Town in Milam County

Living in Cameron, TX

C+

336th of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 54 of 100

Cameron gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 336th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on health and schools. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

  • Good for young professionals
  • Health scores low (19 of 100)
  • Tornado risk is very high
Map of Texas showing where Cameron isHoustonSan AntonioDallasAustinFort WorthCameron
Where Cameron is in Texas.
Population
5,489+3.5% since 2020
Median rent
$96231% lower than Texas
Median home value
$125,00056% lower than Texas
Household income
$62,443Median
Average commute
22 minOne way
Violent crime
143Per 100k, 2025

What it's like to live in Cameron

Cameron is a town in Milam County. 5,489 people lived here in 2025, up 3.5% from 2020. It is spread out.

Local spots people know include Wilson-Ledbetter Park, Orchard Park and O.J. Thomas Park.

The median age is 34.9, 43% of households have children, 56% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $62,443 a year (20% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Cameron

  • Low violent crime. 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 63% lower than the Texas rate.
  • Lower rent. Median rent is $962, 31% lower than the Texas median.
  • Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 2.0 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 22 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Cameron

  • Weaker school ratings. Only 25% of the 4 rated campuses earn an A or B from the state.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.

Who Cameron suits

  • FamiliesA reasonable fit: 25% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 63% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 40% for families.
  • Young professionalsA strong fit: household income is 20% lower than the Texas median, with 30 restaurants and 4 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 82% for young professionals.
  • RetireesA reasonable fit: 21% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 63% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 72% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 84% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $962 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 49% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $962 is 31% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 69% for people on a budget.

Cameron report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Cameron with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

  • Cost of living: grade B+

    Median rent $962, homes cost 2.0x income.

    74 of 100 vs US towns

  • Jobs and income: grade C-

    Median household income $62,443, 3.8% unemployed.

    33 of 100 vs US towns

  • Schools: grade D

    4 rated campuses, 25% rated A or B.

    21 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Safety: grade B-

    143 violent crimes per 100k, 376 property crimes per 100k.

    57 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Errands and things to do: grade B

    5 grocery stores, 30 restaurants, 9 parks mapped in town.

    69 of 100 vs TX towns

  • Getting around: grade B+

    Average commute 22 min, 9.9% work from home.

    76 of 100 vs US towns

  • Education levels: grade D

    17% have a bachelor’s degree.

    22 of 100 vs US towns

  • Health: grade D

    21% of adults uninsured.

    19 of 100 vs US towns

  • Home ownership: grade D

    56% of homes owner-occupied.

    24 of 100 vs US towns

  • Internet access: grade D

    84% of homes have broadband.

    22 of 100 vs US towns

Where Cameron stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Home value to income: 2.0x45% lower than Texas (3.6x)
  • Median rent: $96231% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 43%8 points lower than Texas (52%)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 17%17 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $62,44320% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes with broadband internet: 84%8 points lower than Texas (91%)

Cost of living in Cameron

Cameron renters pay a median of $962 a month, 31% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $38,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 43% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $861 for a one-bedroom, $1,126 for a two-bedroom and $1,448 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $125,000, 56% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $684 before tax, or $840 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Cameron pays $1,873 a year, 56% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in CameronStudio$8561 bedroom$8612 bedrooms$1,1263 bedrooms$1,4484 bedrooms$1,793
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Milam County, TX. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent31% lower than Texas$962$1,403$1,413
Median home value56% lower than Texas$125,000$283,800$332,700
Home value to income45% lower than Texas2.0x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent8 points lower than Texas43%52%51%
Median property tax per year56% lower than Texas$1,873$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them6 points lower than Texas56%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$840
Mortgage payment
$684
Property tax
$156
Median rent, for comparison
$962

Based on a $125,000 home in Cameron, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Cameron safe?

In 2025, Cameron Police Department reported 8 violent crimes and 21 property crimes. That works out to 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 63% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 376 property crimes per 100,000, 82% lower than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 23% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Cameron by yearTexas14320212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
143
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
376
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Cameron by yearTexas37620212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Cameron Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Cameron

Cameron has 4 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 25% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Cameron ISD.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
21
of 100 vs Texas towns
Average rating
74
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • BCameron Yoe High SchoolHigh, Cameron ISD87 of 100
  • CBen Milam ElementaryElementary, Cameron ISD79 of 100
  • CCameron ElementaryElementary, Cameron ISD79 of 100
  • FCameron MiddleMiddle, Cameron ISD51 of 100

Daily life in Cameron

Everyday places mapped inside Cameron, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Wilson-Ledbetter Park, Orchard Park, O.J. Thomas Park.

The average one-way commute is 22 minutes, 16% shorter than the Texas average. 10% of workers work from home. 3.8% walk, bike or take transit to work.

The median household income is $62,443, income per person is $30,270, unemployment is 3.8% and 17% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

Grocery stores
5
Pharmacies
1
Restaurants
30
Cafes
4
Bars
3
Parks
9
Gyms
2
Hospitals and urgent care
1
Childcare
2
Libraries
1

Jobs, income and education

MeasureHereTexasUS
Median household income20% lower than Texas$62,443$78,476$80,734
Income per person26% lower than Texas$30,270$40,752$44,673
Unemployment rate1 points lower than Texas3.8%5.3%5.2%
People below the poverty line6 points higher than Texas20%14%12%
Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher17 points lower than Texas17%34%36%
Adults with a high school diploma or higher1 points lower than Texas85%86%90%
Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance2 points higher than Texas21%20%11%
Homes with broadband internet8 points lower than Texas84%91%91%

Getting to work

MeasureHereTexasUS
Average commute16% lower than Texas22 min27 min26 min
Workers who work from home4 points lower than Texas9.9%14%15%
Workers who work from home9.9%
Workers who take transit0%
Workers who walk3.8%
Workers who bike0%

Who lives in Cameron

Under 1828%
18 to 3422%
35 to 6434%
65 and over16%

Median age 34.9 years. 43% of households have children.

Race and ethnicity
White32%
Hispanic or Latino48%
Black18%
Asian0%
Other or more than one race2.0%

Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

Weather in Cameron

Cameron has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 94°F and January lows about 39°F. There are about 88 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 39 inches of rain a year.

Average monthly high and low temperatures in Cameron30°50°70°90°61J66F72M78A84M91J94J94A90S81O71N63DRain

Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Cameron, 1 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

Natural hazard risk

FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is moderate, hurricane risk is high, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

  • River floodingModerate
  • HurricanesHigh
  • TornadoesVery high
  • HailVery high
  • Heat wavesHigh
  • WildfiresVery high
  • Winter stormsHigh
  • Strong windHigh

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

Places near Cameron

Nearby, Rockdale gets a D-, Rosebud gets a B+ and Rogers gets a C-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

  1. D-RockdaleTown, 5,523 people15 mi
  2. B+RosebudTown, 1,007 people15 mi
  3. C-RogersTown, 1,303 people16 mi
  4. D-HearneTown, 4,555 people22 mi
  5. B+ThorndaleTown, 1,113 people22 mi
  6. B+Little River-AcademyTown, 2,233 people25 mi

Living in Cameron: common questions

Is Cameron, TX a good place to live?

Cameron gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 336th of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on getting around and cost of living, and trails on health and schools. It is a strong pick for young professionals.

How much does it cost to live in Cameron?

Renters in Cameron pay a median of $962 a month, 31% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $125,000, 56% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 2.0x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $840, including property tax.

Is Cameron safe?

In 2025, Cameron Police Department reported 143 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 63% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 376 per 100,000, 82% lower than the Texas rate.

Are the schools good in Cameron?

We found 4 rated public school campuses inside Cameron. 25% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 21 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.

Does Cameron flood?

FEMA rates river flooding risk in Cameron as moderate, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

What is the weather like in Cameron?

Summers in Cameron peak at about 94°F in July, and January nights fall to about 39°F. Expect around 88 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 39 inches of rain.

How long is the commute in Cameron?

The average one-way commute is 22 min, 16% lower than the Texas average. About 9.9% of workers work from home.

Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.