Is Port Isabel Safe, Pros and cons of living in Port Isabel
Is it Safe to Live in Port Isabel?
Port Isabel presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that warrant attention. The city experiences a crime rate of 75.45 per 1,000 residents annually (according to Crime Grade). This figure places Port Isabel in the 2nd percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than only 2% of U.S. cities. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime in Port Isabel varies by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 6 in the southeast to 1 in 29 in the south.
When examining specific crime categories, Port Isabel’s violent crime rate is comparable to the national average, with 369 incidents per 100,000 people (as reported by AreaVibes). However, property crimes are significantly higher than the national average, with Port Isabel recording 3,825 property crimes per 100,000 residents, which is 117.3% higher than the U.S. average (according to AreaVibes). Overall, Port Isabel has a crime rate that is 98% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Demographics and Community
Port Isabel is a city in Cameron County, Texas, with a population of approximately 5,111 residents as of the most recent Census data (according to Data USA). The median age in Port Isabel is around 37.8 years (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with 79% of residents identifying as Hispanic (according to Data USA).
The foreign-born population in Port Isabel is approximately 27.7% of residents (as of 2024, according to Data USA). Citizens make up 77.8% of the population, which is lower than the national average of 93.2% (according to Data USA). The city has a notable population of military personnel, with a higher concentration of those who served in the Gulf War (2001-) compared to other conflicts (as reported by Data USA).
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Port Isabel is generally lower than the national average. Housing expenses in Port Isabel are approximately 35% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Overall, Port Isabel’s cost of living is estimated to be 21% lower than the national average.
However, utility prices are about 23% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Transportation expenses, such as gas prices and bus fares, are 16% lower than the national average (according to Payscale). Grocery prices are also slightly lower, by about 7% compared to the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Housing Costs
The median home price in Port Isabel is approximately $356,802 as of May 2026 (according to HAR.com). The price per square foot for homes in Port Isabel is around $344 (as reported by HAR.com). For renters, the average rent for a two-bedroom home is about $2,393 per month (according to HAR.com).
Another source indicates a median listing price of $319,000 for homes in Port Isabel, with a median rental price of $1,900 per month (as reported by Zumper). This suggests a range in housing costs depending on the specific property and market conditions. The median home value is reported as $182,600, with a median rent of $748 per month (according to Niche).
Job Market and Economy
Port Isabel’s economy employs approximately 2,330 individuals (as of 2024, according to Data USA). The largest industries in Port Isabel are Accommodation & Food Services, Other Services (Except Public Administration), and Public Administration (as reported by Data USA). The highest-paying industries include Construction, Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (according to Data USA).
The unemployment rate in Port Isabel is 2.0%, which is 46% below the national average of 3.7% (according to Kurby AI). This indicates a relatively strong job market for the city. Major employers in Port Isabel include Walmart, McDonald’s, and the United States Postal Service (as reported by Indeed). Other significant companies in the greater Port Isabel area include HEB, Dollar General, and Walgreens.
Average Salary and Income
The average annual salary in Port Isabel is approximately $61,723, which breaks down to about $29.67 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources provide different figures for median household income. One report states the median household income in Port Isabel was $46,409 (according to Livability.com). Another source indicates a median household income of $32,222 (according to Point2Homes).
The average salary for some roles in Port Isabel, TX, is around $53,688 annually, equating to approximately $25.81 per hour (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The median wage in Port Isabel is reported as $34,400 per year (according to ZipRecruiter). These varied figures highlight the importance of considering specific job roles and data sources when evaluating income potential.
Climate and Weather
Port Isabel experiences a climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 52°F to 93°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Weather Spark). The average annual precipitation is around 27 to 28 inches (according to myPerfectWeather and World Climate).
Summers in Port Isabel are long, hot, and can be oppressive, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 88°F from late May to late September (as reported by Weather Spark). August is typically the hottest month, with average highs around 93°F and lows of 78°F. The winter months are short, cool, and dry, with January temperatures averaging a high of 70°F and a low of 52°F.
Education
Port Isabel is served by the Point Isabel Independent School District (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger). The district serves approximately 1,786 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 (according to Niche). Public schools in Port Isabel have an average math proficiency score of 31% and a reading proficiency score of 44% (as reported by Niche).
The overall ranking for Port Isabel’s public schools is in the bottom 50% of Texas public schools (according to Niche). Derry Elementary School, Port Isabel J High School, and Garriga Elementary School are among the top-ranked public schools in the city (as reported by Niche). Port Isabel High School has a graduation rate of 87% and an average GPA of 3.5 (according to Homes.com).
Pros and Cons of Living in Port Isabel
Port Isabel offers a desirable lifestyle for many, with its warm climate and coastal location being significant draws. The cost of living, particularly housing expenses, is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by Payscale and RentCafe). The city also boasts a relatively low unemployment rate, suggesting a stable job market for residents (as reported by Kurby AI).
However, the higher-than-average property crime rate is a considerable concern for potential residents (as reported by AreaVibes). The educational system in Port Isabel also presents challenges, with public schools generally ranking lower than state and national averages in proficiency scores (according to Niche). Additionally, some sources indicate a lower median household income compared to national figures, which could impact the overall quality of life for some residents (as reported by Livability.com and Point2Homes).