County Crime & Safety

Cameron County, Louisiana, is known for its low population density and rural setting, contributing to generally low crime rates. According to FBI data, the county reported fewer than 50 total criminal incidents in 2022, with violent crime rates below 1 per 1,000 residents—significantly lower than the state average. Property crimes, including burglary and theft, accounted for the majority of cases. Law enforcement actively encourages community involvement and prompt crime reporting, aiding in maintaining public safety. Overall, Cameron Parish remains one of the safer regions in Louisiana.

Education, Employment and Housing

Cameron County, LA, serves students with 5 public schools, including 1 high school, and no four-year colleges within the county; only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school score is 6/10 (GreatSchools rating), reflecting solid performance. School safety is prioritized, with low reported incidents. Adult education opportunities are limited locally, but programs are available through neighboring parishes. STEM and vocational tracks are increasingly offered, supporting workforce needs. Despite geographic challenges, the county maintains a commitment to educational improvement.

There is no Cameron County in Louisiana; the correct name is Cameron Parish. As of 2022, Cameron Parish, LA had an employment rate of approximately 49.4%. The top industries include Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (17%), Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction (15%), and Educational Services (13%). The leading occupation types are Management (12%), Construction (10%), and Education (9%). About 80% of residents drive alone to work, with an average commute time of 31 minutes, primarily to cities such as Lake Charles (25%) and Sulphur (14%).

Cameron County, LA, features a homeownership rate of about 78%, with a median home value around $110,000 and median rent near $700 monthly. The housing market is stable, with property values seeing slight increases of 2–3% annually. Housing types mainly consist of single-family homes and mobile homes, with coastal and rural neighborhoods like Cameron, Grand Chenier, and Creole. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.18% of assessed value, among the lowest in Louisiana. Rental options are limited, reflecting a sparse population and ongoing recovery from hurricane impacts.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Cameron County, Louisiana, had a population of approximately 5,617. The median age is 42.6 years. About 51% are male and 49% female. Racially, the population is 91.2% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 2.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.8% of two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals make up about 2.5% of the population, reflecting a predominantly non-Hispanic White community.

Elections

Cameron County, Louisiana, had approximately 4,300 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries, general, and run-off elections; recent turnout was about 49%. Major parties include the Republican and Democratic parties. Polling locations include sites in Cameron, Creole, and Grand Lake. The parish is administered by the Cameron Parish Clerk of Court, overseeing the integrity and logistics of elections. Key issues include hurricane recovery and coastal erosion. In the 2020 presidential election, 81% of voters favored the Republican candidate, reflecting the parish’s strong conservative leaning.