Cameron County
TX · Pop. 423,192 · Mixed County
Cameron County is a mixed rural-suburban county in Texas, spanning 892 square miles with 423,192 residents at a density of 474.4 people per square mile, a more developed setting where truly rural parcels are scarcer. The agricultural economy is rated strong, built on cotton, sorghum, corn. The median home price is $120,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.62%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 10a with a 365-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.2°F and average winter lows of 53.6°F. Annual rainfall averages 26.1 inches, and with drought risk rated very high, water storage and irrigation planning matter. Valley Regional Medical Center is 8.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 98% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is very high, tornado risk is very high, wildfire risk is very high, drought risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A long 365-day growing season in USDA zone 10a supports a wide range of crops and multiple plantings.
- A median home price of $120,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Broadband reaches 98% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
- Valley Regional Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 8.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A strong agricultural economy built on cotton, sorghum, corn means local markets, equipment, and know-how are in place.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Tornado risk is very high, so a storm shelter and wind-resistant structures are practical necessities.
- Flood risk is very high, so careful parcel siting and flood insurance are essential.
- Drought risk is very high, making water storage and irrigation infrastructure essential rather than optional.
- An effective property tax rate of 1.62% is on the higher side and adds to annual carrying costs.
At a glance
Cameron County, TX is a challenging place to homestead on the data.
- Homestead score
- 31/100
- Median home price
- $120k
- Property tax
- 1.62%
- Growing season
- 365 days (zone 10a)
- Annual rainfall
- 26.1"
- Broadband
- 98%
- Nearest hospital
- Valley Regional Medical Center, 8.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Cameron County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Cameron County?
- Cameron County is in USDA hardiness zone 10a with a 365-day growing season, average summer highs of 92.2°F, and average winter lows of 53.6°F. The established crops are cotton, sorghum, corn.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $120,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.62%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 98% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
- How close is healthcare?
- Valley Regional Medical Center is 8.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 10 hospitals in the county.
Explore Texas Resources
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LandWatch
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Lands of America
The largest listing site for rural property — farms, ranches, hunting land, and timberland.
AcreTrader
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More counties in Texas
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The closest counties to Cameron County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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