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Freeport

city

Freeport, 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

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
48-27420
Country
United States
County
Brazoria County
Geography
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
Demographics
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
Governance
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
Economy
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
Education
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.1:1
School Districts
Brazosport Independent School District
Infrastructure
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
Recreation
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
History
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