Median Income
$50,775
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$120,900
57% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
158/100K
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.6%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$843
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.6%
18% higher than US avg
How Port Isabel Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,098
Median Age38.8 yrs
Density751/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,775
Per Capita$24,871
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty14.6%
County GDP$17,387M
Commute13 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$120,900
Rent$843
Ownership68.6%
Zillow$259,008
Housing Units2,664
Rent Burden32.2%
Crime
F
Violent158/100K
Property2,926/100K
Murder19.8/100K
Assault138/100K
Burglary514/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured35.0%
Smoking14.3%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp74°F (23°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days312/yr
Elevation4 ft (1 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+79.8%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.14
Community
2024 VoteR 53% / D 47%
Commute13 min
Broadband73.5%
EV Stations22
Libraries9
Is Port Isabel a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port Isabel receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Port Isabel has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Port Isabel is $50,775, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Port Isabel is $120,900, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $843 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Port Isabel is below the national average at 158 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,926 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.1/10.
Climate & Weather
Port Isabel has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F. Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. With 312 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Port Isabel has a population of 5,098 with a density of 751 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age is 38.8 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (73.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.7% of residents, while 55.3% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 6.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 58.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.8yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port Isabel vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.7%
43% below US avg
Spanish
55.3%
313% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Port Isabel vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port Isabel is $50,775, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,871 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $857, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,200 business establishments, including 815 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Port Isabel vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,775 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,871 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $857 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $48,428 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.6% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,200 |
| County GDP | $17,387M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 815 |
| Healthcare | 1,060 |
| Retail | 1,030 |
| Manufacturing | 186 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Port Isabel is $120,900, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,008, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $843 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,664 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $6,394 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $120,900 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $259,008 |
| Median List Price | $377,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $377,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $298 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 22.5% |
| Inventory | 40 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $843 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,938 |
| Rent Burden | 32.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,664 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,394 |
| 83% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.29% |
In Port Isabel, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 32.9% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 16.4% report binge drinking. 35.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.9% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 35.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034. The dentist ratio is 1:3,127. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Port Isabel vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 8.9% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 5.0% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.8% |
| Depression | 19.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 58.1% |
| Uninsured | 35.0% |
| 307% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,034 |
| Dentists | 1:3,127 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,028 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.7% |
| Dental Visits | 48.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,065/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,060 |
Port Isabel has a violent crime rate of 158 per 100,000 residents, 58% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 138.4 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 19.8 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,926 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,412, burglary at 514, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 32 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Port Isabel receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Port Isabel vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 158.2/100K |
| 58% below US avg |
| Murder | 19.8/100K |
| 214% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 138.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,926.1/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| Burglary | 514.0/100K |
| Theft | 2,412.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 32 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Port Isabel has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winters average 60°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. The area gets 312 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 4 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
60°F Jan (16°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 73.9°F |
| 37% above US avg |
| January Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
| Sunny Days | 312 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4 ft (1 m) |
| Area | 6.8 sq mi (17.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 751/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.0630°N, 97.2467°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cameron County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brownsville/South Padre Island International (BRO)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.38"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0363 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively High |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.7. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 28, 2021.
| Jun 28, 2021 |
96 km E of South Padre Island, Texas |
M2.7 |
104 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Beryl (2024, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Beryl |
Category 1 |
232 km |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 1 |
255 km |
| 2021 |
Nicholas |
Category 1 |
239 km |
| 2020 |
Hanna |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 2017 |
Harvey |
Category 4 |
134 km |
| 2010 |
Alex |
Category 2 |
190 km |
| 2008 |
Dolly |
Category 2 |
35 km |
| 2005 |
Emily |
Category 3 |
145 km |
| 2003 |
Claudette |
Category 1 |
269 km |
| 2003 |
Erika |
Category 1 |
86 km |
| 1999 |
Bret |
Category 4 |
75 km |
| 1988 |
Gilbert |
Category 4 |
208 km |
| 1983 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
75 km |
| 1980 |
Allen |
Category 5 |
6 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
107 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 16 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1980 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1970 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1969 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1962 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 13, 2023 |
EF1 |
3 km |
1 |
| Oct 30, 2015 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 2011 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jul 16, 2007 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1997 |
EF1 |
25 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1988 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1977 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1977 |
EF1 |
8 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1970 |
EF1 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1970 |
EF1 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1969 |
EF1 |
3 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 20, 1967 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HAYFIELD SOUTH (11,038 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HAYFIELD SOUTH |
11,038 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
POLO |
5,571 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
KING RANCH |
3,075 |
93 km |
| 2009 |
STILLMAN |
1,466 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
60°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
62°F (17°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
68°F (20°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| April |
73°F (23°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
79°F (26°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| June |
82°F (28°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
84°F (29°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
68°F (20°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
61°F (16°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Port Isabel has a seasonal temperature swing of 24°F / from 60°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.4") and March the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Port Isabel. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $667 |
| Toddler | $632 |
| Preschool | $619 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $611 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $580 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Isabel
What is the population of Port Isabel?
Port Isabel has a population of 5,098 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 751 people per square mile, spread across 6.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.8 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Port Isabel expensive to live in?
Port Isabel has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,775, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $120,900 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $843 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Port Isabel safe?
Port Isabel is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 158 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,926 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Port Isabel receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Port Isabel?
Port Isabel has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 74°F (23°C). Winter temperatures average 60°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. The area receives 312 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Port Isabel?
Port Isabel has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $857. There are 7,200 business establishments in the area, including 815 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Port Isabel?
The median home value in Port Isabel is $120,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $259,008. For renters, the median monthly rent is $843. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,394.
How are the schools in Port Isabel?
Schools in Port Isabel score 5.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.6% of adults in Port Isabel hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.8% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Port Isabel?
The obesity rate in Port Isabel is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 35.8% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 35.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,034.
What is transportation like in Port Isabel?
The average commute in Port Isabel is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Port Isabel?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Isabel is 73.3% White. 44.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.3% speak Spanish. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 6.7% of residents have a disability. 58.1% have health insurance coverage.
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