Port Arthur, TX demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
55,828
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,354/yr
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,631
0.8% year-over-year change

Port Arthur population

How many people live in Port Arthur

Port Arthur is home to 55,828 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.8% of Port Arthur locals are male, and 50.2% are female.

Total population
55,828
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.8%
27,812
Female
50.2%
28,016
Value Percent YoY change
Male 27,812 49.8% 1.6%
Female 28,016 50.2% -1.3%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Port Arthur is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 23% are children under 15, then 13.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25% of the population, while another 23.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
23%
15 to 24
13.8%
25 to 44
25%
45 to 64
23.3%
Over 65
14.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 12,839 23% -3.4%
15 to 24 7,707 13.8% -0.8%
25 to 44 13,986 25% 1.6%
45 to 64 13,016 23.3% -2.8%
Over 65 8,280 14.8% 9.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Port Arthur, 78.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 8.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 19.4% of locals are Caucasian, 42.4% are African American and 4.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 17.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
78.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
8.7%
Non-citizens
12.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 43,890 78.6% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 4,875 8.7% -1.1%
Non-citizens 7,063 12.6% -3.0%
Racial breakdown
White
19.4%
Black or African American
42.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.2%
Asian
4.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
17.7%
Other
14.9%
Value Percent
White 10,825 19.4%
Black or African American 23,641 42.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 678 1.2%
Asian 2,492 4.5%
Two or more races 9,872 17.7%
Other 8,320 14.9%

Households in Port Arthur

A peek inside Port Arthur households

Port Arthur has 21,630 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 63% are families, while the remaining 37% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
21,630
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
8,003
Family households
13,627
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 8,003 37% 4.8%
Family households 13,627 63% 1.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Port Arthur

The housing landscape of Port Arthur

Port Arthur's housing consists of 25,631 units, with 68.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,631
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 17,580 68.6%
1 unit, attached 322 1.3%
2 units 357 1.4%
3 or 4 units 1,330 5.2%
5 to 9 units 2,628 10.2%
10 to 19 units 1,598 6.2%
20 to 49 units 610 2.4%
50 or more units 808 3.2%
Mobile home 393 1.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 5 0%
Homes built since 2020
352
63.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Port Arthur

In Port Arthur, the median construction year is 1976. About 4.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 14.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,159 4.5% 8.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 688 2.7% -26.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,273 12.8% -11.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 5,268 20.6% 6.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,282 16.7% -2.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,977 7.7% -5.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,305 5.1% -17.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3,781 14.8% 13.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 3,546 13.8% 11.4%
Built in 2020 or later 352 1.4% 63.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Port Arthur occupancy rates

Out of the 21,630 occupied housing units in Port Arthur, 58% are owner-occupied, while 42% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
21,630
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
9,078
Owner occupied
12,552
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 9,078 42% 0.6%
Owner occupied 12,552 58% 4.0%
Unoccupied housing units
15.6%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Port Arthur housing costs

Housing costs in Port Arthur come to a median of $785 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,021.

Median housing costs per month
$785/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Port Arthur
$1,021/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Port Arthur

Port Arthur education at a glance

About 48.3% of the population in Port Arthur went to high school, while 20.5% pursued college studies. Another 9% earned an associate degree and 8.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 4,209 10.4% -3.0%
High school diploma 19,558 48.3% 0.3%
College diploma 8,307 20.5% -2.1%
Associate degree 3,633 9% 11.2%
Bachelor's degree 3,368 8.3% 14.3%
Graduate degree 1,424 3.5% 11.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Port Arthur

How much people earn in Port Arthur

The average annual household income in Port Arthur was $66,283 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,354, reflecting a +1.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Port Arthur
$66,283/year
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Port Arthur
$46,354/year
1.3% year-over-year change

Port Arthur income by age

In Port Arthur, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $46,901. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,046 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $22,198, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,104 in earnings. Overall, 71.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $22,198 27.5%
25 - 44 $46,901 -0.3%
45 - 64 $58,046 3.5%
Over 65 $35,104 6.8%
Above poverty level
38,429
Below poverty level
15,614
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 38,429 71.1% 0.4%
Below poverty level 15,614 28.9% -1.2%

Average renter income in Port Arthur

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Port Arthur, their median household income was $27,126 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,126
Rent-to-income ratio
45.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Port Arthur

Workforce and job types in Port Arthur

The job market in Port Arthur is powered by 20,430 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.3% run their own businesses, 73.9% are employed by private companies, and 14.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
20,430
3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
13,461
Blue collar
6,969
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 13,461 65.9% 4.9%
Blue collar 6,969 34.1% 0.5%
Employer type
Self employees
7.3%
Private companies
73.9%
Governmental workers
14.3%
Not for profit companies
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,499 7.3% 7.8%
Private companies 15,091 73.9% 3.6%
Governmental workers 2,916 14.3% -3.5%
Not for profit companies 924 4.5% 16.5%
Unemployment rate
8.4%
10.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Port Arthur stands at 8.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Port Arthur

How people get around in Port Arthur

Commuting methods vary: 96.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 19,411 96.9% 3.8%
Bus or trolleybus 105 0.5% -6.2%
Subway or elevated 9 0% N/A
Bicycle 41 0.2% 13.9%
Walk 166 0.8% 9.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Port Arthur by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
77640 17,167 7,175 $50,973 $71,338
77642 38,358 14,306 $42,950 $63,435

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FAQs about Port Arthur demographics 

What is the total population of Port Arthur?

Port Arthur has a total population of 55,828 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Port Arthur?

The gender ratio in Port Arthur is as follows:
  • 49.8% males (27,812 residents)
  • 50.2% females (28,016 residents)

What is the median age in Port Arthur?

The median age in Port Arthur is 35.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Port Arthur?

The age distribution in Port Arthur is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23% (12,839 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.8% (7,707 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25% (13,986 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.3% (13,016 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.8% (8,280 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Port Arthur?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Arthur is as follows:
  • White: 19.4% (10,825 residents)
  • Black or African American: 42.4% (23,641 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.2% (678 residents)
  • Asian: 4.5% (2,492 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 17.7% (9,872 residents)
  • Other: 14.9% (8,320 residents)

What percentage of the population in Port Arthur are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 78.6% of the population in Port Arthur.

How many housing units are there in Port Arthur?

There are 25,631 housing units in Port Arthur, reflecting a +0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Port Arthur and what is the average household size?

Port Arthur has a total of 21,630 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Port Arthur?

Port Arthur has a median household income of $46,354, representing a +1.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Port Arthur?

The employment rate is 91.6% in Port Arthur, with a workforce of 20,430 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.9% (13,461 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.1% (6,969 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.3% (1,499 residents)
  • Private companies: 73.9% (15,091 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 14.3% (2,916 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.5% (924 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025