Groves, Texas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Groves, Texas
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Location of Groves, Texas
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Texas |
| County | Jefferson |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council-Manager |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.19 sq mi (13.44 km2) |
| • Land | 5.17 sq mi (13.40 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.04 km2) |
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 17,335 |
| • Density | 2,992.46/sq mi (1,155.29/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
77619
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| Area code(s) | 409 |
| FIPS code | 48-31328 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2410669 |
Groves is a city located in Jefferson County, Texas, United States. In 2020, about 17,335 people lived there. Groves is part of the larger Beaumont–Port Arthur Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Contents
History of Groves
How Groves Started
The story of Groves began in 1886 when Sam Courville moved his family to a new home. This home was built on about 640 acres (2.6 square kilometers) of land. Later, in 1911, John Warne Gates bought more land in the same area.
In 1916, the land was sold to the Griffing brothers. Three years later, in 1919, their employee Wiley Choate helped plant thousands of pecan trees. These trees were planted on a 385-acre (1.56 square kilometers) piece of land.
Naming the City
In 1921, the Port Arthur Land Development Company took over the land. They divided it into a neighborhood called "Pecan Grove." The name was later changed to "Groves." This new name honored Asa Groves, who was a key person in the development of Port Arthur.
Growth and Development
Groves grew quickly. A post office opened in 1927, and a school started in 1929. The first public library opened the next year. The community became an important stop on the Kansas City Southern Railway.
In 1936, the Atlantic Refinery began operating in Groves. A public water system was installed in 1940. Many community groups, like the Lions Club and the Volunteer Fire Department, were formed in the 1940s.
By the early 1950s, Groves had about 1,300 people. In 1952, residents voted to make Groves an official city. The population then grew very fast, reaching over 17,000 by 1960. It peaked at 18,067 in 1970. After that, the population slowly decreased for a while. In 2000, Groves was the fourth-largest city in Jefferson County.
Where is Groves Located?
Groves is in the eastern part of Jefferson County, Texas. It is about 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of downtown Beaumont. The city of Port Arthur surrounds Groves on three sides. Port Neches is to the northwest.
Three main State Highways – 73, 87, and 347 – are located near Groves. Sabine Lake, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico, is only about 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) to the southeast.
The city of Groves covers about 5.19 square miles (13.4 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small amount of water. The city is mostly flat, sitting about 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 4.6 meters) above sea level.
People of Groves
Population Changes Over Time
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1960 | 17,304 | — | |
| 1970 | 18,067 | 4.4% | |
| 1980 | 17,090 | −5.4% | |
| 1990 | 16,744 | −2.0% | |
| 2000 | 15,733 | −6.0% | |
| 2010 | 16,144 | 2.6% | |
| 2020 | 17,335 | 7.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Groves has changed over the years. In 1960, there were 17,304 people. By 1970, it grew to 18,067. The population then slowly went down until 2000, when it was 15,733. In 2010, it increased slightly to 16,144. The most recent count in 2020 showed the population at 17,335.
Who Lives in Groves?
| Race | Number | Percentage |
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| White (NH) | 10,037 | 57.9% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 1,045 | 6.03% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 41 | 0.24% |
| Asian (NH) | 593 | 3.42% |
| Pacific Islander (NH) | 3 | 0.02% |
| Some Other Race (NH) | 39 | 0.22% |
| Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH) | 428 | 2.47% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 5,149 | 29.7% |
| Total | 17,335 |
In 2020, there were 17,335 people living in Groves. There were 5,747 households and 3,851 families. Most people identified as White (57.9%). About 29.7% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
In 2000, the average household had 2.52 people, and the average family had 2.98 people. About 31.6% of households had children under 18. The median age in the city was 39 years old.
Education in Groves
Schools for Younger Students
Most students in Groves attend schools in the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District. A small part of Groves is served by the Port Arthur Independent School District.
Schools located directly in Groves include Groves Middle School, Van Buren Elementary, Taft Elementary, and Groves Elementary. These schools are part of the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District.
Colleges and Universities Near Groves
For students seeking higher education, the Lamar University system is nearby in Beaumont. Students in Groves can attend Lamar University's main campus. They can also go to Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College at Port Arthur, or Lamar State College at Orange.
Public Library Services
The Groves Public Library is located at 5600 West Washington Boulevard. It provides library services and resources to the residents of Groves.
Famous People from Groves
Groves has been home to several notable individuals:
- Greg Davis – A former college football coach.
- Janis Joplin – Known as the "Queen of the Blues," famous for her powerful voice and soulful music.
- Mary Karr – An American poet and essayist.
- Brittney Rodriguez – An actress, known for her role in the movie Red Rocket.
See also
In Spanish: Groves (Texas) para niños
