Median Income
$54,342
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,300
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
236/100K
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.0%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.1%
97% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Port Sulphur Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,529
Median Age34.2 yrs
Density283/mi²
Male / Female66% / 34%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans4.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$54,342
Per Capita$20,927
Unemployment7.1%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$4,007M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,300
Ownership90.4%
Zillow$136,582
Housing Units621
Rent Burden29.7%
Crime
F
Violent236/100K
Property2,801/100K
Health
Obesity46.0%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking22.3%
Depression25.7%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F (21°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain63.9 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation-3 ft (-1 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+72.7%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score5.87
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute30 min
Broadband77.0%
EV Stations8
Libraries3
Is Port Sulphur a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port Sulphur receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Port Sulphur has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Port Sulphur is $54,342, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Port Sulphur is $87,300, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Port Sulphur is below the national average at 236 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,801 per 100,000, 43% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Port Sulphur enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 63.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Port Sulphur has a population of 1,529 with a density of 283 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 34.2 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.1% female and 65.9% male. The city is predominantly Black (59.8%), with 15.6% White, 1.7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 4.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.2yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port Sulphur vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Port Sulphur vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port Sulphur is $54,342, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,927 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,696, 18% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 876 business establishments, including 58 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Port Sulphur vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,342 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,927 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,696 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,259 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.1% |
| 97% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 876 |
| County GDP | $4,007M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 58 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 67 |
| Manufacturing | 28 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Port Sulphur is $87,300, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,582, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $832 for a one-bedroom to $1,007 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 621 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2004. The average annual property tax is $2,988. 29.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,300 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $136,582 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 90.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.6% |
| Housing Units | 621 |
| Median Year Built | 2004 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,988 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.42% |
In Port Sulphur, 46.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 45.4% have high blood pressure. 22.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.2% report binge drinking. 37.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.5% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,661. The dentist ratio is 1:3,753. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Port Sulphur vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.4% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.3% |
| 59% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.9% |
| Depression | 25.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 17.4% |
| Short Sleep | 46.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.4% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,661 |
| Dentists | 1:3,753 |
| Mental Health | 1:521 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.3% |
| Dental Visits | 47.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,582/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Port Sulphur has a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 residents, 38% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,801 per 100,000, 43% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Port Sulphur receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Port Sulphur vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 235.7/100K |
| 38% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,800.5/100K |
| 43% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Port Sulphur enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 317 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 63.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of -3 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 69.9°F |
| 29% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | -3 ft (-1 m) |
| Area | 8.5 sq mi (21.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 283/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 29.5045°N, 89.7220°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Plaquemines Parish County |
| Nearest Airport | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
63.9"
68% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.77"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 72.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 59.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Mar 16, 2001.
| Mar 16, 2001 |
106 km SSE of Venice, Louisiana |
M3.6 |
144 km |
| Oct 18, 1997 |
69 km SSW of Dauphin Island, Alabama |
M2.9 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
24 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Francine (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Francine |
Category 2 |
114 km |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 4 |
65 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 3 |
79 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
157 km |
| 2019 |
Barry |
Category 1 |
212 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
Isaac |
Category 1 |
52 km |
| 2009 |
Ida |
Category 1 |
150 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 2 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 5 |
12 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 3 |
272 km |
| 2005 |
Cindy |
Category 1 |
50 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 4 |
162 km |
| 2002 |
Lili |
Category 4 |
226 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
104 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
161 km |
| 1997 |
Danny |
Category 1 |
23 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 4 |
204 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
246 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 4 |
135 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
266 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 32 fatalities, 492 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 6, 1983 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1964 |
EF4 |
64 km |
22 |
| Mar 22, 2022 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Feb 7, 2017 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1992 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| May 19, 1980 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jan 28, 1966 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1957 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Dec 14, 2022 |
EF2 |
93 km |
1 |
| Feb 23, 2016 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
65 km |
1 |
| Feb 13, 2007 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 2006 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 6, 2005 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 24, 2004 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2000 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 10, 1998 |
EF2 |
61 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 1 B (2,030 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
UNIT 1 B |
2,030 |
70 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 4 CD |
1,729 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
BAYOU LACROIX |
1,714 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
SLIDELL AIRPORT |
1,663 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 7 |
1,623 |
88 km |
| 2011 |
BAD ROMANCE |
1,305 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
TONEY ISLAND |
1,215 |
96 km |
| 2004 |
UNITS 1A-1B |
1,108 |
70 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
950 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
904 |
84 km |
| 2009 |
GOOSEPOINT C |
864 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
1 B |
846 |
69 km |
| 2006 |
BOY SCOUT EAST |
826 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
823 |
99 km |
| 1998 |
UNIT 2 A |
821 |
69 km |
| 1997 |
1 A |
797 |
71 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
750 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
717 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
UNT 4A SAMMY SLOUGH |
717 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
BAPTISTE CEMETERY |
684 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
55°F (13°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
62°F (16°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
75°F (24°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
6.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| September |
80°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| October |
71°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
57°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
|
Port Sulphur has a seasonal temperature swing of 28°F / from 55°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 61.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.8") and October the driest (3.4").
Average costs for common services in Port Sulphur. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$221 ($132-$353) |
| Specialist Visit |
$309 ($176-$485) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$309) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,940 ($706-$4,410) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$221 ($132-$353) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$529 ($353-$882) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$309) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$353 ($132-$706) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,174 ($3,528-$10,584) |
| Roof Repair |
$882 ($353-$1,764) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,938 ($4,851-$13,230) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,323 ($441-$3,087) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,230 ($4,410-$26,460) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,410 ($1,764-$8,820) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,323 ($706-$2,646) |
| Will Preparation |
$441 ($176-$882) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,205 ($882-$4,410) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$221) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44-$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.62 ($2.65-$4.85) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.09 ($2.21-$4.41) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.35 ($2.21-$4.85) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.97 ($2.65-$5.73) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.85 ($3.53-$6.62) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($71-$221) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$441) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,764 ($1,058-$3,087) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($26-$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.06-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$221) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,058 ($529-$2,205) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$882 ($441-$1,764) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$353 ($176-$617) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$882 ($353-$2,205) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,025 ($4,410-$26,460) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$265 ($132-$441) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$353) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $657 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Sulphur
What is the population of Port Sulphur?
Port Sulphur has a population of 1,529 residents and is located in Louisiana. The population density is 283 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 34.1% female and 65.9% male.
Is Port Sulphur expensive to live in?
Port Sulphur is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $54,342, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,300 (69% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Port Sulphur safe?
Port Sulphur is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 236 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,801 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Port Sulphur receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Port Sulphur?
Port Sulphur enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 55°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 63.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Port Sulphur?
The unemployment rate in Port Sulphur is 7.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,696. There are 876 business establishments in the area, including 58 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Port Sulphur?
The median home value in Port Sulphur is $87,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,582. The homeownership rate is 90.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,988.
How are the schools in Port Sulphur?
Schools in Port Sulphur score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Port Sulphur hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 72.7% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Port Sulphur?
The obesity rate in Port Sulphur is 46.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.3% of adults are smokers. 37.9% are physically inactive. 25.7% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,661.
What is transportation like in Port Sulphur?
The average commute in Port Sulphur is 30 minutes. 86% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Port Sulphur?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Sulphur is 15.6% White, 59.8% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 4.3% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 85.4% have health insurance coverage.
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