Small city in Jefferson County, part of the Beaumont metro
Living in Groves, TX
65th of 192Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people
Overall score 67 of 100
11th of 23 in the Beaumont area
Groves earns a grade of B on our index, 65th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
- Good for people on a budget
- Affordable
- Education levels scores low (9 of 100)
- Health scores low (14 of 100)
- Population
- 16,907-2.5% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,2868% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $163,60042% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $73,710Median
- Average commute
- 21 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 388Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Groves
Groves sits about 17 miles from downtown Beaumont, in the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro. 16,907 people lived here in 2025, down 2.5% from 2020. It is suburban.
Places locals use include John Spikes Memorial Park, Hoffpuair Field and Groves Public Library.
The median age is 38.9, 35% of households have children, 78% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $73,710 a year (6% lower than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Groves
- Strong public schools. 100% of the 3 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.2 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Groves
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of hurricanes and tornadoes as very high here.
Who Groves suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is about the same as the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 57% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 6% lower than the Texas median, with 42 restaurants and 3 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 63% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is about the same as the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 47% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 93% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,286 is 8% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 73% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,286 is 8% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 95% for people on a budget.
Groves report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Groves with other US cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Cost of living: grade A
Median rent $1,286, homes cost 2.2x income.
91 of 100 vs US citiesJobs and income: grade C+
Median household income $73,710, 4.1% unemployed.
54 of 100 vs US citiesSchools: grade B
3 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
71 of 100 vs TX citiesSafety: grade D+
388 violent crimes per 100k, 1,307 property crimes per 100k.
28 of 100 vs TX citiesErrands and things to do: grade C+
3 grocery stores, 42 restaurants, 6 parks mapped in town.
48 of 100 vs TX citiesGetting around: grade C
Average commute 21 min, 2.8% work from home.
40 of 100 vs US citiesEducation levels: grade D-
15% have a bachelor’s degree.
9 of 100 vs US citiesHealth: grade D-
19% of adults uninsured.
14 of 100 vs US citiesHome ownership: grade C+
78% of homes owner-occupied.
50 of 100 vs US citiesInternet access: grade C+
93% of homes have broadband.
53 of 100 vs US cities
Where Groves stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Home value to income: 2.2x39% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 78%15 points higher than Texas (63%)
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 39%13 points lower than Texas (52%)
Worse than Texas
- Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 15%19 points lower than Texas (34%)
- Median household income: $73,7106% lower than Texas ($78,476)
- Workers who walk, bike or take transit: 0.7%2 points lower than Texas (2.6%)
Cost of living in Groves
Rent is the cost most newcomers feel first. The median rent in Groves is $1,286 a month, 8% lower than the Texas median of $1,403. To keep that rent at 30% of income, a household needs to earn about $51,000 a year. Right now 39% 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 $163,600, 42% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $895 before tax, or $1,122 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 Groves pays $2,724 a year, 36% 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 Groves
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent8% lower than Texas | $1,286 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value42% lower than Texas | $163,600 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income39% lower than Texas | 2.2x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent13 points lower than Texas | 39% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year36% lower than Texas | $2,724 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them15 points higher than Texas | 78% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1967 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $895
- Property tax
- $227
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,286
Based on a $163,600 home in Groves, 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 Groves safe?
In 2025, Groves Police Department reported 65 violent crimes and 219 property crimes. That works out to 388 violent crimes per 100,000 people, about the same as the Texas rate of 387, and 1,307 property crimes per 100,000, 37% lower than the state rate.
Violent crime is down about 31% 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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Groves Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Groves
Groves has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Port Neches-Groves ISD.
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.
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
- BGroves IntermediateElementary, Port Neches-Groves ISD86 of 100
- BGroves PriElementary, Port Neches-Groves ISD86 of 100
- BGroves MiddleMiddle, Port Neches-Groves ISD82 of 100
Daily life in Groves
Everyday places mapped inside Groves, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include John Spikes Memorial Park, Hoffpuair Field, Groves Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 22% shorter than the Texas average. 3% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Beaumont is about 17 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Groves work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $73,710, income per person is $34,597, unemployment is 4.1% and 15% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income6% lower than Texas | $73,710 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person15% lower than Texas | $34,597 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas | 4.1% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line6 points lower than Texas | 8.0% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher19 points lower than Texas | 15% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higherAbout the same as Texas | 85% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance1 points lower than Texas | 19% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet2 points higher than Texas | 93% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute22% lower than Texas | 21 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home12 points lower than Texas | 2.8% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Groves
Median age 38.9 years. 35% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Groves
Groves has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 44°F. There are about 93 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 62 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Port Arthur Se Tx Ap, 6 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.
Natural hazard risk
FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is low, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is low. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.
- River floodingLow
- Coastal floodingVery low
- HurricanesVery high
- TornadoesVery high
- HailLow
- Heat wavesHigh
- WildfiresLow
- Winter stormsLow
- 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 Groves
Nearby, Port Neches gets an A-, Nederland gets an A- and Port Arthur gets an F. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
- A-Port NechesSmall city, 13,664 people2 mi
- A-NederlandSmall city, 18,381 people6 mi
- FPort ArthurCity, 55,828 people6 mi
- ACentral GardensTown, 3,976 people7 mi
- A+Beauxart GardensTown, 1,276 people7 mi
- BBridge CityTown, 9,640 people7 mi
Groves in the Beaumont area
How it ranks among 23 places in the metro.
- 1A+Hamshire1,388 people19 mito downtown
- 2A+Beauxart Gardens1,276 people11 mito downtown
- 3ACentral Gardens3,976 people10 mito downtown
- 8A-Pinewood Estates1,516 people12 mito downtown
- 9A-Little Cypress1,963 people24 mito downtown
- 10BBridge City9,640 people19 mito downtown
- 11BGroves16,976 people17 mito downtown
- 12C+Sour Lake2,130 people16 mito downtown
- 13C+Kountze2,367 people22 mito downtown
- 14C+Forest Heights1,795 people25 mito downtown
Living in Groves: common questions
Is Groves, TX a good place to live?
Groves earns a grade of B on our index, 65th of 192 Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people. It does best on cost of living and schools, and trails on education levels and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Groves?
Median rent in Groves is $1,286 a month, 8% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $163,600, 42% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.2x 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 $1,122, including property tax.
Is Groves safe?
In 2025, Groves Police Department reported 388 violent crimes per 100,000 people, about the same as the Texas rate. Property crime was 1,307 per 100,000, 37% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Groves?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Groves. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 71 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 10,000 to 50,000 people.
Does Groves flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Groves as low, and coastal flooding as very low. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, tornadoes and heat waves. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.
What is the weather like in Groves?
Summers in Groves peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 44°F. Expect around 93 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 62 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Groves?
The average one-way commute is 21 min, 22% lower than the Texas average. About 2.8% of workers work from home. It is about 17 miles from downtown Beaumont.
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.