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 friendly city located in Jefferson County, Texas, in the United States. In 2020, about 17,335 people called Groves home. It is part of a larger area that includes the cities of Beaumont and Port Arthur.
Contents
The Story of Groves: How It Began
The history of Groves started in 1886 when Sam Courville moved his family to this area. Later, in 1911, more land was bought by John Warne Gates.
A few years later, in 1919, many pecan trees were planted here. This led to the area being called "Pecan Grove." The name was later changed to "Groves" to honor Asa Groves, who helped develop the area.
Growing into a City
Groves began to grow quickly. A post office opened in 1927, followed by a school in 1929, and a public library in 1930. The community became an important stop on the Kansas City Southern Railway.
In 1936, a large oil refinery started its operations. By 1940, Groves had its own public water system. Many community groups, like the Lions Club and the Volunteer Fire Department, were also formed.
By the early 1950s, about 1,300 people lived in Groves. In 1952, the residents voted for Groves to become an official city. The population grew a lot, reaching over 17,000 people by 1960.
Exploring Groves: Location and Landscape
Groves is located in the eastern part of Jefferson County. It is about 16 miles (26 kilometers) southeast of downtown Beaumont.
The city is surrounded by Port Arthur on three sides. To the northwest, you'll find Port Neches. Important roads like Highway 73, Highway 87, and Highway 347 run through or near Groves.
Waterways and Elevation
Just 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the southeast is Sabine Lake. This lake is connected to the Gulf of Mexico.
Groves covers an area of about 5.19 square miles (13.4 square kilometers). Only a tiny part of this area is water. Most of the city is located between 5 and 15 feet (1.5 to 4.5 meters) above sea level.
Who Lives in Groves? Population Facts
| Historical population | |||
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| 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 | |||
Groves Population in 2020
In 2020, Groves had a population of 17,335 people. About a quarter of the residents were under 18 years old. Also, about 15.8% of the people were 65 years or older. The average age in Groves was 37 years.
There were 6,521 households in Groves. Many of these households, about 35.4%, included children under 18. The city is home to a diverse group of people.
How Groves is Managed: Government and Services
The city of Groves has a Council-Manager type of government. This means a City Council makes decisions, and a City Manager helps run the city day-to-day.
The United States Postal Service has a post office in Groves at 6230 39th Street.
City Improvements and Infrastructure
Groves has invested a lot in making the city better. Since 2003, over $14 million has been spent on important projects. These include a new water treatment plant and improvements to the wastewater system. Money has also been used to fix streets and improve drainage.
Learning in Groves: Schools and Libraries
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.
Local Schools
Groves has several schools for younger students. These include Groves Middle School, Van Buren Elementary, Taft Elementary, and Groves Elementary.
Higher Education Opportunities
For students who want to continue their education after high school, there are colleges nearby. The Lamar University system, located in Beaumont, offers many programs. Students can also attend Lamar Institute of Technology, Lamar State College at Port Arthur, and Lamar State College at Orange.
Public Library Services
The Groves Public Library is a great place to read and learn. It is located at 5600 West Washington Boulevard.
Famous People from Groves
Groves has been home to several notable individuals:
- Greg Davis, a college football coach.
- Janis Joplin, a famous singer.
- Mary Karr, a well-known writer.
- Brittney Rodriguez, an actress.
- Jerry LaCroix, a singer who performed with bands like Blood Sweat and Tears, and Rare Earth.
See also
In Spanish: Groves (Texas) para niños
