Why Live in Port Arthur
Port Arthur's coastal location along Sabine Lake and the Gulf of Mexico creates abundant opportunities for fishing, boating, and beach activities at Sea Rim State Park. The Museum of the Gulf Coast celebrates the region's rich cultural heritage and famous residents like Janis Joplin, while Pleasure Island and the Port Arthur Boardwalk provide waterfront recreation. Nature lovers frequent the J.D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge for bird watching. Local dining highlights include fresh seafood at The Schooner Restaurant, authentic Cajun cuisine at Reel Cajun Seafood Restaurant & Bar, and traditional boudin at Big Doobie's Boudin & Cracklins.
The housing market features diverse options across several neighborhoods. The median single family home price in Port Arthur stands at $158,000, with variations by area. Sabine Pass commands higher prices with a median of $330,000 for single family homes, while Port Acres shows a median of $169,000. West Port Arthur's median reaches $240,000. Condominiums present more affordable options, with one bedroom units at a median price of $134,900 and two bedroom units at $195,000. Townhomes have a median price of $100,000.
Property taxes in Jefferson County maintain an effective rate of 1.57%, comparable to nearby Beaumont but higher than Orange County's 1.25%. Texas residents benefit from no state income tax, though they face a combined sales tax rate of 8.20%. The Sabine Pass School, rated A by Niche, serves multiple neighborhoods including Sabine Pass and West Port Arthur. Major employers include Motiva Enterprises, Valero, and the Port of Port Arthur, with the petrochemical industry forming the economic backbone. The city sits 90 miles from Houston and Lake Charles, Louisiana, providing access to additional job markets.
Home Trends in Port Arthur, TX
On average, homes in Port Arthur, TX sell after 68 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Port Arthur, TX over the last 12 months is $157,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$157,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$158,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$117,450
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$104
Number of Homes for Sale
102
Last 12 months Home Sales
275
Median List Price
$165,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
6%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%