Port Arthur, Texas Profile
Port Arthur is located on Sabine Lake along the Gulf Coast in Southeast Texas. It’s about five miles east of the Rainbow Bridge over the Neches River, and around seventeen miles southeast of Beaumont. State Highway 87 runs through the city, connecting it to major roads and the coastal industry. Port Arthur started as a port and rail center in the late 1800s, chosen by railroad builder Arthur E. Stilwell as the end of his line. The city was officially established in 1898 and opened its port to ships the following year.
After the Spindletop oil discovery near Beaumont in 1901, Port Arthur grew quickly and became a hub for oil refining and petrochemical work along the Gulf Coast. The city developed around its busy port, big industrial plants, and neighborhoods that still shape the community today. Today, the city remains an important industrial and port center in Jefferson County and supports a diverse community.
Port Arthur, TX
Population Demographics
As of 2026 the population of Port Arthur, TX is 56,717. The population is expected to grow to 56,946 by 2031 - a growth rate of 0.08%.
The median age of Port Arthur, TX residents is 36.
The diversity index of Port Arthur, TX is 86.8, meaning that there is a 87% chance that any two people selected out of 100 residents will be of different race or ethnicity from one another.
Housing and Income
The average household income in Port Arthur, TX is $68,214 and projected to be $78,433 in 2031. Per capita income is $25,706, projected to be $29,543 in 2031. 1.98% of households – 1,121 – have an income of $200,000 or higher. Average net worth is $470,979 and the average disposable income is $54,959.
There are 24,888 housing units in Port Arthur, TX; 11,776 are owner-occupied, 9,446 are rented, and 3,666 are vacant. The average home value is $202,287, with 3,898 homes built in 2010 or later, and 1,159 built in 1939 or earlier.
Business and Workforce
There are 1,732 businesses in Port Arthur, TX, employing 21,720 workers and pulling from a labor force of 20,026 age 16 and above. 1,926 workers commute into Port Arthur, TX from outside the county or state. Key industries for the area include:
17,401 residents both live and work in/around Port Arthur, TX. The average travel time is 23.4 minutes. 1.11% people have a commute of less than 5 minutes while 3.17% commute 90 minutes or more each way. Of commuters, 17,931 drive alone, 1,480 carpool, and 114 take public transportation. 295 use other modes of transport such as motorcycle, bicycle, walking, etc. 206 residents work from home.
13,769 members of the workforce hold a high school diploma or GED. 3,982 have associates degrees, 3,597 have bachelor’s degrees, and 1,589 hold a graduate or professional degree.
Source: ESRI, 2026-09-09