countyscore
75.1
County Score
Schools 96.3Soil Quality 92.6Property Tax 91

County Report Card

About Cameron Parish, Louisiana

Far Exceeding National Norms

Cameron Parish reaches an impressive composite score of 75.1, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high quality of life across nearly all measured dimensions.

A Top Performer in Louisiana

At 75.1, Cameron Parish significantly outpaces the state average of 53.0. It stands out as one of Louisiana's premier locations for education and financial well-being.

Elite Schools and Strong Incomes

The parish achieves a near-perfect school score of 96.3 and a high income score of 72.5. With a median household income of $72,500, it offers some of the best economic prospects in the state.

Severe Water Infrastructure Issues

The parish's primary weakness is a water score of 2.3, indicating significant infrastructure or quality concerns. While most other metrics are high, this specific environmental factor remains a critical area for improvement.

Best for High-Earning Families

Cameron Parish is a top-tier choice for families seeking excellent education and high earning potential in a safe environment. Prospective residents should simply be aware of the localized water infrastructure challenges.

204060801009177.171.766.796.372.566.42.329.3Tax91Cost77.1Safety71.7Health66.7Schools96.3Income72.5Risk66.4Water2.3Weather29.375.1/100
This county
National avg
7 above average2 below average

Cameron Parish DNA

C+overall

How Cameron Parish compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Cameron Parish scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Schools (96.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
91+39
Cost
77.1+29.099999999999994
Safety
71.7+16.700000000000003
Health
66.7+16.700000000000003
Schools
96.3+42.3
Income
72.5+21.5
Risk
66.4+19.400000000000006
Water
2.3-55.7
Weather
29.3-26.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$183,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

N/A/mo

Income Needed (home)

$183,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

N/A/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,500/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Calcasieu Parish
Louisiana
44.6
Orange County
Texas
31.3
Jefferson County
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19.8
Jefferson Davis Parish
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53.1
Beauregard Parish
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57.1
Vermilion Parish
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Hardin County
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Acadia Parish
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55.4

Deep Dives

Cameron Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Cameron Parish

via TaxByCounty

Cameron taxes fall below the U.S. average

Cameron Parish's effective tax rate of 0.444% sits below the national median of 0.948%, and the median property tax of $814 represents just 30% of the national median of $2,690. Cameron ranks solidly in the nation's lower-tax categories despite coastal Louisiana challenges.

Cameron ranks second in the state

Cameron Parish ties with Calcasieu Parish at 0.444%, making it the second-highest-taxing parish in Louisiana after Caddo's 0.615%. At $814 median property tax, Cameron exceeds the state average of $732 by 11%.

Cameron matches Calcasieu's regional rate

Cameron Parish's 0.444% rate equals Calcasieu Parish's, the two together forming the middle tier of the eight-parish region. Both significantly exceed rural neighbors like Catahoula (0.292%) and Claiborne (0.369%).

A $183,300 home costs $814 yearly

The median Cameron home valued at $183,300 generates an estimated annual property tax bill of $814. Cameron's coastal demographics and recovery needs influence both property valuations and tax assessments, though rates remain competitive nationally.

Appeal overassessments in Cameron Parish

Cameron Parish homeowners should review whether their assessed values reflect post-hurricane recovery or outdated market data. The parish assessor welcomes appeals based on comparable sales evidence, and many residents find reassessments that lower their tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Cameron Parish

via CostByCounty

Cameron's ownership story untold

Cameron Parish rental data remains limited, but homeowners spend $652 monthly against a median income of $72,500—just 1.1% of national median income. The parish leans toward owner-occupancy in its housing market.

Cameron's affordable for owners

Cameron's monthly owner costs of $652 sit well below state and national averages, suggesting strong homeownership affordability. While rental data is unavailable, the parish's income level ($72,500) ranks among Louisiana's strongest.

Cameron outpaces rural neighbors

Cameron's median income of $72,500 exceeds rural parishes like Caldwell ($44,957) and Claiborne ($31,784), offering greater earning power. Its median home value of $183,300 reflects coastal economic strength.

Homeownership dominates Cameron

Cameron's median monthly owner cost of $652 against a $72,500 median income means homeowners allocate roughly 10.9% to housing—exceptionally affordable. Rental market data is limited, suggesting most residents own rather than rent.

Cameron suits homebuyers seeking value

If you're purchasing rather than renting, Cameron Parish offers strong affordability and incomes near state averages. The coastal parish's owner-friendly market makes it worth considering for families planning to buy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Cameron Parish

via IncomeByCounty

Cameron Edges Close to National Average

Cameron Parish households earn $72,500 annually, just 3% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This near-national-average income reflects the parish's strong coastal energy sector and supports a solid middle-class standard of living.

Second-Highest Income in Louisiana

Cameron Parish's $72,500 median significantly exceeds Louisiana's state average of $55,250, ranking it among the state's top income earners. Only a handful of Louisiana parishes match this economic performance.

Leads Southwest Louisiana Region

Cameron's $72,500 ranks second only to neighboring Calcasieu ($67,849) and substantially outpaces Caddo ($50,067) and De Soto ($46,077). The two parishes together form Louisiana's strongest economic corridor.

Strong Economic Footing Here

With a median home value of $183,300 and household incomes of $72,500, Cameron residents enjoy solid housing affordability. While rent-to-income data is limited, the overall income level suggests comfortable housing and cost-of-living conditions.

Invest Strategically in Future

Cameron residents earning $72,500 are in an excellent position to build significant wealth through diversified stock and bond portfolios, real estate appreciation, and education savings. Consulting a financial advisor about tax-efficient investing strategies can accelerate long-term wealth growth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Cameron Parish

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Record for Cameron

Cameron Parish boasts a low crime rate of 679.2 per 100,000 residents, far below the national benchmark of 2,385.5. The parish earns a strong safety score of 98.9, indicating it is safer than most US counties.

Leading the State in Safety

At 98.9, Cameron's safety score exceeds the Louisiana average of 97.1. Its total crime rate of 679.2 is significantly better than the state's average of 1,853.7, reflecting a peaceful local environment.

Regional Comparison with Calcasieu

Cameron Parish is significantly safer than its neighbor, Calcasieu Parish, which has a crime rate over six times higher. Data from the single reporting agency here shows a consistent trend of low reported incidents.

Low Violent and Property Crimes

The parish reports only 73.4 violent crimes per 100,000, which is just a fraction of the 369.8 national average. Property crime also remains low at 605.8 per 100,000 residents.

Preserving Your Parish Safety

While rates are low, residents should remain proactive about locking doors and securing outbuildings. Maintaining these habits helps Cameron Parish preserve its status as one of the safest areas in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Cameron Parish

via SchoolsByCounty

Small Scale, High Impact Infrastructure

Cameron Parish supports 1,152 students across 5 public schools in a single district. The layout includes one elementary, one high school, and three multi-level campuses. This configuration reflects the unique needs of a smaller, spread-out coastal population.

Top-Tier Performance and Funding

Cameron Parish excels with a 97.0% graduation rate and a standout school score of 69.5. Investment is significant, with per-pupil spending at $12,683, which nearly matches the national average and far exceeds the state's $7,881. These figures highlight a strong commitment to academic excellence and student resources.

One District Serving the Coast

The Cameron Parish school district manages all five schools without any charter school participation. This ensures a uniform curriculum and direct local accountability for the entire student body. The district focus remains on serving the unique needs of its 1,152 residents.

Intimate Learning in Rural Locales

All five schools are located in rural settings, maintaining an average school size of 230 students. Grand Lake High School is the largest campus with 340 students, while Johnson Bayou High School serves just 84. These small enrollment numbers foster an environment where every student is known by name.

Excellence for Every Student

The combination of high per-pupil spending and elite graduation rates makes Cameron Parish a premium choice for families. If you are looking for a home in a quiet area with top-rated schools, this parish offers unmatched academic potential. Explore local listings to find your place in this high-achieving community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Cameron Parish

via RiskByCounty

Cameron's very low composite risk masks coastal exposure

Cameron Parish scores 33.65 on composite risk—a Very Low rating that might seem reassuring, but masks significant coastal hurricane (82.14) and wildfire (86.55) exposure. This paradox reflects how Cameron's extremely low tornado and earthquake risks offset its serious water and fire threats. Nationally, Cameron ranks as moderate-to-high risk when coastal factors dominate.

Cameron's risk profile is deceptively low statewide

At 33.65, Cameron scores well below Louisiana's state average of 62.37, ranking among the safest parishes overall. However, this masks Cameron's true vulnerability: its hurricane risk (82.14) and wildfire risk (86.55) are substantial by state standards. The Very Low composite rating obscures the parish's concentrated coastal and fire exposure.

Cameron safer overall, but faces unique threats

Cameron's 33.65 composite score is lower than Caddo (92.62) and Calcasieu (95.71), its western neighbors, but higher than Catahoula (17.02) and Caldwell (10.50). What sets Cameron apart is its geographic reality: it's Louisiana's most coastal parish, so its hurricane (82.14) and wildfire (86.55) risks dwarf inland peers. Residents face concentrated threats rather than diverse hazard exposure.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate Cameron's threats

Cameron's hurricane risk of 82.14 and wildfire risk of 86.55 are among Louisiana's highest, reflecting the parish's position on the Gulf Coast. Flood risk (84.60) completes the water-related threat trio, driven by storm surge and heavy rainfall from tropical systems. For Cameron residents, coastal and fire threats are year-round concerns, not seasonal afterthoughts.

Coastal properties need comprehensive hurricane protection

Despite a low composite score, Cameron residents must prioritize hurricane and flood insurance—standard policies often exclude windstorm damage in coastal zones. Properties near wetlands or in fire-prone areas should verify wildfire coverage with their insurer. Meet with a coastal property specialist to ensure your home has adequate coverage for Cameron's specific coastal and fire risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Cameron Parish

via WaterByCounty

One of Louisiana's Highest Violation Rates

Cameron Parish struggles with a failing grade and an alarming violation rate of 1,600.8 per 100,000 residents. This rate is nearly four times the state average of 407.2 and represents 173 health violations over five years. Such high numbers signal a significant challenge in meeting basic federal safety standards.

Bacterial Contamination Dominates the Watershed

A staggering 91.8% of the 61 assessed water bodies are impaired according to the 2022 ATTAINS report. The leading causes of failure are enterococcus, fecal coliform, and low dissolved oxygen. This high percentage of impairment exceeds the state average and reflects poor coastal water health.

High Monitoring Density Driven by Microbiology

The parish has a robust network of 49 monitoring sites that have recorded 14,158 measurements recently. Microbiological and physical data are the most frequently measured groups, reflecting the parish's struggle with bacterial impairments. This data provides the necessary evidence to track contamination trends along the coast.

Lack of Live Streamflow Gauges

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing live data for Cameron Parish. This lack of real-time flow data complicates efforts to understand how storm surges or runoff affect bacterial levels. Monitoring efforts are instead anchored by the parish's extensive 49-site water quality network.

High Alert for Bacterial Water Risks

The presence of enterococcus and fecal coliform in the watershed makes boiling or advanced filtration highly advisable if water systems falter. With 173 health violations, residents should strictly follow all local boil water advisories. Regularly testing your home’s water is the best way to guard against the parish's exceptionally high violation rate.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Cameron Parish

via WeatherByCounty

Tropical Influences on the Gulf

Cameron Parish is one of the warmest spots in the country with an annual average of 69.4°F. This is nearly 16 degrees higher than the national median temperature.

At the Top of State Charts

Cameron's 69.4°F average significantly exceeds the Louisiana state average of 67.0°F. It ranks as one of the hottest parishes in the entire state due to its southern coastal location.

Warmer than its Inland Neighbors

Cameron is nearly a full degree warmer than Calcasieu Parish, which averages 68.8°F. It also sees 71 extreme heat days, fewer than Calcasieu's 91, likely due to coastal breezes.

Endless Summers and Snowless Winters

July averages 83.4°F, while winter months remain warm at 54.6°F. Snow is non-existent, and the parish experiences 61.0 inches of annual precipitation.

Build for the Coastal Elements

Residents must plan for high humidity and salt air, which can affect HVAC longevity. Hurricane shutters and elevation are critical for managing the 61 inches of rain and potential surges.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Cameron Parish

via SoilByCounty

Near-neutral soils on the Gulf coast

Cameron Parish boasts an average pH of 6.35, the closest in this group to the national median of 6.5. This makes its soil significantly less acidic than the state average of 5.74. This more balanced pH level allows for diverse plant nutrient uptake without heavy lime application.

Heavy clay dominates the coastal marsh

The composition is 35.4% clay, the highest in this region, paired with 29.2% silt and 23.9% sand. This high clay content provides exceptional nutrient storage but makes the soil heavy and difficult to work when wet. These soils are characteristic of stable marsh and prairie environments.

Exceptional organic richness and water capacity

Cameron Parish leads the region with a staggering 18.19% organic matter, nearly triple the state average of 6.38%. Its available water capacity of 0.219 in/in is also far above the state mean of 0.182 in/in. This combination fuels a massive soil score of 92.6, indicating world-class growing potential.

Natural reservoirs in heavy clay

While drainage class data is not currently recorded, the high clay and organic content suggest these soils act like sponges. They retain moisture for long periods, which is vital for coastal ecosystems but requires raised beds for most vegetables. The soil naturally resists drought better than almost any other parish.

Tropical possibilities in Zone 9b

In the warm Zone 9b climate, Cameron Parish is ideal for citrus, figs, and even tropical ornamentals. The rich, organic soil provides an incredible foundation for any gardener willing to manage the heavy clay. With a soil score of 92.6, this is some of the most productive land in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Cameron Parish

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Conditions in Cameron Parish

Cameron Parish stands out with a lawn difficulty score of 40.2, which is notably higher and easier than the Louisiana average of 33.8. This Zone 9b parish benefits from a unique coastal climate that offers a different set of challenges and opportunities than the interior. Despite being easier than its neighbors, it remains more difficult than the national average of 50.0.

Long Seasons and Moderate Heat

While it receives 61.0 inches of rain, Cameron Parish experiences only 71 extreme heat days, which is lower than the state average of 84. The 7,289 growing degree days indicate an exceptionally long growing season with minimal winter dormancy. This extended warmth allows for nearly year-round maintenance and growth for coastal-adapted turf.

Working with Heavy Clay Soils

The soil here is heavy on clay at 35.4%, which can lead to drainage issues during the parish's frequent rains. However, the soil pH of 6.35 is excellent, falling perfectly within the ideal 6.0 to 7.0 range for lawn health. You likely won't need the heavy lime applications required in other parts of Louisiana, but aeration is key to managing the clay.

High Resilience to Drought

Cameron Parish currently reports 0.0% of its area in severe drought, showing better resilience than many inland parishes. Even though it saw 16 weeks of drought over the last year, the local clay soil helps retain moisture longer than sandy alternatives. Keeping grass at a higher height during dry weeks will further shade the soil and protect the root zone.

Top Grasses for Zone 9b

Salt-tolerant and heat-loving grasses like Seashore Paspalum or St. Augustine are ideal for this coastal environment. Your growing season begins very early, with the last spring frost typically occurring on February 3rd. With a first fall frost not arriving until December 23rd, you have an expansive window to perfect your lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cameron Parish's county score?
Cameron Parish, Louisiana has a composite county score of 75.1 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Cameron Parish rank among counties in Louisiana?
Cameron Parish ranks #1 among all counties in Louisiana on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Cameron Parish, Louisiana?
The median annual property tax in Cameron Parish is $814, with an effective tax rate of 0.44%. This earns Cameron Parish a tax score of 91/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cameron Parish?
The median household income in Cameron Parish, Louisiana is $72,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cameron Parish earns an income score of 72.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cameron Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Cameron Parish scores 75.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Louisiana. The best way to evaluate Cameron Parish is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Cameron Parish with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.