Baytown

by The Linguist

Baytown, Texas – A Fast-Growing Houston Suburb

With a population of over 75,000 as of the 2020 census, Baytown, Texas is one of the major suburbs of Houston and the county seat of Chambers County. This city along Galveston Bay has grown rapidly in recent decades thanks to the petrochemical industry and its prime location east of Houston.

History of Baytown

The area where Baytown now lies was initially settled in the early 1800s. Over time small communities developed including Goose Creek, Pelly, and East Baytown. In the early 1900s, the discovery of the nearby Goose Creek Oil Field brought an influx of workers and establishment of refineries and chemical plants. This spurred further growth in the area.

Baytown itself was established in 1947 through the merger of the three communities of Goose Creek, Pelly, and East Baytown. The city chose its name due to its location along both the San Jacinto Bay and Galveston Bay. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, Baytown grew steadily into one of the major industrial and residential centers of the Houston metro area.

To learn more about the history of Baytown, visit the Baytown Historical Society.

Baytown Population and Demographics

As per the 2020 census, Baytown had a population of 75,601 making it the 24th most populous city in Texas. The city has grown rapidly since its founding, more than doubling its population since 1980.

Baytown has an ethnically diverse population. The 2020 racial makeup was 63.1% White, 16.2% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 6.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 10.5% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Additionally, 29.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Economy and Major Employers

The backbone of Baytown’s economy is the petrochemical industry. Major employers with facilities in Baytown include:

  • ExxonMobil – 5000 Garth Rd, Baytown, TX 77521, (281) 837-6222
  • Chevron – 272 Oak Dr, Baytown, TX 77520, (281) 383-1000
  • LyondellBasell – 12000 Lawndale St, Baytown, TX 77521, (281) 427-4791

Numerous other chemical plants and refineries operate in the area as well, providing employment for thousands of Baytown residents. The economy is also bolstered by the presence of the Port of Houston and its facilities in Baytown.

For more on the Baytown economy and job market, visit the Baytown-West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation at bwccedf.org.

Attractions and Landmarks in Baytown

Despite its industrial nature, Baytown has numerous attractions and recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Popular landmarks and attractions include:

Click here to visit the Baytown tourism website for more attractions and things to do.

Sports and Recreation

Residents of Baytown have plenty of options for participating in recreational sports and outdoor activities. On the semi-pro level, the city is home to the Baytown Lee College Buccaneers basketball team and Baytown Soccer Park which hosts youth and adult leagues.

For high school athletics, check out the Baytown Broncos, Goose Creek Memorial Patriots, Robert E. Lee Ganders, and Ross S. Sterling Rangers.

Outdoor recreation options include the 25-mile San Jacinto River Trail, the Bayland Island Park hiking trails, and the Baytown Golf & Country Club.

Shopping and Dining

Baytown has plenty of options when it comes to shopping, dining, and entertainment. Major shopping destinations include the Baybrook Mall, Bayway Plaza, and San Jacinto Mall. For restaurants, Baytown offers national chains alongside local favorites serving cuisines like Mexican, Italian, barbecue, and southern comfort food.

Click here for a full guide to shopping and restaurants around Baytown.

Education in Baytown

Baytown is served by several public school districts:

Higher education options include Lee College located within Baytown. Nearby universities include the University of Houston, Rice University, Texas Southern University, and Sam Houston State University.

Public Transportation in Baytown

Public transportation in Baytown and Chambers County is provided by The District and includes bus routes throughout the urban areas of Baytown and surrounding cities.

Baytown City Government

Baytown is located in Chambers County, Texas. The Chambers County government office is located at:

Chambers County
404 Washington Ave
Anahuac, TX 77514
(409) 267-2440

The Baytown city government is based out of Baytown City Hall:

City of Baytown
2401 Market St.
Baytown, TX 77520
(281) 420-6500

Visit the City of Baytown website to learn more about city departments and services.

Moving to Baytown

If you’re considering a move to Baytown, Texas, the city offers an excellent location near Houston and abundant employment opportunities in the petrochemical industry. Baytown provides quality city services and education along with ample recreation options. Home prices are very reasonable compared to much of the Houston metro area.

Before you move, be sure to research the various Baytown neighborhoods and find the right home for your needs. Realtor.com offers a guide for homes for sale in Baytown.

For more advice on relocating, check out the Baytown Facebook page and connect with the local community there.