Cameron County, Texas

Cameron County: County in Texas, United States

About

Cameron County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the population was 406,220 and a population density of 123 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 county had an estimated population of 424,180 inhabitants. Its county seat is Brownsville. The county was created 176 years ago in 1847.

Cameron County is the southernmost county in Texas, bordering Mexico along the Rio Grande River. It was founded in 1848 and named for Captain Ewen Cameron, a soldier during the Texas Revolution.

The area was sparsely populated until the early 1800s when Mexican settlers established large ranchos for cattle grazing. Steamboat trade began along the Rio Grande by the 1830s. During the Mexican-American War, U.S. troops occupied Brownsville in 1846.

The city of Brownsville became a hub for cotton and livestock trading by the late 1800s. Railroad lines connected the region which helped tourism grow.

Major Cities and Attractions

Brownsville is the largest city and county seat, with over 175,000 residents. Other towns include:

  • Harlingen - Home to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show and Rodeo
  • San Benito - Known for its Resaca de la Palma State Park, site of a key 1846 battle
  • South Padre Island - A popular beach resort area along the Gulf of Mexico

The county has multiple state parks and protected wildlife areas. Popular sites include Sabal Palm Sanctuary and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.

Key Industries

International trade and transportation are major industries due to the border location and inland port at Brownsville.

Agriculture is also huge, with emphasis on citrus fruits, cotton, sorghum and cattle. The Rio Grande Valley grows over 230 different crops.

Tourism flourishes in South Padre Island and Brownsville, which hosts events like the Charro Days Fiesta.

In summary, Cameron County has a diverse culture and economy shaped by its border location and rich agricultural lands along the Rio Grande River valley.

Cameron County locator map
Location of Cameron County on Texas map.

Quick Facts about Cameron County

Population : 424,180 (2020)
Country : United States of America
State : Texas (United States)
Different from : Cameron County, Cameron Parish
Area : 3306 km2
Water as percent of area : 30%
Land as percent of area : 70%
Named for : Ewen Cameron
Altitude : 26 feet / 8 meters
Capital : Brownsville
Establishment : January 01, 1848
Time Zone : Central Time Zone
Local time : 00:33:15 (19th March 2024)
Density : 128 Pop. per km² as of 2020
Population growth : 4.23% (2010-2020)
Camcourthouse image
Camcourthouse
Camcourthouse image

Geography

Cameron County is located at 26°9'5"N 97°27'10"W (26.1515000, -97.4528600).

Cameron County map

The largest city of Cameron County is Brownsville with a population of 183,428. Other cities include, Harlingen population 65,176, Los Fresnos population 7,826, La Feria population 7,240 and Cameron Park Colonia population 6,963. See all Cameron County cities & populated places.

Cameron County Populated Places (more)

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Cameron County.

City Name Population Title
Brownsville 183,428 The southernmost city in Texas.
Harlingen 65,176 The most populous city in Cameron County, Texas.
San Benito 24,085 In Cameron County, Texas, USA, San Benito is a town.
Los Fresnos 7,826 City in Cameron County, Texas, United States
La Feria 7,240 City in Cameron County, Texas, United States
Cameron Park 6,963 Census designated place
Cameron Park Colonia 6,963 City in Cameron County, Texas, United States of America
Port Isabel 6,226 City in Cameron County, Texas, United States
Primera 5,271 Town of the United States
Laureles 3,692 Census designated place in Texas, USA
Laguna Heights 3,488 Place in Cameron County, Texas, United States
Laguna Vista 3,217 Town of the United States
Combes 3,037 Town of the United States
La Paloma 2,903 La Paloma, in Cameron County, Texas, United States, is a census-designated place (CDP).
South Padre Island 2,752 Town in Texas, United States
Santa Rosa 2,684 The town of Cameron County, Texas, U.

Cameron County has 1 neighbours.

  • Brownsville

Demographics

The population of Cameron County increased by 4.23% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 406,220 - census
2011 413,201 1.69% estimation process
2012 415,877 0.64% estimation process
2013 417,357 0.35% estimation process
2014 419,005 0.39% estimation process
2015 419,450 0.11% estimation process
2016 421,350 0.45% estimation process
2017 422,227 0.21% estimation process
2018 422,139 -0.02% estimation process
2019 423,163 0.24% estimation process
2020 424,180 0.24% estimation process

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People born in Cameron County (4)

People born in Cameron County, including romance novelist Catherine Coulter, film actress Marjorie Deanne, Larry Cowart, .

List

  • William Velten (American lighting director) he was born in 11/08/1959

Other places with the same name (2)

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