City in Randall County, the center of the Amarillo metro

Living in Amarillo, TX

C+

42nd of 75Texas cities of 50,000+ people
Overall score 49 of 100
8th of 8 in the Amarillo area

Amarillo gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 42nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on safety and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

  • Good for people on a budget
  • Affordable
  • Short commutes
  • Safety scores low (10 of 100)
  • Health scores low (12 of 100)
A shot of downtown Amarillo, Texas, U.S.A.
Photo: Who What Where Nguyen Why a/k/a Anonymous Cow, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Population
205,130+2.4% since 2020
Median rent
$1,09222% lower than Texas
Median home value
$196,90031% lower than Texas
Household income
$65,912Median
Average commute
20 minOne way
Violent crime
551Per 100k, 2025

About Amarillo

Up on the flat High Plains of the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo straddles Potter and Randall counties and is the seat of Potter County. It was laid out in 1887 along the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway and quickly became a cattle shipping town. The name is Spanish for yellow, taken from a nearby lake and creek, probably for the yellow soil on the banks or the wildflowers.

I-40, the old Route 66 corridor, runs east and west through town, and I-27 heads south toward Lubbock, with US 287 and US 87 also passing through. Beef is still a big part of the economy, with Tyson Foods running a large plant, and other major employers include the Pantex plant, BNSF Railway, Bell Textron and Baptist St. Anthony's hospital. Amarillo College is the local community college, and West Texas A&M is in nearby Canyon. Cadillac Ranch, the row of old Cadillacs buried nose down, is a famous stop, and Palo Duro Canyon is about 25 miles south.

Sources: en.wikipedia.org, tshaonline.org

What it's like to live in Amarillo

Amarillo is the anchor city of the Amarillo metro area. 205,130 people lived here in 2025, up 2.4% from 2020.

Local spots people know include Rock Island Rail Trail Park, Respect John Stiff Skatepark and Thompson Memorial Park Playground.

The median age is 35.1, 32% of households have children, 60% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $65,912 a year (16% lower than the Texas median).

Pros of living in Amarillo

  • Lower rent. Median rent is $1,092, 22% lower than the Texas median.
  • Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 20 minutes, against 27 across Texas.

Cons of living in Amarillo

  • Higher violent crime. 551 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 42% higher than the Texas rate.
  • Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and winter storms as very high here.

Who Amarillo suits

  • FamiliesNot the best fit: 69% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 42% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 39% for families.
  • Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 16% lower than the Texas median, with 775 restaurants and 91 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 67% for young professionals.
  • RetireesNot the best fit: 19% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 42% higher than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 37% for retirees.
  • Remote workersA reasonable fit: 89% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,092 is 22% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 41% for remote workers.
  • People on a budgetA strong fit: the median rent of $1,092 is 22% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 98% for people on a budget.

Amarillo report card

Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Amarillo with other US cities of 50,000+ people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

  • Cost of living: grade A

    Median rent $1,092, homes cost 3.0x income.

    92 of 100 vs US cities

  • Jobs and income: grade C+

    Median household income $65,912, 3.4% unemployed.

    49 of 100 vs US cities

  • Schools: grade C+

    70 rated campuses, 69% rated A or B.

    55 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Safety: grade D-

    551 violent crimes per 100k, 2,421 property crimes per 100k.

    10 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Errands and things to do: grade B-

    56 grocery stores, 775 restaurants, 132 parks mapped in town.

    59 of 100 vs TX cities

  • Getting around: grade C+

    Average commute 20 min, 6.6% work from home.

    51 of 100 vs US cities

  • Education levels: grade D

    27% have a bachelor’s degree.

    24 of 100 vs US cities

  • Health: grade D-

    19% of adults uninsured.

    12 of 100 vs US cities

  • Home ownership: grade D+

    60% of homes owner-occupied.

    31 of 100 vs US cities

  • Internet access: grade D

    89% of homes have broadband.

    19 of 100 vs US cities

Where Amarillo stands out compared with Texas

Better than Texas

  • Average commute: 20 min26% lower than Texas (27 min)
  • Median rent: $1,09222% lower than Texas ($1,403)
  • Home value to income: 3.0x17% lower than Texas (3.6x)

Worse than Texas

  • Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher: 27%7 points lower than Texas (34%)
  • Median household income: $65,91216% lower than Texas ($78,476)
  • Homes owned by the people living in them: 60%3 points lower than Texas (63%)

Cost of living in Amarillo

Amarillo renters pay a median of $1,092 a month, 22% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $44,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 47% of renters here pay more than 30% of their income on rent.

HUD sets fair market rents for this area at $904 for a one-bedroom, $1,107 for a two-bedroom and $1,512 for a three-bedroom (fiscal year 2027). These figures include utilities and describe a modest unit, so newer apartments often ask for more.

The median home is worth $196,900, 31% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $1,078 before tax, or $1,328 with property tax. That is $236 a month more than the median rent, a gap that can be worth it if you plan to stay a while.

Texas has no state income tax, but it leans on property taxes instead, though they are lighter here than in much of the state. The median homeowner in Amarillo pays $3,000 a year, 29% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.

See the full cost of living breakdown for Amarillo

Typical rent by apartment size

Fair market rent by bedroom count in AmarilloStudio$7971 bedroom$9042 bedrooms$1,1073 bedrooms$1,5124 bedrooms$1,678
HUD fair market rent for FY2027, Amarillo, TX HUD Metro FMR Area. This is what a typical, modest unit rents for, including utilities.
MeasureHereTexasUS
Median rent22% lower than Texas$1,092$1,403$1,413
Median home value31% lower than Texas$196,900$283,800$332,700
Home value to income17% lower than Texas3.0x3.6x4.1x
Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent4 points lower than Texas47%52%51%
Median property tax per year29% lower than Texas$3,000$4,232$3,119
Homes owned by the people living in them3 points lower than Texas60%63%65%
Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas197319921980

Monthly cost to buy a median home

$1,328
Mortgage payment
$1,078
Property tax
$250
Median rent, for comparison
$1,092

Based on a $196,900 home in Amarillo, 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28% (Freddie Mac average, week of 2026-10-01). Property tax is the median paid locally, or the county median where the local figure is not published. Insurance and fees are not included.

Is Amarillo safe?

In 2025, Amarillo Police Department reported 1,126 violent crimes and 4,951 property crimes. That works out to 551 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 42% higher than the Texas rate of 387, and 2,421 property crimes per 100,000, 16% higher than the state rate.

Violent crime is down about 29% since 2021, based on the yearly rates below.

Crime rates describe the whole area a police department covers. Some streets are much quieter than the average and some are busier, so look at the neighborhood grades and visit at different times of day.

Violent crimes per 100,000 people in Amarillo by yearTexas55120212022202320242025

Violent crimes per 100,000 people by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.

Violent crime
551
per 100k, Texas 387
Property crime
2,421
per 100k, Texas 2,086
Property crimes per 100,000 people in Amarillo by yearTexas2,42120212022202320242025

Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.

Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Amarillo Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.

Schools in Amarillo

Amarillo has 70 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 69% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Amarillo ISD, Canyon ISD and Highland Park ISD.

Top-rated campuses include Pleasant Valley Elementary, Woodlands Elementary and Sundown Lane Elementary. The average rating score across all campuses is 83 out of 100, against a Texas median of 81.

Texas districts usually assign students by attendance zone rather than the closest campus, so check the zone for a specific address with the district before you sign a lease or buy.

Schools grade
55
of 100 vs Texas cities
Average rating
83
Texas median 81

Ratings are the 2025 Texas Education Agency A to F accountability ratings. Always check which school serves a specific address with the district.

Top-rated schools

  • APleasant Valley ElementaryElementary, Amarillo ISD95 of 100
  • AWoodlands ElementaryElementary, Amarillo ISD94 of 100
  • ASundown Lane ElementaryElementary, Canyon ISD93 of 100
  • ASunrise ElementaryElementary, Amarillo ISD93 of 100
  • AHighland Park High SchoolHigh, Highland Park ISD92 of 100

Best neighborhoods in Amarillo

We grade 11 areas inside Amarillo. The top three are West Amarillo (A-), Northwest Amarillo (A-) and Southwest Amarillo (A-). If price matters most, Route 66 Historic District has the lowest median rent among areas graded C or better, at $990 a month. South Amarillo is the priciest, at $1,640. Use the map to color the city by any grade, or the sliders to rank areas by what you care about.

Loading map

    Rank Amarillo neighborhoods your way

    What matters to you?

    Move a slider and the list re-ranks right away.

    Most
    A lot
    Most
    A lot
    A lot
    A lot
    Some
    A lot
    Some
    A little

    The grade is our overall grade. Fit shows how well each one matches your sliders, from 0 to 100, against the others in this list.

    11 Amarillo neighborhoods, ranked by your priorities
    1. 1A-West Amarillo43,610 people, median rent $1,160, home $273,000100fit
    2. 2A-Northwest Amarillo7,127 people, median rent $1,000, home $292,00090fit
    3. 3A-Southwest Amarillo59,361 people, median rent $1,170, home $235,00080fit
    4. 4BSouth Amarillo5,571 people, median rent $1,640, home $218,00070fit
    5. 5BBivins Addition10,852 people, median rent $1,030, home $205,00060fit
    6. 6B-Southeast Amarillo1,128 people, median rent $1,400, home $162,00050fit
    7. 7C+East Amarillo2,919 people, median rent $1,220, home $118,00040fit
    8. 8CRoute 66 Historic District11,733 people, median rent $990, home $145,00030fit
    9. 9CCentral Amarillo22,090 people, median rent $1,030, home $111,00020fit
    10. 10C-Northeast Amarillo12,566 people, median rent $990, home $98,00010fit
    11. 11DNorth Amarillo14,164 people, median rent $1,050, home $116,0000fit
    All 11 Amarillo neighborhoods, A to Z

    Daily life in Amarillo

    Everyday places mapped inside Amarillo, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Rock Island Rail Trail Park, Respect John Stiff Skatepark, Thompson Memorial Park Playground.

    The average one-way commute is 20 minutes, 26% shorter than the Texas average. 7% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.

    The median household income is $65,912, income per person is $37,126, unemployment is 3.4% and 27% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.

    Grocery stores
    56
    Pharmacies
    47
    Restaurants
    775
    Cafes
    91
    Bars
    84
    Parks
    132
    Gyms
    71
    Hospitals and urgent care
    57
    Childcare
    42
    Libraries
    6

    Jobs, income and education

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Median household income16% lower than Texas$65,912$78,476$80,734
    Income per person9% lower than Texas$37,126$40,752$44,673
    Unemployment rate2 points lower than Texas3.4%5.3%5.2%
    People below the poverty line2 points higher than Texas16%14%12%
    Adults with a bachelor's degree or higher7 points lower than Texas27%34%36%
    Adults with a high school diploma or higherAbout the same as Texas86%86%90%
    Adults 18 to 64 without health insuranceAbout the same as Texas19%20%11%
    Homes with broadband internet2 points lower than Texas89%91%91%

    Getting to work

    MeasureHereTexasUS
    Average commute26% lower than Texas20 min27 min26 min
    Workers who work from home8 points lower than Texas6.6%14%15%
    Workers who work from home6.6%
    Workers who take transit0.6%
    Workers who walk0.9%
    Workers who bike0.1%

    Who lives in Amarillo

    Under 1826%
    18 to 3424%
    35 to 6435%
    65 and over15%

    Median age 35.1 years. 32% of households have children.

    Race and ethnicity
    White51%
    Hispanic or Latino34%
    Black7.1%
    Asian3.8%
    Other or more than one race4.1%

    Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.

    Weather in Amarillo

    Amarillo has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 25°F. There are about 72 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 20 inches of rain a year.

    Average monthly high and low temperatures in Amarillo20°40°60°80°100°52J56F65M72A81M90J93J91A84S73O61N52DRain

    Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Amarillo, 6 mi away. Orange months average 90°F or more.

    Natural hazard risk

    FEMA's National Risk Index says river flooding risk is low, hurricane risk is very low, tornado risk is very high and hail risk is very high. Even in lower-risk areas, check the FEMA flood map for the exact address before you buy.

    • River floodingLow
    • HurricanesVery low
    • TornadoesVery high
    • HailVery high
    • Heat wavesModerate
    • WildfiresHigh
    • Winter stormsVery high
    • Strong windVery high

    Source: FEMA National Risk Index, December 2025, Census tract level averaged for the city. Check the FEMA flood map for any address before you buy.

    Places near Amarillo

    Nearby, Rockwell Place gets a B, Bushland gets an A+ and Canyon gets an A. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.

    1. BRockwell PlaceTown, 2,016 people12 mi
    2. A+BushlandTown, 2,779 people14 mi
    3. ACanyonSmall city, 15,723 people15 mi
    4. A+ClaudeTown, 1,163 people26 mi
    5. A+PanhandleTown, 2,505 people27 mi
    6. B+FritchTown, 2,293 people33 mi

    Amarillo in the Amarillo area

    How it ranks among 8 places in the metro.

    1. 1A+Panhandle2,505 people28 mito downtown
    2. 2A+Bushland2,779 people13 mito downtown
    3. 3A+Claude1,163 people27 mito downtown
    4. 5A-White Deer1,191 people41 mito downtown
    5. 6A-Vega1,086 people34 mito downtown
    6. 7BRockwell Place2,016 people12 mito downtown
    7. 8C+Amarillo201,885 people0 mito downtown

    See all of the best suburbs of amarillo

    Living in Amarillo: common questions

    Is Amarillo, TX a good place to live?

    Amarillo gets an overall grade of C+ and ranks 42nd of 75 Texas cities of 50,000+ people. It does best on cost of living and errands and things to do, and trails on safety and health. It is a strong pick for people on a budget.

    How much does it cost to live in Amarillo?

    Renters in Amarillo pay a median of $1,092 a month, 22% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $196,900, 31% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 3.0x the median household income, compared with 3.6x across Texas. With 20% down at a 7.28% rate, the monthly payment on a median home is about $1,328, including property tax.

    Is Amarillo safe?

    In 2025, Amarillo Police Department reported 551 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 42% higher than the Texas rate. Property crime was 2,421 per 100,000, 16% higher than the Texas rate.

    Are the schools good in Amarillo?

    We found 70 rated public school campuses inside Amarillo. 69% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 55 of 100 compared with other Texas cities of 50,000+ people.

    What are the best neighborhoods in Amarillo?

    Based on our scores, the top-rated areas in Amarillo are West Amarillo, Northwest Amarillo and Southwest Amarillo. We score 11 areas in the city.

    Does Amarillo flood?

    FEMA rates river flooding risk in Amarillo as low, and coastal flooding as not rated. Hazards rated high or very high here: tornadoes, hail, wildfires, winter storms and strong wind. Always check the flood map for a specific address before you buy.

    What is the weather like in Amarillo?

    Summers in Amarillo peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 25°F. Expect around 72 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 20 inches of rain.

    How long is the commute in Amarillo?

    The average one-way commute is 20 min, 26% lower than the Texas average. About 6.6% of workers work from home.

    Sources: US Census Bureau 2020-2024 ACS 5-year and 2025 population estimates, CDC PLACES 2025, Texas Education Agency 2025 ratings, FBI Crime Data Explorer, FEMA National Risk Index, NOAA climate normals, HUD fair market rents, Overture Maps. Updated 2026-10-04. How we grade.