Cost of Living in Cameron County, Texas
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cameron County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cameron County ranks #3,063 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 3%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cameron County, Texas
Cameron County faces acute affordability stress
Cameron County renters spend 21.0% of income on rent, significantly above the national average of 18.1% and the Texas state average of 18.1%. With a median household income of just $51,334—$23,421 below the national average of $74,755—residents face the steepest housing-cost burden in this comparison.
Among Texas's most stressed housing markets
Cameron County ranks among the least affordable counties statewide, combining a high 21.0% rent-to-income ratio with the lowest median income ($51,334) of these eight counties. This Rio Grande Valley location faces genuine affordability challenges despite modest absolute rent costs.
Lowest incomes, highest cost burden
Cameron's $899 rent is reasonable by statewide standards, but the $51,334 median income—lowest in this sample—makes it the percentagewise most expensive for renters. Neighboring counties like Calhoun ($71,870 income) and Brown ($55,305) fare better despite similar or higher absolute rents.
Income constraints drive housing stress
Renters pay $899 monthly while homeowners carry $689, with median homes valued at just $120,000—the cheapest purchase prices in Texas. Yet on a $51,334 annual income, renters dedicate 21.0% of earnings to housing, leaving limited funds for other essentials.
Cameron County requires careful budgeting
If you're considering relocation to the Rio Grande Valley, Cameron County's low home prices ($120,000) appeal to buyers, but renters should carefully verify that the 21.0% rent-to-income ratio leaves adequate funds for your household needs. Compare your expected income against local $899 rents to ensure financial stability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cameron County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Cameron County is affordable. The median rent is $899/month against a median household income of $51,334, putting rent at 21.0% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Cameron County pay $899/month on average, compared to $689/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 23%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,529/year. With a median household income of $51,334, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Cameron County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Cameron County sits 6% more expensive than Hamilton County ($847/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cameron County
Rent Burden
21.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,198
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cameron County
Median home value is $120,000. Estimated monthly cost: $958 vs. your max of $1,198.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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