Port Arthur, TX vs Waco, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Port Arthur
77.7
#224 nationally
Waco
77.1
#281 nationally
Waco leads in crime level (11.7 vs 19.7). Waco leads in average commute (17.5 min vs 23 min). Port Arthur leads in cost of living index (85 vs 93).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Port Arthur, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 77.7 (#224) | 77.1 (#281) |
| Population | 55,547 | 144,816 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $125,021 | $197,359 |
| Median Household Income | $45,357 | $47,421 |
| Average Commute | 23 min | 17.5 min |
| Walk Score | 33 | 35 |
| Crime Level | 19.7 | 11.7 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 93 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+8.9 | R+30.9 |
C+
77.7 Score
Port Arthur, TX
Texas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$125,021
Population
55,547
Crime
High
Walk Score
33
Southwest
View Port Arthur, TX →
C+
77.1 Score
Waco, TX
Mid-size Texas city with community character
Median Home
$197,359
Population
144,816
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
35
Southwest
View Waco, TX →