Town in Carson County, part of the Amarillo metro
Living in Panhandle, TX
3rd of 745Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people
Overall score 100 of 100
1st of 8 in the Amarillo area
Panhandle earns a grade of A+ on our index, 3rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.
- Good for families
- Good for young professionals
- Good for retirees
- Good for people on a budget
- Errands close by
- Top-rated schools
- Low crime
- Affordable
- Internet access scores low (16 of 100)
- Tornado risk is very high
- Population
- 2,288-3.4% since 2020
- Median rent
- $1,03826% lower than Texas
- Median home value
- $161,00043% lower than Texas
- Household income
- $85,870Median
- Average commute
- 21 minOne way
- Violent crime
- 0Per 100k, 2025
What it's like to live in Panhandle
Panhandle sits about 28 miles from downtown Amarillo, in the Amarillo metro. 2,288 people lived here in 2025, down 3.4% from 2020. It is spread out, with an older housing stock (the median home dates to 1958).
Local spots people know include Rotary Park and Carson County Public Library.
The median age is 48.2, 20% of households have children, 77% of homes are owned by the people living in them and the typical household earns $85,870 a year (9% higher than the Texas median).
Pros of living in Panhandle
- Strong public schools. 100% of the 3 rated campuses here earn an A or B from the Texas Education Agency.
- Low violent crime. 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2025, 100% lower than the Texas rate.
- Lower rent. Median rent is $1,038, 26% lower than the Texas median.
- Homes are affordable for local incomes. The median home costs 1.9 times the median household income, against 3.6 times across Texas.
- Short commutes. The average trip to work takes 21 minutes, against 27 across Texas.
Cons of living in Panhandle
- Natural hazard risk. FEMA rates the risk of tornadoes, hail and wildfires as very high here.
Who Panhandle suits
- FamiliesA reasonable fit: 100% of rated schools earn an A or B and violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 99% for families.
- Young professionalsA reasonable fit: household income is 9% higher than the Texas median, with 8 restaurants and 2 cafes in town. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 100% for young professionals.
- RetireesA reasonable fit: 10% of working-age adults are uninsured and violent crime is 100% lower than the Texas rate. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 100% for retirees.
- Remote workersA reasonable fit: 82% of homes have broadband and the median rent of $1,038 is 26% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 74% for remote workers.
- People on a budgetA reasonable fit: the median rent of $1,038 is 26% lower than the Texas median. Compared with similar Texas places, it beats 90% for people on a budget.
Panhandle report card
Ten grades, one for each part of daily life we measure. Most compare Panhandle with other US towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. Schools, safety and errands compare it with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Cost of living: grade A-
Median rent $1,038, homes cost 1.9x income.
83 of 100 vs US townsJobs and income: grade A
Median household income $85,870, 0.2% unemployed.
89 of 100 vs US townsSchools: grade A
3 rated campuses, 100% rated A or B.
91 of 100 vs TX townsSafety: grade A
0 violent crimes per 100k, 87 property crimes per 100k.
93 of 100 vs TX townsErrands and things to do: grade A
3 grocery stores, 8 restaurants, 5 parks mapped in town.
93 of 100 vs TX townsGetting around: grade B
Average commute 21 min, 9.2% work from home.
68 of 100 vs US townsEducation levels: grade B
33% have a bachelor’s degree.
72 of 100 vs US townsHealth: grade B-
10% of adults uninsured.
58 of 100 vs US townsHome ownership: grade C+
77% of homes owner-occupied.
55 of 100 vs US townsInternet access: grade D
82% of homes have broadband.
16 of 100 vs US towns
Where Panhandle stands out compared with Texas
Better than Texas
- Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent: 32%20 points lower than Texas (52%)
- Home value to income: 1.9x48% lower than Texas (3.6x)
- Homes owned by the people living in them: 77%15 points higher than Texas (63%)
Worse than Texas
- Homes with broadband internet: 82%9 points lower than Texas (91%)
Cost of living in Panhandle
Panhandle renters pay a median of $1,038 a month, 26% lower than the statewide median. The usual rule is to spend no more than 30% of income on rent, which means earning around $42,000 a year for a median unit. Right now 32% 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 $161,000, 43% lower than the Texas median. With 20% down and a 30-year loan at 7.28%, the monthly payment comes to about $881 before tax, or $1,044 with property tax. That is close to the median rent, so buying can make sense if you plan to stay.
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 Panhandle pays $1,957 a year, 54% lower than the Texas median of $4,232. Budget for it, along with homeowners insurance, which our numbers do not include.
Typical rent by apartment size
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent26% lower than Texas | $1,038 | $1,403 | $1,413 |
| Median home value43% lower than Texas | $161,000 | $283,800 | $332,700 |
| Home value to income48% lower than Texas | 1.9x | 3.6x | 4.1x |
| Renters paying 30%+ of income on rent20 points lower than Texas | 32% | 52% | 51% |
| Median property tax per year54% lower than Texas | $1,957 | $4,232 | $3,119 |
| Homes owned by the people living in them15 points higher than Texas | 77% | 63% | 65% |
| Median year homes were builtAbout the same as Texas | 1958 | 1992 | 1980 |
Monthly cost to buy a median home
- Mortgage payment
- $881
- Property tax
- $163
- Median rent, for comparison
- $1,038
Based on a $161,000 home in Panhandle, 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 Panhandle safe?
In 2025, Panhandle Police Department reported 0 violent crimes and 2 property crimes. That works out to 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate of 387, and 87 property crimes per 100,000, 96% lower than the state rate.
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 by year. The dashed line is the Texas rate for 2025.
Property crimes per 100,000 people by year.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer, Panhandle Police Department, 2025. Rates count reported crimes only and cover the area this police department serves.
Schools in Panhandle
Panhandle has 3 public school campuses with a 2025 state rating inside the city, and 100% of them earn an A or B. Most students here are served by Panhandle ISD.
Top-rated campuses include Panhandle High School and Panhandle Junior High. The average rating score across all campuses is 90 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.
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
- APanhandle High SchoolHigh, Panhandle ISD92 of 100
- APanhandle Junior HighMiddle, Panhandle ISD90 of 100
- BPanhandle ElementaryElementary, Panhandle ISD89 of 100
Daily life in Panhandle
Everyday places mapped inside Panhandle, from Overture Maps. Well-known spots include Rotary Park, Carson County Public Library.
The average one-way commute is 21 minutes, 23% shorter than the Texas average. 9% of workers work from home. Fewer than 3% walk, bike or take transit to work, so plan on driving for almost everything.
Downtown Amarillo is about 28 miles away in a straight line. Many people who live in Panhandle work elsewhere in the metro, so test the drive at rush hour before you commit.
The median household income is $85,870, income per person is $46,444, unemployment is 0.2% and 33% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Jobs, income and education
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income9% higher than Texas | $85,870 | $78,476 | $80,734 |
| Income per person14% higher than Texas | $46,444 | $40,752 | $44,673 |
| Unemployment rate5 points lower than Texas | 0.2% | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| People below the poverty line8 points lower than Texas | 5.8% | 14% | 12% |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or higherAbout the same as Texas | 33% | 34% | 36% |
| Adults with a high school diploma or higher9 points higher than Texas | 95% | 86% | 90% |
| Adults 18 to 64 without health insurance10 points lower than Texas | 10% | 20% | 11% |
| Homes with broadband internet9 points lower than Texas | 82% | 91% | 91% |
Getting to work
| Measure | Here | Texas | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average commute23% lower than Texas | 21 min | 27 min | 26 min |
| Workers who work from home5 points lower than Texas | 9.2% | 14% | 15% |
Who lives in Panhandle
Median age 48.2 years. 20% of households have children.
Race and ethnicity
Shown for information only. It is never part of any grade.
Weather in Panhandle
Panhandle has a hot Texas climate. July highs average 93°F and January lows about 24°F. There are about 77 days a year at 90°F or above, and about 21 inches of rain a year.
Average daily high and low by month, °F, with rain below. NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals from Panhandle, 1 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 wavesLow
- WildfiresVery high
- 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 Panhandle
Nearby, White Deer gets an A-, Claude gets an A+ and Borger gets a B-. Each is graded against Texas places of its own size, so a small town and a big city can both earn an A.
Living in Panhandle: common questions
Is Panhandle, TX a good place to live?
Panhandle earns a grade of A+ on our index, 3rd of 745 Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people. It does best on safety and errands and things to do, and trails on internet access. It is a strong pick for families, young professionals, retirees and people on a budget.
How much does it cost to live in Panhandle?
Renters in Panhandle pay a median of $1,038 a month, 26% lower than the Texas median. The median home is worth $161,000, 43% lower than the Texas median. A median home costs 1.9x 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 $1,044, including property tax.
Is Panhandle safe?
In 2025, Panhandle Police Department reported 0 violent crimes per 100,000 people, 100% lower than the Texas rate. Property crime was 87 per 100,000, 96% lower than the Texas rate.
Are the schools good in Panhandle?
We found 3 rated public school campuses inside Panhandle. 100% are rated A or B by the Texas Education Agency. Its schools score is 91 of 100 compared with other Texas towns of 1,000 to 10,000 people.
Does Panhandle flood?
FEMA rates river flooding risk in Panhandle 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 Panhandle?
Summers in Panhandle peak at about 93°F in July, and January nights fall to about 24°F. Expect around 77 days a year at 90°F or hotter, and 21 inches of rain.
How long is the commute in Panhandle?
The average one-way commute is 21 min, 23% lower than the Texas average. About 9.2% of workers work from home. It is about 28 miles from downtown Amarillo.
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.