Freeport
cityFreeport, Texas, is a coastal city in Brazoria County, situated on the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Brazos River. Founded in 1912, it has a population of approximately 10,610 residents as of 2026. Freeport is known for its industrial activity, maritime heritage and as the 'Shrimp Capital of the World'. Freeport's economy is driven by the Dow Chemical Company, which operates its largest integrated chemical manufacturing facility in the United States in the city. Port Freeport, a major deep-water port, contributes significantly to the local economy and global trade. The city also has a growing LNG export terminal. Freeport offers a unique blend of industrial vitality and coastal living. Its history is intertwined with the early development of Texas, including the nearby town of Velasco, which served as the first capital of the Republic of Texas. Freeport's location provides access to beaches, fishing, and birdwatching, enhancing its quality of life.
Freeport, Texas
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 48-27420
- Country
- United States
- County
- Brazoria County
- Region
- Southeast Texas
- Elevation
- 5 ft
- Total Area
- 17.7 sq mi
- Land Area
- 15.4 sq mi
- Water Area
- 2.3 sq mi
- Latitude
- 28.95944
- Longitude
- -95.35694
- Climate
- Hot and humid summers, mild to cool winters with ample rainfall
- Notable Features
- Brazos River · Gulf of Mexico · Bryan Beach
- Neighboring Areas
- Surfside Beach · Quintana · Angleton · Brazoria
- Population (2020)
- 10,696
- Est. Population (2026)
- 10,610
- Median Age
- 34.5
- Median Income
- $61,134
- Poverty Rate
- 13.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 58.8%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 59.2% Hispanic, 22.1% White, 14.8% Black or African American
- Government Type
- Council-Manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- Body Size
- 5 members
- School District
- Brazosport Independent School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Parks & Recreation · Library
- Unemployment Rate
- 8.4%
- Economic Profile
- Industrial · Port · Chemical Manufacturing
- Employment Sectors
- Construction · Health Care & Social Assistance · Manufacturing
- Major Employers
- Dow Chemical Company · Freeport LNG
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 14.1:1
- School Districts
- Brazosport Independent School District
- Transportation
- Texas State Highway 288 · Texas State Highway 36 · Port Freeport · Houston and Brazos Valley Railway
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Freeport Community Hospital
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Bryan Beach · Freeport Municipal Park · Freeport Wetlands Trail & Bird Observatory
- Parks & Trails
- Freeport Municipal Park · Stephen F. Austin Park · Riverside Ball Park
- Founded
- 1912
- Incorporated
- 1917
- Named After
- Freeport Sulphur Company
- Historical Significance
- Site of early Texas settlement, significant sulfur mining operations, and major chemical industry development
- Key Events
- Founded by Freeport Sulphur Company in 1912 · Construction of Dow Chemical Company facilities in 1939 · Merger with Velasco in 1957 · Development of Freeport LNG export terminal in the 2010s
