In Port Arthur, a typical home is worth $107,400 and typical rent is $1,021 a month. Compared with all of Jefferson County, the typical home value is 37% lower and typical household income is 23% lower.
Typical home value from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $124,154 to $124,744.
Typical rent
$1,196a month
▲ 3% more than 12 months ago
Typical rent from Zillow, June 2022 to September 2026: from $960 to $1,196.
From Zillow (ZHVI/ZORI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).
Port Arthur is in Jefferson County. The FHA loan limit ($541,287 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Jefferson County. See the county
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
1
The typical home in Port Arthur is worth $107,400,37% less than in Jefferson County as a whole ($169,500).
2
According to Zillow, in the 12 months to September 2026 the typical home value in Port Arthur rose 3.1%; in Texas, it fell 1.4%.
3
Nearby, in Vidor, the typical rent is $820: 20% less than in Port Arthur ($1,021).
4
The typical household income in Port Arthur is $46,354,23% less than in Jefferson County as a whole ($60,026).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); Zillow (September 2026 data). Zillow data
The homes here
Housing in Port Arthur
What homes there are in Port Arthur, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).
What homes there are
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Kind of home
Detached houseAttached houseBuilding of 2 to 4Apartments (5 or more)Mobile homeBoat, RV and otherUnreliable estimate
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Texas
United States
Kind of home: Port Arthur and its comparisons
Measure
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Texas
United States
Detached house
69%
71%
64%
61%
Attached house
1%
3%
3%
6%
Building of 2 to 4
7%
6%
5%
8%
Apartments (5 or more)
22%
17%
21%
19%
Mobile home
2%
3%
6%
6%
Boat, RV and other
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
The detached house is the most common home in Port Arthur: 69% of homes, near the figure in Jefferson County (71%).
Year built
Before 19601960–19791980–19992000–20092010 or later
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Texas
United States
Year built: Port Arthur and its comparisons
Measure
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Texas
United States
Before 1960
20%
17%
12%
26%
1960–1979
37%
37%
21%
24%
1980–1999
13%
20%
28%
25%
2000–2009
15%
13%
18%
14%
2010 or later
15%
13%
21%
11%
By age, homes in Port Arthur look like those in Jefferson County: the typical year built is 1976.
Homes in Port Arthur are smaller: 49% have 3 bedrooms or more; in Jefferson County, 59%.
What it costs here
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Value of owner-occupied homes
Under the limitOver the limitUnreliable estimate
Under $100K47%
$100K–$200K30%
$200K–$300K13%
$300K–$500K8%
$500K–$750KUnreliable
FHA limit: $541,287
$750K–$1MUnreliable
$1M or moreUnreliable
Value of owner-occupied homes: Port Arthur and its comparisons
Measure
Port Arthur
Under $100K
47%
$100K–$200K
30%
$200K–$300K
13%
$300K–$500K
8%
$500K–$750K
Unreliable estimate
$750K–$1M
Unreliable estimate
$1M or more
Unreliable estimate
At least 97% of owner-occupied homes in Port Arthur are worth less than $500,000, below the FHA loan limit for Jefferson County ($541,287).
Monthly rent with utilities
Under the limitOver the limitUnreliable estimate
Under $50022%
$500–$99926%
$1,000–$1,49939%
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,218
$1,500–$1,99910%
$2,000–$2,499Unreliable
$2,500–$2,999Unreliable
$3,000 or moreUnreliable
Monthly rent with utilities: Port Arthur and its comparisons
Measure
Port Arthur
Under $500
22%
$500–$999
26%
$1,000–$1,499
39%
$1,500–$1,999
10%
$2,000–$2,499
Unreliable estimate
$2,500–$2,999
Unreliable
$3,000 or more
Unreliable estimate
About 65% of rented homes in Port Arthur cost less than HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent for Jefferson County ($1,218); the rest cost more.
With a mortgage
$1,474 a month
Jefferson County: $1,737 a month
Without a mortgage
$455 a month
Jefferson County: $549 a month
Owners with a mortgage
30%
Jefferson County: 43%
Owning costs less in Port Arthur: with a mortgage, the typical cost is $1,474 a month; in Jefferson County, $1,737. Without one, $455.
How it changed
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024
Change since 2015–2019
Typical home value
Port Arthur+63%
Jefferson County+50%
Texas+65%
United States+53%
Typical rent
Port Arthur+24%
Jefferson County+28%
Texas+34%
United States+33%
Typical household income
Port Arthur+27%
Jefferson County+17%
Texas+27%
United States+29%
Change since 2015–2019: Port Arthur and its comparisons
Measure
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Texas
United States
Typical home value
+63%
+50%
+65%
+53%
Typical rent
+24%
+28%
+34%
+33%
Typical household income
+27%
+17%
+27%
+29%
The typical home value in Port Arthur rose 63% since 2015–2019, more than in Jefferson County (50%).
Rents in Port Arthur rose more slowly than in Jefferson County: 24% since 2015–2019, against 28%.
While home values in Port Arthur changed +63% and rent +24%, the typical household income rose 27%.
How people live
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
How people live: Port Arthur and its comparisons
Measure
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Texas
United States
Rental vacancy
4.3%
6.7%
7.7%
5.5%
Homeowner vacancy
Unreliable estimate
1.3%
1.1%
0.9%
More than one person per room
4.4%
3.7%
4.8%
3.4%
People per household
2.55
2.52
2.69
2.53
Drive alone
90%
86%
71%
69%
Carpool
7%
8%
10%
9%
Public transit
Unreliable estimate
1%
1%
3%
Walk or bike
Unreliable estimate
2%
2%
3%
Work from home
Unreliable estimate
3%
14%
15%
Other means
Unreliable estimate
1%
2%
2%
Typical commute
20 to 29 minutes
10 to 19 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
In Port Arthur, the rental vacancy rate is 4.3%; in Jefferson County, 6.7%.
More than one person per room: that is how 4.4% of households in Port Arthur live, near the figure in Jefferson County (3.7%).
Much as in Jefferson County, a household in Port Arthur has 2.55 people on average.
To get to work, 90% of workers in Port Arthur drive alone; in Jefferson County, 86%.
Do the math
What would you pay each month for a home in Port Arthur?
A typical home is within reach of the typical income
We start with a typical home in Port Arthur, worth $107,400, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 24% of the typical household income in Port Arthur, which is $46,354 a year.
The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Jefferson County.
Change the price, the down payment or the loan: the payment updates right away.
Your numbers
Local data
$
Starts at the typical home value in Port Arthur. Change it to the price you have in mind.
Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.
Down payment
%
That is $3,759 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.
This week's average ± a quarter or half point.
National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.
Adjust advanced details⌄
Estimated monthly payment
Local data
$934
at 7.18% · 30 years
Loan amount
$105,455
Total interest
$151,725
Paid off in
November 2056
Includes $1,814 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
Does it fit the income?
Comfortable
up to $1,082 a month
Your payment · 24%
Tight
$1,082 to $1,391 a month
Hard
more than $1,391 a month
Compared with the typical household income in Port Arthur ($46,354 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.
Monthly payment breakdown
Principal & interest
$714
Property tax
$127
Home insurance
$45
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
$48
You need at least $3,759 for the down payment, plus closing costs.
This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.
Total monthly payment $934; principal and interest $714.
The city and its county
Port Arthur and Jefferson County
Port Arthur is in Jefferson County, Texas. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).
Port Arthur
Map of Jefferson County, Texas, with Port Arthur marked. Around it, the neighboring counties.
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Other cities with a page
Port Arthur's own numbers
Typical home value
$107,400
Typical monthly rent
$1,021
Typical yearly household income
$46,354
Households that own their home
58%
Effective property tax rate
1.42%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).
Numbers for all of Jefferson County
FHA limit, one-unit home
$541,287
Conventional limit, one unit
$832,750
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,218
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+31%
HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.
Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Jefferson County.
A typical home in Port Arthur is worth $107,400: 37% below the county and 62% below Texas. With the typical household income in Port Arthur ($46,354 a year), a typical home costs 2.3 times what the household earns in a year.
Years of income to pay for a typical home
The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.
Port Arthur2.3 years
Jefferson2.8 years
Texas3.6 years
United States4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024
How prices have changed in Jefferson County
According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Jefferson County rose 61% in the 10 years through 2025.
FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Jefferson County.
Yearly change in FHFA’s price index in Jefferson County, 2016 to 2025
2016: +4.4% +4.4% 2016
2017: +3.2% +3.2% 2017
2018: +5.6% +5.6% 2018
2019: +4.7% +4.7% 2019
2020: +3.5% +3.5% 2020
2021: +7.6% +7.6% 2021
2022: +10.7% +10.7% 2022
2023: +3.7% +3.7% 2023
2024: +4.0% +4.0% 2024
2025: +1.9% +1.9% 2025
Change in FHFA’s price index in Jefferson County, Texas and the United States
Period
County
Texas
U.S.
Last year (2025)
+1.9%
+0.8%
+2.9%
5 years (2020–2025)
+31%
+44%
+47%
10 years (2015–2025)
+61%
+88%
+85%
The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data
Port Arthur next to Jefferson County, Texas and the U.S.
Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.
Typical home value
Port Arthur$107,400
Jefferson$169,500
Texas$283,800
United States$332,700
Typical monthly rent
Port Arthur$1,021
Jefferson$1,117
Texas$1,403
United States$1,413
Typical yearly household income
Port Arthur$46,354
Jefferson$60,026
Texas$78,476
United States$80,734
See the full table
Port Arthur next to Jefferson County and Texas
Measure
Port Arthur
Jefferson County
Texas
U.S.
Typical home value
$107,400 ▼37% below the county
$169,500
$283,800
$332,700
Typical monthly rent
$1,021 ▼9% below the county
$1,117
$1,403
$1,413
Typical yearly household income
$46,354 ▼23% below the county
$60,026
$78,476
$80,734
Households that own their home
58% ▼4 points below the county
63%
63%
65%
Typical yearly property tax
$1,521 ▼42% below the county
$2,600
$4,232
$3,119
Effective property tax rate
1.42% ▼0.11 points below the county
1.53%
1.49%
0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income
58% ▲6 points above the county
53%
52%
51%
“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Jefferson County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Port Arthur
For a typical $107,400 home in Port Arthur, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Port Arthur's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.
FHA, 3.5% down$934a month
Least cash to close
Down payment
$3,759
Cash to close
$6,981
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
FHA MIP · $48
Conventional, 5% down$914a month
Down payment
$5,370
Cash to close
$8,592
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
PMI · $51
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI$754a month
Down payment
$21,480
Cash to close
$24,702
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
ITIN, 15% down (example)$853a month
Down payment
$16,110
Cash to close
$19,332
Rate
8.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Port Arthur
Loan
Monthly payment
Down payment
Loan amount
Rate
Mortgage insurance
Cash to close
Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down Least cash to close
$934
$3,759
$105,455
7.18%
FHA MIP · $48
$6,981
580
Conventional, 5% down
$914
$5,370
$102,030
7.18%
PMI · $51
$8,592
620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI
$754
$21,480
$85,920
7.18%
None
$24,702
620*
ITIN, 15% down (example)
$853
$16,110
$91,290
8.18%
None
$19,332
Set by the lender
The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.
Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.
Typical rent in Port Arthur is $1,021 a month: 9% below the county. In Port Arthur, 58% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Jefferson County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($1,218 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $23.42 an hour working full time.
What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.
HUD fair market rent in Jefferson County (Fiscal year 2027)
Size
Fair rent a month
Hourly wage
Yearly income
Studio
$980
$18.85
$39,200
1 bedroom
$986
$18.96
$39,440
2 bedrooms
$1,218
$23.42
$48,720
3 bedrooms
$1,588
$30.54
$63,520
4 bedrooms
$1,944
$37.38
$77,760
Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
Fair market rent by ZIP code in Port Arthur
HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Port Arthur has 3 ZIP codes with their own.
For 2 bedrooms it runs from $1,150 in 77642 to $1,350 in 77655.
2 of the 3 are above the fair market rent for Jefferson County ($1,218).
2-bedroom fair market rent in each of the 3 ZIP codes of Port Arthur, beside the one for Jefferson County. For 2 bedrooms it runs from $1,150 in 77642 to $1,350 in 77655. 2 of the 3 are above the fair market rent for Jefferson County ($1,218).
2-bedroom fair market rent in each ZIP code
Each line is one ZIP code: in color, those above the county's fair market rent; in gray, the rest.
County: $1,218
Lowest: $1,150 (77642)Highest: $1,350 (77655)
Fair market rent by ZIP code and size in Port Arthur, fiscal year 2027.
77640
$1,090
$1,090
$1,350
$1,760
$2,150
77642
$930
$930
$1,150
$1,500
$1,840
77655
$1,090
$1,090
$1,350
$1,760
$2,150
ZIP code2 bd3 bd
77640 $1,350$1,760
77642 $1,150$1,500
77655 $1,350$1,760
3 of these ZIP codes cross the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Port Arthur when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)Fiscal year 2027Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship fileData from 2020 dataCensus Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (external site)
HUD lists 20 buildings with rents for lower incomes in Port Arthur. These are the largest.
Shire Apts4020 Highway 365, Port Arthur 77642310 low-income homes · In service since 2004
Heatherbrook Apartments7808 Heatherbrook Trl, Port Arthur 77642256 low-income homes · For older adults(409) 722-6527
Heatherbrook Apts7900 Heatherbrook Trl, Port Arthur 77642256 low-income homes · In service since 2005
Stonegate Manor4121 Turtle Creek Dr, Port Arthur 77642240 homes, 215 low-income · For families(409) 727-0709
Crystalcreek Park Apts8101 Honeywood Trl, Port Arthur 77642202 low-income homes · Studio: 34 · 1 bd: 156 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For older adults(409) 727-1684
You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.
There are 2 HUD-approved agencies with an office in Jefferson County; 1 says it serves in Spanish.
No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Port Arthur or Jefferson County. The ones below are statewide in Texas: they work in Port Arthur the same as in the rest of the state.
Texas state program for first-time buyers: a 30-year mortgage with down payment assistance.Offered by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
Texas state program with down payment assistance for any buyer, not only first-time buyers.Offered by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
Texas state certificate that turns part of your mortgage interest into a credit on your federal tax return.Offered by Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
No legal help resource on our list is for Port Arthur or Jefferson County in particular.
If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.
Short answers with the numbers for Port Arthur and all of Jefferson County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.
How much does a typical home cost in Port Arthur?
The typical home value in Port Arthur is $107,400, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Jefferson County it is $169,500.
How much does it cost to rent in Port Arthur?
Typical rent in Port Arthur is $1,021 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Jefferson County is $1,218.
What is the FHA loan limit in Port Arthur?
Port Arthur uses the FHA limit for all of Jefferson County (2026): $541,287 for a one-unit home and $1,041,125 for a four-unit home.
How much property tax do owners pay in Port Arthur?
The typical homeowner in Port Arthur pays $1,521 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 1.42% of the home’s value; in Jefferson County, the rate is 1.53%.
Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Port Arthur?
There are 2 HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Jefferson County. 1 says it serves in Spanish. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.
