South Padre Island is a resort community in Cameron County, Texas, United States As of the 2000 census, the town had an official population of 2,422, although this significantly underestimates its size since many people split their time between vacation properties on South Padre and permanent residences elsewhere in the Rio Grande Valley. The town is located on Padre Island, a large barrier island along the Texas Gulf coast. South Padre Island is named after José Nicolás Ballí, a Catholic priest and settler. South Padre Island apartments for rent comparison page shows most up to date rent information on South Padre Island apartments and houses. Rent information is obtained from multiple rental sources but we cannot guarantee their accuracy.