City in Jefferson County, the center of the Beaumont metro

Living in Beaumont, TX

F

73rd of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 5 of 100
22nd of 23 in the Beaumont area

Beaumont gets an overall grade of F and ranks 73rd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on safety and schools.

  • Affordable
  • Jobs and income scores low (12 of 100)
  • Schools scores low (5 of 100)
Soldiers with 710th BSB conducted their expeditionary Sealift Emergency Deployment Readiness Exercise, convoying from Fort Polk, La., to the Port of Beaumont, Texas April 13-16, 2015. This exercise tr
Photo: Sgt. 1st Class E. L. Craig, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
112,967-1.8% since 2020
Median rent
$1,12120% lower than Texas
Median home value
$166,40041% lower than Texas
Household income
$56,997Median
Average commute
20 minOne way
Violent crime
948Per 100k, 2025

About Beaumont

Beaumont sits on the west bank of the Neches River, about 85 miles east of Houston on Interstate 10. It is the seat of Jefferson County and one corner of the Golden Triangle, along with Port Arthur and Orange. Before 1901 it was a lumber and rice town. Then the Spindletop gusher blew in nearby, starting the Texas oil boom and changing the place for good.

Oil is still the backbone here. The ExxonMobil Beaumont Refinery is the biggest private employer, and the Port of Beaumont moves cargo up the Neches ship channel. Lamar University, Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas and CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth are other major employers. I-10 is the main road through town and the route to Houston and Louisiana. The Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum, the Fire Museum of Texas and Tyrrell Park with its Cattail Marsh are local spots, and the Big Thicket woods are a short drive north.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, tshaonline.org

What it's like to live in Beaumont

Beaumont is the anchor city of the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro area. 112,967 people lived here in 2025, down 1.8% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh and R C Miller Memorial Library.

The median age is 35.3, 31% of households have children, 55% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $56,997 a year (27% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Beaumont

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,121, 20% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 20 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Beaumont

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 31% of the 26 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Higher violent crime. 948 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 145% higher than the Texas rate.
  • Higher poverty. 21% of people live below the poverty line, against 14% across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.

Who Beaumont suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 31% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 145% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 2% for families.
  • Young professionalsNot the best fit: household income is 27% lower than the Texas median, with 481 restaurants and 34 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 22% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 18% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 145% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 7% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 90% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,121 is 20% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 25% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,121 is 20% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 62% for people on a budget.

Beaumont report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Beaumont with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade B+

    Median rent $1,121, homes cost 2.9x income.

    80 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade D-

    Median household income $56,997, 6.4% unemployed.

    12 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade F

    26 rated campuses, 31% rated A or B.

    5 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade F

    948 violent crimes per 100k, 2,966 property crimes per 100k.

    3 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade D+

    36 grocery stores, 481 restaurants, 59 parks mapped in town.

    29 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade B-

    Average commute 20 min, 4.5% work from home.

    59 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D

    25% have a bachelor’s degree.

    23 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade F

    18% of adults uninsured.

    7 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D-

    55% of homes owner-occupied.

    16 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D+

    90% of homes have broadband.

    26 of 100 vs US cities

Where Beaumont stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 20 min24% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $1,12120% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 2.9x19% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Median household income: $56,99727% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 25%9 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • People below the poverty line: 21%7 points higher than Texas (14%)

Cost of living in Beaumont

Beaumont renters pay a median of $1,121 a month, 20% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $45,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 54% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $986 for a one-bedroom, $1,218 for a two-bedroom and $1,588 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $166,400, 41% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $911 before tax, or $1,130 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Beaumont pays $2,627 a year, 38% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Beaumont

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in BeaumontStudio$9801 bedroom$9862 bedrooms$1,2183 bedrooms$1,5884 bedrooms$1,944
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX MSA. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent20% lower than Texas$1,121$1,403$1,413
Median home value41% lower than Texas$166,400$283,800$332,700
Home value to income19% lower than Texas2.9x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent3 points higher than Texas54%52%51%
Median property tax per year38% lower than Texas$2,627$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them7 points lower than Texas55%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197819921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,130
Mortgage payment
$911
Property tax
$219
Median rent, for comparison
$1,121

Based on a $166,400 home in Beaumont, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Beaumont safe?

In 2025, Beaumont Police Department reported 1,065 violent crimes and 3,334 property crimes. That works out to 948 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 145% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,966 property crimes per 100,000, 42% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 13% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Beaumont by yearTexas94820212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
948
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,966
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Beaumont by yearTexas2,96620212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Beaumont Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Beaumont

Beaumont has 26 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 31% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Texas College Preparatory Academies, Beaumont ISD and Ehrhart School.

Top-rated campuses include Ignite Community School - Beaumont, Beaumont ISD Early College High School and Ehrhart School. The average rating score across all campuses is 72 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
5
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
72
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • AIgnite Community School - BeaumontElementary, Texas College Preparatory Academies98 of 100
  • ABeaumont ISD Early College High SchoolHigh, Beaumont ISD97 of 100
  • AEhrhart SchoolOther, Ehrhart School91 of 100
  • BHarmony Science Academy- BeaumontOther, Harmony Public Schools - Houston West88 of 100
  • BFletcher ElementaryElementary, Beaumont ISD84 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Beaumont

We grade 23 areas inside Beaumont. The top three are Central Beaumont (A+), Calder Terrace (A-) and Northwest Beaumont (B-). If price matters most, East Beaumont has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $860 a month. West Beaumont is the priciest, at $1,610. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Beaumont neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    23 Beaumont neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A+Central Beaumont858 people, median rent $1,330, home $249,000100fit
    2. 2A-Calder Terrace6,105 people, median rent $1,400, home $271,00095fit
    3. 3B-Northwest Beaumont9,028 people, median rent $1,320, home $280,00091fit
    4. 4CCalder Highlands9,849 people, median rent $1,220, home $261,00086fit
    5. 5COld Town6,062 people, median rent $990, home $130,00082fit
    6. 6C-Caldwood5,890 people, median rent $1,280, home $168,00077fit
    7. 7C-East Beaumont1,514 people, median rent $860, home $76,00073fit
    8. 8C-West Beaumont9,697 people, median rent $1,610, home $203,00068fit
    9. 9D+Southwest Beaumont4,992 people, median rent $1,600, home $231,00064fit
    10. 10D+Bor-ley Heights3,513 people, median rent $1,370, home $146,00059fit
    11. 11D+Walden734 people, median rent $1,010, home $110,00055fit
    12. 12D+Zummo5,338 people, median rent $920, home $77,00050fit
    13. 13DSoutheast Beaumont7,647 people, median rent $1,030, home $94,00045fit
    14. 14DSouth Beaumont865 people, median rent $1,330, home $169,00041fit
    15. 15DHelbig3,998 people, median rent $1,060, home $143,00036fit
    All 23 Beaumont neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Beaumont

    Everyday places mapped inside Beaumont, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Tyrrell Park and Cattail Marsh, R C Miller Memorial Library.

    The average one-way commute is 20 minutes, 24% shorter than the Texas average. 5% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    The median household income is $56,997, income per person is $32,642, unemployment is 6.4% and 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    36
    Pharmacies
    30
    Restaurants
    481
    Cafes
    34
    Bars
    35
    Parks
    59
    Gyms
    39
    Hospitals and urgent care
    34
    Childcare
    24
    Libraries
    9

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income27% lower than Texas$56,997$78,476$80,734
    Income per person20% lower than Texas$32,642$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate1 points higher than Texas6.4%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line7 points higher than Texas21%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher9 points lower than Texas25%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points higher than Texas87%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points lower than Texas18%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internetAbout the same as Texas90%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute24% lower than Texas20 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home10 points lower than Texas4.5%14%15%
    Workers who work from home4.5%
    Workers who take transit0.3%
    Workers who walk1.6%
    Workers who bike0.2%

    Who lives in Beaumont

    Under 1825%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6434%
    65 and over16%

    Median age 35.3 years. 31% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White26%
    Hispanic or Latino21%
    Black45%
    Asian3.8%
    Other or more than one race3.8%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Beaumont

    Beaumont has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 92°F and January lows about 43°F. There are about 95 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 65 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Beaumont40°60°80°100°63J66F72M78A85M90J92J93A89S82O71N64DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Beaumont City, 3 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, coastal flooding risk is low, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is moderate. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingModerate
    • Coastal floodingLow
    • HurricanesVery high
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailModerate
    • Heat wavesModerate
    • WildfiresModerate
    • Winter stormsModerate
    • Strong windModerate

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Beaumont

    Nearby, Bevil Oaks gets a C-, Central Gardens gets an A and Vidor gets a C-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. C-Bevil OaksTown, 1,133 people9 mi
    2. ACentral GardensTown, 3,976 people10 mi
    3. C-VidorTown, 9,708 people11 mi
    4. A+Beauxart GardensTown, 1,276 people11 mi
    5. A-NederlandSmall city, 18,381 people11 mi
    6. AFannettTown, 1,654 people12 mi

    Beaumont in the Beaumont area

    How it ranks among 23 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Hamshire1,388 people19 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Beauxart Gardens1,276 people11 mito downtown
    3. 3ACentral Gardens3,976 people10 mito downtown
    4. 19D-Mauriceville2,945 people19 mito downtown
    5. 20D-Pinehurst1,999 people22 mito downtown
    6. 21D-Orange19,177 people23 mito downtown
    7. 22FBeaumont113,279 people0 mito downtown
    8. 23FPort Arthur55,828 people21 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of beaumont

    Living in Beaumont: common questions

    Is Beaumont, TX a good place to live?

    Beaumont gets an overall grade of F and ranks 73rd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and getting around, and trails on safety and schools.

    How much does it cost to live in Beaumont?

    Renters in Beaumont pay a median of $1,121 a month, 20% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $166,400, 41% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.9x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,130, including property tax.

    Is Beaumont safe?

    In 2025, Beaumont Police Department reported 948 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 145% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,966 per 100,000, 42% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Beaumont?

    We found 26 rated public school campuses inside Beaumont. 31% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 5 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Beaumont?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Beaumont are Central Beaumont, Calder Terrace and Northwest Beaumont. We score 23 areas in the city.

    Does Beaumont flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Beaumont as moderate, and coastal flooding as low. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes and tornadoes. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Beaumont?

    Summers in Beaumont peak at about 92°F in July, and January nights fall to about 43°F. Expect around 95 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 65 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Beaumont?

    The average one-way commute is 20 min, 24% lower than the Texas average. About 4.5% of workers work from home.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.