827 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.2% | 8.1%#1040 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.2% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 29%#1287 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.8% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +1.7% | +0.2% | +0.8% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Port Arthur?
The median resident of Port Arthur is 35.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 12.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1287 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Port Arthur | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 35.5 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 12.8%#1287 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 58% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Port Arthur's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Port Arthur; its public schools have 14.8 students per teacher and spend $14,042 per pupil. 45.3% of adults are obese and 19.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Port Arthur | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $14,042#693 of 1,188 | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 45.3%#1287 of 1,311 | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 19.7%#1304 of 1,311 | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.4%#1210 of 1,311 | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 26.9%#1281 of 1,311 | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 10,029 students are enrolled in Port Arthur's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Port Arthur?
The average commute in Port Arthur is 23.4 minutes (Texas 23.7); 0.6% of workers take transit and 1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Port Arthur scores 7.6 of 20 (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 83.1°F and winters 55.6°F, with 62.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Port Arthur | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 23.4 min#634 of 1,312 | 23.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 6.8%#808 of 1,312 | 8.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 89.5% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 0.8% | 1.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 1% | 11% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 7.6#1149 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63.5 | 43.8 | 5.3 |
| Feb | 67.3 | 47.8 | 3.1 |
| Mar | 73.2 | 53.4 | 3.6 |
| Apr | 79 | 59.6 | 3.9 |
| May | 85.7 | 67.3 | 4.7 |
| Jun | 90.9 | 73.1 | 6.7 |
| Jul | 92.6 | 74.6 | 6.9 |
| Aug | 93.1 | 74.4 | 6.9 |
| Sep | 89.5 | 70.6 | 6.7 |
| Oct | 82.1 | 61.1 | 5.5 |
| Nov | 72.3 | 51.5 | 3.9 |
| Dec | 65.5 | 45.8 | 5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Port Arthur Se Tx Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Port Arthur | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 69.9°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 83.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 55.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 62.1 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Port Arthur Se Tx Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Port Arthur?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 48% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
| Measure | Port Arthur | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 51#874 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 3#572 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.23%#1014 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Jefferson County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Jefferson County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.13% | 91% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.003% | 72% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.0032% | 67% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 63% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.011% | 60% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 19% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Port Arthur compare with similar-size cities?
Port Arthur is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #521 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 55,828.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #1300 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 | 23.4 min |
| Tigard, ORPop. 56,011 | #352 | 60.9 | $108,823 | $1,782/mo | 256 | 22.9 min |
| Olympia, WAPop. 55,951 | #497 | 58.1 | $81,302 | $1,599/mo | 475 | 20 min |
| Bonita Springs, FLPop. 55,904 | #780 | 53.6 | $95,210 | $1,882/mo | no data | 24.2 min |
| Perth Amboy, NJPop. 55,855 | #922 | 51.4 | $61,977 | $1,688/mo | 269 | 23.5 min |
| Spring Hill, TNPop. 55,765 | #242 | 63.4 | $112,013 | $1,844/mo | part year | 30 min |
| Apple Valley, MNPop. 55,679 | #218 | 64.0 | $97,673 | $1,738/mo | 204 | 24.6 min |
| South Whittier, CAPop. 55,650 | #979 | 50.4 | $100,800 | $1,908/mo | no data | 31.3 min |
| Berwyn, ILPop. 55,595 | #372 | 60.5 | $78,408 | $1,215/mo | 161 | 29 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Port Arthur compare with the rest of Texas?
Port Arthur ranks #74 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 36.6 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 37% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 49% above the statewide rate. Homes are 57% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Houston, TXPop. 2,328,253 | … #70 | 44.3 | $64,813 | $1,361/mo | 884 |
| Baytown, TXPop. 85,205 | #71 | 43.5 | $59,910 | $1,307/mo | 399 |
| Brownsville, TXPop. 189,177 | #72 | 42.7 | $52,130 | $923/mo | 405 |
| Beaumont, TXPop. 113,279 | #73 | 38.0 | $56,997 | $1,121/mo | 948 |
| Port Arthur, TXPop. 55,828 | #74 | 36.6 | $46,354 | $1,021/mo | 596 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Port Arthur among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $73,035, violent crime 401 per 100,000.
How is Port Arthur's score calculated?
Port Arthur scores 36.6 out of 100, #1300 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Port Arthur. Similar-size median 55.5.
16.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Port Arthur's police agency. Similar-size median 77.6.
59.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Port Arthur. Similar-size median 58.9.
16.1 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Port Arthur's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 55.2.
51.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Port Arthur's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
86.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Port Arthur. Similar-size median 56.1.
6.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Port Arthur. Similar-size median 42.4.
23.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Port Arthur. Similar-size median 50.0.
32.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Port Arthur's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
34.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
28.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Port Arthur's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Port Arthur has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Port Arthur
Is Port Arthur, TX a good place to live?
Port Arthur ranks #1300 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #521 of 524 smaller cities and #74 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($107,400, #7 of 524) and low living costs (90, #45 of 524), and trails on high poverty (29%, #515 of 524) and low household income ($46,354, #513 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Port Arthur?
Port Arthur's cost of living index is 90, 10% below the US level of 100 and #206 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,021/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $127,534, 57% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Port Arthur?
Port Arthur recorded 596 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 60% above the US rate of 373 and 49% above Texas's 401. That ranks #910 of 1,083 cities with data (1 = safest) and #400 of 442 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Port Arthur Police Department. Property crime runs 1,333 per 100,000 (US 2,083).
What is the median household income in Port Arthur?
The median household in Port Arthur earns $46,354, 40% below the US figure of $76,827 and 37% below Texas ($73,035). Unemployment is 8.1% (US 4.2%). 29% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.8%).
How much is rent in Port Arthur?
Median rent in Port Arthur is $1,021/mo (Census), #236 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Zillow's typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,288/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 26.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Port Arthur?
Zillow's typical home value in Port Arthur is $127,534, up 2.8% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $107,400.
How are the public schools in Port Arthur?
There is no city graduation rate for Port Arthur; its public schools have 14.8 students per teacher and spend $14,042 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Port Arthur?
The average commute is 23.4 minutes, #634 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 23.7 minutes across Texas. 6.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Port Arthur?
Port Arthur averages 69.9°F over the year, 83.1°F in summer and 55.6°F in winter, with 62.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Port Arthur walkable?
Port Arthur scores 7.6 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1149 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Port Arthur at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Jefferson County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, wildfire, and coastal flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.23% of building value, higher than 81% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Port Arthur?
Jefferson County's air had a median air quality index of 51, and 48% of measured days were rated good; 3 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Port Arthur?
Port Arthur has 55,828 residents. The median resident of Port Arthur is 35.5 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 12.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1287 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 58% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Port Arthur compare with the rest of Texas?
Port Arthur ranks #74 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 36.6 against Texas's statewide 45.8. Its households earn 37% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 49% above the statewide rate. Homes are 57% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Port Arthur?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Port Arthur's population of 55,828 are Tigard, OR (#352 overall), Olympia, WA (#497 overall), Bonita Springs, FL (#780 overall), Perth Amboy, NJ (#922 overall), and Spring Hill, TN (#242 overall). Port Arthur is #1300.