Is Port Arthur, TX Safe to Buy? Home Safety Score 82/100
Score 82/100 · Risk: moderate · Water Grade B · Updated 2026-05-03
Port Arthur has moderate risk. Some factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS, EPA Radon Zones Last verified: 2026-05-03
In Port Arthur, safety upgrade costs register as a significant equity commitment — high enough that approaching the work without a concrete financial plan is inadvisable.
What is a home safety score?
The home safety score (0-100) combines multiple environmental risk factors into a single number: water quality grade, lead contamination levels, flood zone exposure, radon risk, and air quality. A higher score means lower overall risk. The score helps homebuyers compare neighborhoods at a glance. Port Arthur scores 82/100 with a "moderate" risk level.
What is the equity trap ratio?
The equity trap ratio measures estimated remediation costs as a percentage of median home value. A high ratio (above 5%) means fixing environmental issues could consume a significant portion of your home equity — a potential "trap" for buyers unaware of hidden costs. Port Arthur's equity trap ratio is 3.0%, which is moderate.
Remediation Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Port Arthur:
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages. Actual costs vary by property. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Safety scores vary across Port Arthur's 4 ZIP codes.
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 77640 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 77642 | 73 | B | View report → |
| 77641 | 88 | A | View report → |
| 77643 | 93 | A | View report → |
Home Safety Overview
Port Arthur, Texas has moderate risk for homebuyers. The average home safety score is 82/100 across 4 ZIP codes. Some risk factors warrant attention during the home buying process.
Safety Score Card
A composite view of Port Arthur's key risk indicators:
| Risk Factor | Value | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Water Quality | Grade B (82/100) | Low risk |
| Lead Risk | 0.0024 mg/L | Low risk |
| Flood Risk | 1% in flood zones | Low risk |
| Radon | Zone 3 (Low) | Low risk |
| Air Quality | AQI 31 (Good) | Low risk |
Cost to Fix: Remediation Breakdown
Estimated costs to address safety issues for a typical home in Port Arthur:
| Component | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Filtration | $300 |
| Flood Insurance | $2K |
| Pfas | $375 |
| Total (low estimate) | $2K |
| Total (mid estimate) | $2K |
| Total (high estimate) | $4K |
Cost ranges are estimates based on national averages and local data. Actual costs vary by property condition, contractor, and scope of work. Get 3 quotes before proceeding.
Per-ZIP Home Safety Scores
Home safety varies across Port Arthur's ZIP codes. Lower scores indicate more risk factors:
Safety scores range from 73 (77640) to 93 (77643) — a spread of 20 points.
Port Arthur vs. Nearby Texas Cities
How Port Arthur's overall risk compares to similar cities in Texas:
| City | Water Grade | Lead ZIPs Over Limit | Flood Claims | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Port Arthur | B | 0 | 6,872 | 56,039 |
| Sabine Pass | C | 0 | 179 | 56,039 |
| Eagle Pass | A | 0 | 159 | 56,600 |
| El Indio | C | 0 | 0 | 54,900 |
Homebuyer Safety Checklist for Port Arthur
Before purchasing a home in Port Arthur, Texas, complete these checks:
Water Quality
- Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from the water utility
- Test tap water for lead, bacteria, and nitrates ($20-$50 for DIY kit)
Radon
- Conduct a radon test ($15-$30 for short-term kit, $150-$300 for professional)
Flood Risk
- Check the property's FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov
- Ask about flood history and past insurance claims
Lead Paint & Pipes
- For homes built before 1978: request lead paint disclosure
- For homes built before 1986: inspect plumbing for lead solder and pipes
- 66% of Port Arthur homes built before 1986 — pipe inspection recommended
General
- Check for carbon monoxide detectors on every level
- Inspect for visible mold, water stains, or musty odors
- Verify the home's connection to a regulated public water system
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA SDWIS
- Lead: EPA Lead and Copper Rule
- Flood: FEMA NFIP
- Radon: EPA Radon Zones
- Air quality: EPA AirNow
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25077
- Remediation costs: National cost model (EPA, Census, FEMA data)
Updated daily.
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