With a population of over 118,000 as of the 2020 census, Beaumont is the fourth largest city in the East Texas region. Located near the Gulf of Mexico and surrounded by bayous, wetlands and pine forests, Beaumont has a long history dating back to the early 19th century.
Population and Demographics
Beaumont’s population peaked in the 1980s at over 120,000 residents. Since then it has declined slightly but remains a major population center in Jefferson County. According to the 2020 census, the racial makeup of Beaumont is 37% White, 53% African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian and 1% other races.
Over the last decade, Beaumont has seen steady population growth. The recent expansion of the local petrochemical and healthcare industries has brought new residents to the area looking for job opportunities.
History and Origins
Beaumont was founded in 1835 by pioneer farmers and businessmen from the American South looking to capitalize on the region’s rich soil. They named their settlement after a Jefferson County commissioner, Henry Millard. In 1838, the settlement was renamed Beaumont after a nearby estate owned by Alexander Calder.
By the late 19th century, Beaumont began to boom after large oil deposits were discovered in nearby Spindletop. New railroad connections to Port Arthur allowed the petroleum industry to thrive in Beaumont. This ushered in an era of rapid growth for the city.
Major Employers and Local Economy
Today, Beaumont’s economy still relies heavily on the energy, petrochemical and shipbuilding industries. Some of the major employers in the city include:
- ExxonMobil – A large oil refinery and chemical plant provides thousands of jobs.
- Christus Health – This Catholic hospital system is headquartered in Beaumont.
- LafargeHolcim – Global cement manufacturer with a plant in Beaumont.
- Entergy – Major electric utility provider in the region.
- Motiva Enterprises – Petroleum refinery jointly owned by Shell and Saudi Aramco.
Other important industries include healthcare, education, retail and tourism. Lamar University and a local community college provide higher education and research opportunities in the city.
Attractions and Things to Do
Despite its industrial economy, Beaumont offers visitors plenty of attractions and recreational activities including:
- Spindletop Museum – Learn about the 1901 oil boom at the historic Gladys City site.
- Big Thicket National Preserve – Hike and explore this biodiverse pine and hardwood forest ecosystem.
- Cattail Marsh – Wetland habitat home to alligators, herons and other wildlife.
- Texas Energy Museum – Interactive science exhibits related to the petrochemical industry.
- Art Museum of Southeast Texas – Regional fine arts and contemporary galleries.
- Julie Rogers Theater – Catch live music, theater productions and other shows.
- Ford Park Entertainment Complex – 12,000 seat arena and event center.
The city’s downtown along the Neches River features antique shops, cafes and a historic theater. The popular annual South Texas State Fair attracts over 300,000 visitors each year.
Sports
Beaumont is home to several minor league and semi-pro sports teams including:
- Beaumont Bulls – Semi-pro football team that plays at Ford Park.
- Corpus Christi Hooks – AA affiliate of the Houston Astros MLB baseball team.
- Beaumont Panthers – Indoor American football team.
Lamar University fields several Division I NCAA athletic teams. Popular sports in Beaumont include football, baseball, basketball and golf.
Beaumont on Social Media
You can follow Beaumont news and events on the city’s Facebook page. Residents and visitors often post photos and updates showcasing the best of Beaumont.