Port Arthur city, Texas Demographics & Population 2026

Population Overview

Port Arthur city is a mid-sized community located in Texas. The total population is 55,779. It ranks as the 68th most populous out of 1,800 cities and towns in Texas.

Age Demographics

The median age in Port Arthur city is 34.4 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 35.5 years. With 28.6% of the population under 18, Port Arthur city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Port Arthur city is $45,752. This is 40% lower than the state median of $76,292. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 42% lower. The poverty rate stands at 29.1%. This is 111% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.8%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 7.9%. This is 53% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $96,900. Housing costs are 63% lower than the state median of $260,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.1x, Port Arthur city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 57.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 62.6%.

Race & Ethnicity

Port Arthur city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 35.5%. The White (non-Hispanic) population (15.6%) is well below the state average of 39.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (42.1% vs 11.9%).

Education

11.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 66% lower than the state rate of 33.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 77.2%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Port Arthur city, Texas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Texas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,800 Census-designated places in Texas. For official data, visit data.census.gov.