Port Isabel, TX
Population 5,098 · Texas
About Port Isabel, TX
Port Isabel is a small town located in Texas with a population of 5,098 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,775 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Port Isabel features a median home value of $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Port Isabel one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $843, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,547 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (1,289 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (591 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Isabel shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Port Isabel have an average one-way commute time of 13.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Port Isabel 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 81.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 18.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Port Isabel, TX
Compared to national averages, Port Isabel has a median household income of $50,775 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $120,900, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $843 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Port Isabel's income is 30% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 43% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Port Isabel, TX?
Port Isabel offers affordable housing with a median home value of $120,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $843/month, and short commute times averaging just 13.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,775) that falls below the national average. However, Port Isabel’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Port Isabel has a population of 5,098 with a median age of 38.8 years. Compare Port Isabel with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Port Isabel
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giddings | 5,085 | $51,397 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Doffing | 5,126 | $26,525 | $93,300 | Compare |
| Justin | 5,068 | $93,887 | $364,500 | Compare |
| Terrell Hills | 5,050 | $217,800 | $762,200 | Compare |
| Hickory Creek | 5,161 | $144,434 | $510,100 | Compare |
| Hudson | 5,017 | $51,733 | $169,000 | Compare |
| Breckenridge | 5,182 | $46,989 | $76,400 | Compare |
| Center | 5,198 | $50,731 | $152,000 | 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 Isabel With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Isabel
What is the population of Port Isabel, TX?
The population of Port Isabel, TX is 5,098 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Texas.
What is the median household income in Port Isabel?
The median household income in Port Isabel, TX is $50,775 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Isabel?
The median home value in Port Isabel, TX is $120,900, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Port Isabel?
The median monthly rent in Port Isabel, TX is $843, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Isabel?
The unemployment rate in Port Isabel, TX is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Port Isabel, TX a good place to live?
Port Isabel offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,098 and a median age of 38.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Port Isabel, TX?
15.6% of residents in Port Isabel 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 Isabel?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Isabel, TX: median home value is $120,900 (51% below national), median rent is $843/month, and median household income is $50,775. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Port Isabel?
The poverty rate in Port Isabel, TX is 22.3%, 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 Isabel, TX?
Port Isabel's population is 81.7% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 18.5% of residents are foreign-born.