Town in Nueces County, part of the Corpus Christi metro

Living in Port Aransas, TX

B

255th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 65 of 100
4th of 15 in the Corpus Christi area

We give Port Aransas a B. It ranks 255th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and jobs and income, and trails on cost of living and safety. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Pricey
  • Fast-growing
  • Short commutes
  • Cost of living scores low (2 of 100)
  • Safety scores low (3 of 100)
Map of Texas showing where Port Aransas isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthPort Aransas
Where Port Aransas is in Texas.
Population
3,773+30.1% since 2020
Median rent
$2,29464% higher than Texas
Median home value
$588,700107% higher than Texas
Household income
$88,947Median
Average commute
17 minOne way
Violent crime
682Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Port Aransas

Port Aransas sits about 18 miles from downtown Corpus Christi, in the Corpus Christi metro. 3,773 people lived here in 2025, up 30.1% from 2020, so it is one of the faster-growing places in Texas. It is small-town and rural in feel.

Local spots people know include Port Aransas Park, Roberts Point Park Pavillion and Roberts Point Park.

The median age is 52.3, 22% of households have children, 71% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $88,947 a year (13% higher than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Port Aransas

  • Strong public schools. 67% of the 3 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 17 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
  • Growing fast. The population grew 30% from 2020 to 2025, which usually means new homes, shops and jobs.

Cons of living in Port Aransas

  • Higher violent crime. 682 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 76% higher than the Texas rate.
  • Higher rent. Median rent is $2,294, 64% higher than the Texas median.
  • Homes are pricey for local incomes. The median home costs 6.6 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of coastal flooding and hurricanes as very high here.

Who Port Aransas suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 67% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 76% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 21% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 13% higher than the Texas median, with 93 restaurants and 6 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 88% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 9.5% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 76% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 16% for retirees.
  • Remote workersNot the best fit: 93% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $2,294 is 64% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetNot the best fit: the median rent of $2,294 is 64% higher than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 4% for people on a budget.

Port Aransas report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Port Aransas with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade F

    Median rent $2,294, homes cost 6.6x income.

    2 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade A-

    Median household income $88,947, 0% unemployed.

    82 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade B+

    3 rated campuses, 67% rated A or B.

    73 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade F

    682 violent crimes per 100k, 4,039 property crimes per 100k.

    3 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade C

    2 grocery stores, 93 restaurants, 29 parks mapped in town.

    47 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade A

    Average commute 17 min, 11% work from home.

    94 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade B

    36% have a bachelor’s degree.

    71 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade B

    9.5% of adults uninsured.

    65 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D-

    71% of homes owner-occupied.

    14 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade B

    93% of homes have broadband.

    66 of 100 vs US towns

Where Port Aransas stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 17 min34% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance: 9.5%10 points lower than Texas (20%)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 71%9 points higher than Texas (63%)

Worse than Texas

  • Vacant homes: 72%63 points higher than Texas (9.4%)
  • Home value to income: 6.6x83% higher than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $2,29464% higher than Texas ($1,403)

Cost of living in Port Aransas

Port Aransas renters pay a median of $2,294 a month, 64% higher than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $92,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 71% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $1,176 for a one-bedroom, $1,421 for a two-bedroom and $1,855 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 $588,700, 107% higher than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $3,222 before tax, or $3,588 with property tax. That is $1,294 a month more than the median rent, so renting is the cheaper monthly choice unless you plan to stay for years.

Texas has no state income tax, but property taxes are among the highest in the country. The median homeowner in Port Aransas pays $4,388 a year, about the same as the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in Port AransasStudio$1,0661 bedroom$1,1762 bedrooms$1,4213 bedrooms$1,8554 bedrooms$2,087
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Corpus Christi, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent64% higher than Texas$2,294$1,403$1,413
Median home value107% higher than Texas$588,700$283,800$332,700
Home value to income83% higher than Texas6.6x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent19 points higher than Texas71%52%51%
Median property tax per year4% higher than Texas$4,388$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them9 points higher than Texas71%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas199019921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$3,588
Mortgage payment
$3,222
Property tax
$366
Median rent, for comparison
$2,294

Based on a $588,700 home in Port Aransas, 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 Port Aransas safe?

In 2025, Port Aransas Police Department reported 26 violent crimes and 154 property crimes. That works out to 682 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 76% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 4,039 property crimes per 100,000, 94% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime has been fairly steady since 2021.

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 Port Aransas by yearTexas68220212022202320242025

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

Violent crime
682
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
4,039
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Port Aransas by yearTexas4,03920212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

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

Schools in Port Aransas

Port Aransas has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 67% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Port Aransas ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Port Aransas High School. The average rating score across all campuses is 85 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
73
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
85
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

  • APort Aransas High SchoolHigh, Port Aransas ISD92 of 100
  • BBrundrett MiddleMiddle, Port Aransas ISD88 of 100
  • COlsen ElementaryElementary, Port Aransas ISD76 of 100

Daily life in Port Aransas

Everyday places mapped inside Port Aransas, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Port Aransas Park, Roberts Point Park Pavillion, Roberts Point Park.

The average one-way commute is 17 minutes, 34% shorter than the Texas average. 11% of workers work from home. 6.8% walk, bike or take transit to work.

Downtown Corpus Christi is about 18 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Port Aransas work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.

The median household income is $88,947, income per person is $61,718, unemployment is 0% and 36% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
2
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
93
Cafes
6
Bars
20
Parks
29
Gyms
7
Hospitals and urgent care
2
Childcare
1
Libraries
2

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income13% higher than Texas$88,947$78,476$80,734
Income per person51% higher than Texas$61,718$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas0%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line3 points lower than Texas11%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher2 points higher than Texas36%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher8 points higher than Texas94%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance10 points lower than Texas9.5%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet2 points higher than Texas93%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute34% lower than Texas17 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas11%14%15%
Workers who work from home11%
Workers who take transit0.6%
Workers who walk4.6%
Workers who bike1.6%

Who lives in Port Aransas

Under 1818%
18 to 3413%
35 to 6436%
65 and over33%

Median age 52.3 years. 22% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White85%
Hispanic or Latino5.5%
Black0.8%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race8.9%

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

Weather in Port Aransas

Port Aransas has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 88°F and January lows about 50°F. There are about 57 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 36 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Port Aransas50°70°90°62J65F70M76A81M87J88J89A86S81O72N65DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Port Aransas, 4 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is high, coastal flooding risk is very high, hurricane risk is very high, tornado risk is moderate and hail risk is high. Before you buy, look up the FEMA flood zone for the exact address and get a flood insurance quote, since standard home policies do not cover floods.

  • River floodingHigh
  • Coastal floodingVery high
  • HurricanesVery high
  • TornadoesModerate
  • HailHigh
  • Heat wavesLow
  • WildfiresHigh
  • 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 Port Aransas

Nearby, Ingleside gets a D+, Aransas Pass gets an F and Gregory gets a D+. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. D+InglesideTown, 9,997 people9 mi
  2. FAransas PassTown, 8,972 people9 mi
  3. D+GregoryTown, 2,003 people15 mi
  4. A-PortlandSmall city, 20,543 people15 mi
  5. DRockportSmall city, 10,683 people16 mi
  6. D+Corpus ChristiCity, 317,419 people22 mi

Port Aransas in the Corpus Christi area

How it ranks among 15 places in the metro.

  1. 1A-Portland20,543 people12 mito downtown
  2. 2B+Lamar1,202 people37 mito downtown
  3. 3BOdem2,102 people20 mito downtown
  4. 4BPort Aransas3,268 people18 mito downtown
  5. 5C+Bishop3,103 people28 mito downtown
  6. 6C-Mathis4,308 people37 mito downtown
  7. 7D+Corpus Christi317,419 people0 mito downtown

See all of the best suburbs of corpus christi

Living in Port Aransas: common questions

Is Port Aransas, TX a good place to live?

We give Port Aransas a B. It ranks 255th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and jobs and income, and trails on cost of living and safety. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

How much does it cost to live in Port Aransas?

Renters in Port Aransas pay a median of $2,294 a month, 64% higher than the Texas median. The median home is worth $588,700, 107% higher than the Texas median. A median home costs 6.6x 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 $3,588, including property tax.

Is Port Aransas safe?

In 2025, Port Aransas Police Department reported 682 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 76% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 4,039 per 100,000, 94% higher than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Port Aransas?

We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Port Aransas. 67% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 73 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Port Aransas flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Port Aransas as high, and coastal flooding as very high. Hazards rated high or very high here: river flooding, coastal flooding, hurricanes, hail and wildfires. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Port Aransas?

Summers in Port Aransas peak at about 88°F in July, and January nights fall to about 50°F. Expect around 57 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 36 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Port Aransas?

The average one-way commute is 17 min, 34% lower than the Texas average. About 11% of workers work from home. It is about 18 miles from downtown Corpus Christi.

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.