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

Total population
5,111
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$32,222/yr
-36.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,661
4.5% year-over-year change

Port Isabel population

How many people live in Port Isabel

Port Isabel is home to 5,111 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.3% of Port Isabel locals are male, and 53.7% are female.

Total population
5,111
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.3%
2,366
Female
53.7%
2,745
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,366 46.3% -9.2%
Female 2,745 53.7% 10.2%
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 Isabel is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.9% are children under 15, then 17.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 20.1% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.9%
15 to 24
17.5%
25 to 44
20.1%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,015 19.9% -4.2%
15 to 24 894 17.5% 37.1%
25 to 44 1,026 20.1% -21.9%
45 to 64 1,439 28.2% 26.2%
Over 65 737 14.4% -21.0%
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 Isabel, 72.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 5.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 22.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 40.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
72.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
5.4%
Non-citizens
22.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,696 72.3% -11.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 278 5.4% 20.4%
Non-citizens 1,137 22.2% 59.5%
Racial breakdown
White
51.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
40.7%
Other
7.4%
Value Percent
White 2,653 51.9%
Two or more races 2,080 40.7%
Other 378 7.4%

Households in Port Isabel

A peek inside Port Isabel households

Port Isabel has 2,067 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 59.6% are families, while the remaining 40.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,067
9.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
835
Family households
1,232
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 835 40.4% 26.1%
Family households 1,232 59.6% 1.1%
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 Isabel

The housing landscape of Port Isabel

Port Isabel's housing consists of 2,661 units, with 41.8% 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 28.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,661
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,112 41.8%
1 unit, attached 34 1.3%
2 units 79 3%
3 or 4 units 188 7.1%
5 to 9 units 122 4.6%
10 to 19 units 120 4.5%
20 to 49 units 73 2.7%
50 or more units 151 5.7%
Mobile home 760 28.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 22 0.8%
Homes built since 2020
13
18.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Port Isabel

In Port Isabel, the median construction year is 1982. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 11.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.5% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built between 1940 and 1949 73 2.7% -17.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 185 7% 41.2%
Built between 1960 and 1969 175 6.6% -6.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 809 30.4% 18.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 554 20.8% -8.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 338 12.7% -23.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 299 11.2% 58.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 215 8.1% 3.4%
Built in 2020 or later 13 0.5% 18.2%
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 Isabel occupancy rates

Out of the 2,067 occupied housing units in Port Isabel, 60% are owner-occupied, while 40% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 22.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,067
9.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
826
Owner occupied
1,241
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 826 40% 39.8%
Owner occupied 1,241 60% -3.7%
Unoccupied housing units
22.3%
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 Isabel housing costs

Housing costs in Port Isabel come to a median of $747 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $748.

Median housing costs per month
$747/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 Isabel
$748/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 Isabel

Port Isabel education at a glance

About 38.2% of the population in Port Isabel went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.7% earned an associate degree and 11.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 676 17.8% 37.7%
High school diploma 1,453 38.2% -22.4%
College diploma 753 19.8% -0.9%
Associate degree 333 8.7% 93.6%
Bachelor's degree 450 11.8% 3.9%
Graduate degree 143 3.8% 16.3%
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 Isabel

How much people earn in Port Isabel

The average annual household income in Port Isabel was $68,052 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $32,222, reflecting a -36.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Port Isabel
$68,052/year
7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Port Isabel
$32,222/year
-36.5% year-over-year change

Port Isabel income by age

Overall, 66% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Above poverty level
3,343
Below poverty level
1,721
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,343 66% -15.5%
Below poverty level 1,721 34% 55.3%

Average renter income in Port Isabel

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Port Isabel, their median household income was $33,319 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 26.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,319
Rent-to-income ratio
26.9%
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 Isabel

Workforce and job types in Port Isabel

The job market in Port Isabel is powered by 2,333 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.7% run their own businesses, 65.3% are employed by private companies, and 17.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,333
2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,607
Blue collar
726
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,607 68.9% -3.2%
Blue collar 726 31.1% 17.5%
Employer type
Self employees
14.7%
Private companies
65.3%
Governmental workers
17.1%
Not for profit companies
3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 342 14.7% 35.7%
Private companies 1,524 65.3% 3.5%
Governmental workers 398 17.1% -12.5%
Not for profit companies 69 3% -30.3%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
-10.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Port Isabel stands at 5.2%, 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 Isabel

How people get around in Port Isabel

Commuting methods vary: 90.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 2,103 90.8% -2.6%
Walk 14 0.6% -22.2%
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 Isabel by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
78578 10,016 4,379 $51,880 $83,018

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FAQs about Port Isabel demographics 

What is the total population of Port Isabel?

Port Isabel has a total population of 5,111 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 +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Port Isabel?

The gender ratio in Port Isabel is as follows:
  • 46.3% males (2,366 residents)
  • 53.7% females (2,745 residents)

What is the median age in Port Isabel?

The median age in Port Isabel is 37.8.

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

The age distribution in Port Isabel is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.9% (1,015 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.5% (894 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 20.1% (1,026 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (1,439 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (737 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Port Isabel?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Isabel is as follows:
  • White: 51.9% (2,653 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 40.7% (2,080 residents)
  • Other: 7.4% (378 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 72.3% of the population in Port Isabel.

How many housing units are there in Port Isabel?

There are 2,661 housing units in Port Isabel, reflecting a +4.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Port Isabel has a total of 2,067 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Port Isabel?

Port Isabel has a median household income of $32,222, representing a -36.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.8% in Port Isabel, with a workforce of 2,333 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.9% (1,607 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.1% (726 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.7% (342 residents)
  • Private companies: 65.3% (1,524 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.1% (398 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3% (69 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