Living in Port Arthur

Geography and Climate

Port Arthur is 90 miles east of Houston in Southeast Texas. Along with the neighboring cities of Beaumont and Orange, it makes up what is known as the Golden Triangle. The Golden Triangle is adjacent to the Louisiana border, and New Orleans is about 250 miles to the east.

Between the points of the Golden Triangle are many smaller communities. In Jefferson County, these include the cities of Nederland, Port Neches and Groves as well as the rural communities of Hamshire, Fannett and Labelle. Orange County is home to the cities of Bridge City, Vidor and Rose City as well as the smaller communities of Orangefield, McLewis and Mauriceville. Hardin County to the north and Chambers County to the west of Jefferson County has many similar small communities. The greater Southeast Texas market area includes a total of nine counties.

Port Arthur is located on a coastal plain where elevations range from sea level to 9 feet. The area features both marsh and forest, and timber, water, oil, natural gas and sulfur are among its natural resources.

Transportation is easy in Port Arthur, and most locations are a 10 or 15-minute drive from the center of town. There are 82.9 square miles of land within the city. The square mileage of Jefferson County, where the city is located, is 904.

The Southeast Texas region is well known for its mild winter temperatures and warm summers. The normal yearly rainfall is 57.18 inches.

Source: www.co.jefferson.tx.us

Local Government Structure

City of Port Arthur

Port Arthur operates under a city manager/council form of city government. Residents elect a mayor and eight council members. This nine-member council appoints a City Manager. The council meets bi-weekly in open session to conduct the business of the city. Information: (409) 983-8100 or www.portarthur.net.

Jefferson County

Port Arthur is in Jefferson County. The county seat is in Beaumont, 15 miles to the north of Port Arthur.

Residents of each county in Texas elect a county judge and four county commissioners to head the county government as members of the Commissioners Court. Commissioners are elected from their own districts and the County Judge is elected at-large. Each of these officials is elected to four-year terms and serves full-time. County residents also elect a Tax Assessor-Collector, a county clerk, a county attorney, a sheriff, a treasurer, justices of the peace and constables. Information: (409) 727-2191 or www.co.jefferson.tx.us.

Other Government

The state has created a number of special improvement districts to provide for development of economically important resources. These include the Port of Port Arthur, the Navigation District and several drainage and water districts. These districts have taxing and bonding authority.