Data Report: The demographics of Cameron and Hidalgo Counties

MCALLEN, Texas - Here is our latest report on demographics in Hidalgo and Cameron counties. It is powered by Allied Consulting Group.

Here is what the above data shows:

1. Population Distribution

• Cameron County: Total population of 426,710.
• Hidalgo County: Total population of 898,471, significantly larger than Cameron County.
• Male-to-Female Ratio: Both counties show a similar ratio, with males slightly under 50% of the total population.

2. Age Demographics

• Under 5 Years: Approximately 7% of the total population in both counties.

  • Cameron: 29,717
  • Hidalgo: 68,354

• Younger Population: Hidalgo County has a higher percentage of its population in younger age brackets, reflecting a younger demographic compared to Cameron County.

3. Median Age

• Cameron County: Median age of 33 years, indicating an older population profile.
• Hidalgo County: Median age of 30.8 years, with males having the youngest median age of 29.8 years.

4. Educational Age Groups

• Significant portions of the population in school-age groups:

  • Ages 5-13:

    • Cameron: 61,660
    • Hidalgo: 141,675

  • Ages 14-17:

    • Cameron: 29,036
    • Hidalgo: 63,991

5. Working-Age Population (15-44 Years)

• Cameron County: 174,840 (41% of the total population).
• Hidalgo County: 383,350 (43% of the total population).

6. Elderly Population (65+ Years)

• Cameron County: 61,905 (14.5% of the total population).
• Hidalgo County: 106,589 (11.9% of the total population).
• Insight: Cameron County’s higher elderly population aligns with its higher median age.

7. Gender Disparities in Older Age Groups

• Females outnumber males in the 65+ age bracket in both counties, with the disparity increasing with age:

  • 85+ Age Group:

    • Cameron: 4,404 females vs. 2,628 males
    • Hidalgo: 7,171 females vs. 4,678 males

8. Youth Population Dynamics

• Individuals Under 18 Years Old:

  • Cameron County: 35.7% of the total population.
  • Hidalgo County: 37.5% of the total population.

• Insight: Both counties have youth-centric demographics.

9. Dependency Ratios

• Cameron County: Higher dependency ratio due to a larger elderly population.
• Hidalgo County: Higher proportion of youth drives a stronger focus on education and childcare services.

10. Potential Workforce Development

• Substantial populations in the 15-24 age group, crucial for workforce development:

  • Cameron: 47,126
  • Hidalgo: 101,508

• Opportunity: Policies supporting education and skill-building in these age groups could drive economic growth.