countyscore
66.7
County Score
Schools 96.3Soil Quality 92.6Property Tax 87.9

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.

2040608010087.937.571.766.796.373.866.42.329.3Tax87.9Cost37.5Safety71.7Health66.7Schools96.3Income73.8Risk66.4Water2.3Weather29.366.7/100
This county
National avg
6 above average3 below average

Cameron Parish DNA

D+overall

How Cameron Parish compares to the national average across nine baseline 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
87.9+35.900000000000006
Cost
37.5-10.5
Safety
71.7+16.700000000000003
Health
66.7+16.700000000000003
Schools
96.3+42.3
Income
73.8+22.799999999999997
Risk
66.4+19.400000000000006
Water
2.3-55.7
Weather
29.3-26.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Cameron Parish

Whether buying or refinancing in Cameron Parish, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$202,500

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,688/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$202,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$67,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $75,278/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Calcasieu Parish
Louisiana
44.3
Orange County
Texas
30
Jefferson County
Texas
19.1
Jefferson Davis Parish
Louisiana
53.7
Beauregard Parish
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57.2
Vermilion Parish
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56.4
Hardin County
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Acadia Parish
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Deep Dives

Cameron Parish across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 66.7 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 #6 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 $936, with an effective tax rate of 0.46%. This earns Cameron Parish a tax score of 87.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Cameron Parish?
The median household income in Cameron Parish, Louisiana is $75,278 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Cameron Parish earns an income score of 73.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Cameron Parish, Louisiana a good place to live?
Cameron Parish scores 66.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.