Port Arthur, TX
Population 55,779 · Texas
About Port Arthur, TX
Port Arthur is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 55,779 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,752 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Port Arthur features a median home value of $96,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Port Arthur one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $996, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 25,417 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (12,075 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (9,022 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Arthur shows an unemployment rate of 7.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 29.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Port Arthur have an average one-way commute time of 23.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Port Arthur residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 28.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 5.3% Asian residents, with 20.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Port Arthur, TX
Compared to national averages, Port Arthur has a median household income of $45,752 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $96,900, which is 60% below the national median. Monthly rent at $996 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Port Arthur's income is 37% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 54% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Port Arthur, TX?
Port Arthur offers affordable housing with a median home value of $96,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $996/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,752) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Port Arthur provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Port Arthur has a population of 55,779 with a median age of 34.4 years. Compare Port Arthur with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Port Arthur
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeSoto | 55,896 | $83,256 | $282,600 | Compare |
| Texas City | 54,159 | $65,447 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Galveston | 53,348 | $57,216 | $294,300 | Compare |
| Wylie | 58,991 | $113,661 | $350,100 | Compare |
| Kyle | 52,439 | $89,645 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Little Elm | 51,426 | $116,036 | $390,300 | Compare |
| Euless | 60,373 | $80,987 | $294,500 | Compare |
| Burleson | 50,981 | $94,162 | $282,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Port Arthur With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Arthur
What is the population of Port Arthur, TX?
The population of Port Arthur, TX is 55,779 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Port Arthur?
The median household income in Port Arthur, TX is $45,752 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Arthur?
The median home value in Port Arthur, TX is $96,900, which is 60% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Port Arthur?
The median monthly rent in Port Arthur, TX is $996, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Arthur?
The unemployment rate in Port Arthur, TX is 7.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Port Arthur, TX a good place to live?
Port Arthur offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 55,779 and a median age of 34.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Port Arthur, TX?
11.2% of residents in Port Arthur aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Port Arthur?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Arthur, TX: median home value is $96,900 (60% below national), median rent is $996/month, and median household income is $45,752. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Port Arthur?
The poverty rate in Port Arthur, TX is 29.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Port Arthur, TX?
Port Arthur's population is 28.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 5.3% Asian, and 42.1% two or more races. 20.6% of residents are foreign-born.