Port Lavaca, TX
Population 11,410 · Texas
About Port Lavaca, TX
Port Lavaca is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 11,410 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,395 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.5 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 Lavaca features a median home value of $121,000, which is 51% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Port Lavaca one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,024, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,056 total housing units, 72% are owner-occupied (3,374 units) and 28% are renter-occupied (1,284 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Port Lavaca shows an unemployment rate of 6.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Port Lavaca have an average one-way commute time of 16.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.8% of Port Lavaca 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 53.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 9.4% Asian residents, with 14.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Port Lavaca, TX
Compared to national averages, Port Lavaca has a median household income of $65,395 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,000, which is 51% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,024 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Port Lavaca's income is 10% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 43% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Port Lavaca, TX?
Port Lavaca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,024/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,395) that falls below the national average. However, Port Lavaca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Port Lavaca has a population of 11,410 with a median age of 34.5 years. Compare Port Lavaca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Port Lavaca
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Homa | 11,389 | $41,198 | $101,400 | Compare |
| Leon Valley | 11,479 | $57,695 | $236,600 | Compare |
| Town of Pecos | 11,485 | $56,361 | $113,800 | Compare |
| Four Corners | 11,490 | $72,853 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Snyder | 11,310 | $54,067 | $102,500 | Compare |
| Selma | 11,302 | $97,153 | $288,700 | Compare |
| Roma | 11,543 | $27,741 | $87,700 | Compare |
| Fredericksburg | 11,254 | $57,474 | $442,800 | 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 Lavaca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Lavaca
What is the population of Port Lavaca, TX?
The population of Port Lavaca, TX is 11,410 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 Lavaca?
The median household income in Port Lavaca, TX is $65,395 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Port Lavaca?
The median home value in Port Lavaca, TX is $121,000, 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 Lavaca?
The median monthly rent in Port Lavaca, TX is $1,024, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Port Lavaca?
The unemployment rate in Port Lavaca, TX is 6.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Port Lavaca, TX a good place to live?
Port Lavaca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,410 and a median age of 34.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Port Lavaca, TX?
13.8% of residents in Port Lavaca 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 Lavaca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Port Lavaca, TX: median home value is $121,000 (51% below national), median rent is $1,024/month, and median household income is $65,395. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Port Lavaca?
The poverty rate in Port Lavaca, TX is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Port Lavaca, TX?
Port Lavaca's population is 53.3% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 9.4% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 14.3% of residents are foreign-born.