Port Arthur, Texas, ranks among the worst small cities in the U.S., according to a recent study conducted by WalletHub.
The study compared over 1,300 cities with populations of 25,000 to 100,000 based on variables ranging from housing costs to number of restaurants per capita.
Located about 90 miles from Houston, Port Arthur is home to a prominent petrochemical industry and seaport. Despite its industrial significance and affordability, the city scored poorly in areas such as safety, education, healthcare, and quality of life, placing it in the second percentile alongside cities like Gary, Indiana, and Fort Hood, Texas.
Slightly above Port Arthur, other small Texas cities were also ranked poorly, including Eagle Pass and Kingsville.
WalltetHub highlighted the appeal of small cities.
“One of the best perks of living in a city with a relatively small population is affordability. For example, the cost of living for a two-parent, two-child family in a small New York town can be as low as around $7,000 per month, while the cost for the same family in Manhattan is nearly twice as much ($13,300),” the report says.
For comparison, Carmel, Indiana, claimed the top spot as the best small city to live in, offering a thriving economy and affordable living. In contrast, Isla Vista, California, ranked last, mainly due to its high cost of living.
