Beaumont Relocation Deep Dive: 2026 Data Report

Beaumont: The Data Profile (2026)

Beaumont represents a specific economic archetype in the 2026 landscape: the affordable, mid-sized industrial hub. With a population of 112,196, it lacks the density of a major metro but offers significant cost advantages. The median income sits at $60,010, which is 19.5% below the US median of $74,580. Crucially, the educational attainment rate is 20.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the remote-capable worker prioritizing housing affordability over career density, or the industrial/energy sector employee. This is a market for maximizing purchasing power, not necessarily for high-velocity career networking.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary driver for relocation to Beaumont is the housing index, which sits at 72.8 (-27.2% vs US average). However, the lower median income creates a complex disposable income calculation.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner at the median income of $60,010 takes home approximately $4,150 monthly after taxes. With a projected monthly spend of $2,180, the theoretical disposable income is $1,970. This is 28% higher than the disposable income available to the average US worker relative to their local COL. However, for families relying on a single median income, the margin tightens to approximately $1,400 remaining after the $4,510 monthly burn rate.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's strongest asset. The median home price is significantly depressed relative to national norms, making homeownership accessible even with the lower wage structure.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the drastic spread between the $185,000 median home price and the $1,350 monthly rent for a 3BR unit, buying is statistically superior for anyone planning a stay longer than 24 months. The price-to-rent ratio favors ownership heavily. For the remote worker, a $40,000 down payment secures a mortgage likely lower than local rent, effectively decoupling housing costs from the lower local wage floor.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute:
In the post-remote 2026 landscape, Beaumont offers a distinct advantage: the "hybrid penalty" is low. The average commute time is 19.2 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 27.6 minutes. For those required in-office, the low traffic density reduces time lost. However, the local economy is heavily tethered to the energy sector (refining/petrochemicals), which introduces volatility not present in diversified tech hubs.

Unemployment Analysis:
The unemployment rate is 4.2%, slightly above the US average of 4.0%. While seemingly negative, this is a statistical artifact of a smaller labor force participation rate. The gap is marginal (+0.2%) and indicates a stable, if not booming, job market.

Quality of Life Audit

The Quality of Life data presents a dichotomy: physical infrastructure (air quality, cost) is favorable, but public health metrics are concerning.

Safety Analysis:
Safety is a critical trade-off in Beaumont. The violent crime rate is 678 per 100k residents, which is 78% higher than the national average of 380 per 100k. Property crime is even more pronounced at 3,456 per 100k, a 72% increase over the US average of 2,000. Relocation requires strict due diligence on neighborhood selection.

Air Quality & Weather:
The Air Quality Index (AQI) averages 53, which is moderate but better than many industrial hubs. PM2.5 levels are manageable. The current weather snapshot shows a temperature of 68.0°F with patchy fog, indicative of the humid subtropical climate. High humidity is a constant factor.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: Median home price of $185,000 is 54.9% below the US average.
• Cost of Living: Overall COL index of roughly 78 allows for significant savings.
• Commute: Average commute of 19.2 minutes reduces lifestyle friction.

Cons:

• Safety: Violent crime (678/100k) and property crime (3,456/100k) are significantly elevated.
• Health Risks: Obesity (42.1%) and Diabetes (16.3%) rates are alarmingly high.
• Income Ceiling: Median income ($60,010) is 19.5% below the national baseline.

Recommendation:
Beaumont is a Strong Buy for the remote worker earning a national-average salary who prioritizes asset accumulation (real estate) over urban amenities. It is a Caution for families reliant on local wages, or for those with high sensitivity to safety statistics. The city offers a low-cost "soft landing" in 2026, provided you insulate yourself from the local wage ceiling and crime rates.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed to live comfortably in Beaumont?
For a single person, a salary of $55,000 provides a comfortable margin above the estimated $2,180 monthly living costs. For a family, $90,000 is recommended to maintain savings rates similar to the national average.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Texas cities?
Beaumont is 54.9% cheaper in housing than the US average, whereas Austin is roughly 15% above the average. Beaumont offers the lowest entry price in the state, but lacks the appreciation potential of major metros.

3. Are the safety statistics accurate for the whole city?
Yes. The data reflects the metro average. However, like most cities, crime is hyper-local. The 678/100k violent crime rate will vary drastically by zip code; due diligence is required.

4. Is the electricity cost truly lower?
Yes. At 14.94 cents/kWh, Beaumont utilities are roughly 6.6% cheaper than the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. This is a significant factor given the high AC usage required by the 68.0°F average temperature and high humidity.