TexasPop. 201,885Mid-size cities
Is Amarillo a Good Place to Live? Amarillo, Texas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Amarillo ranks #847 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 256 mid-size cities and #45 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241) and low rents ($1,092/mo, #33 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Amarillo by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Amarillo's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Amarillo?
Amarillo's cost of living index is 91.8, 8% below the US level of 100 and #307 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,092/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $211,528, 29% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
| Measure | Amarillo | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.8#307 of 1,308 | 97.1 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $211,528#141 of 1,187 | $299,367 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,330/mo#190 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $196,900#217 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,092/mo#321 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 19.9%#440 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Amarillo housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Amarillo is in the Amarillo, TX metro.
Texas housing market →Is Amarillo safe?
Amarillo recorded 551 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% above the US rate of 328 and 60% above Texas's 345. That ranks #879 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #175 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Amarillo Police Department. Property crime runs 2,421 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Amarillo | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 551#879 of 1,085 | 345 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,421#844 of 1,085 | 1,786 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Amarillo?
The median household in Amarillo earns $65,912, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Amarillo | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $65,912#906 of 1,312 | $79,721 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.1%#131 of 1,058 | 4.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 15.8%#910 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.8%#279 of 1,132 | +1.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Amarillo?
The median resident of Amarillo is 35.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #918 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Amarillo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.1 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 26.6%#918 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 59.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Amarillo's schools and health?
There is no city graduation rate for Amarillo; its public schools have 15 students per teacher and spend $11,498 per pupil. 38.5% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Amarillo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 15#464 of 1,188 | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $11,498#1022 of 1,188 | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 38.5%#1041 of 1,311 | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 19.4%#1207 of 1,311 | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. 38,277 students are enrolled in Amarillo's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Amarillo?
The average commute in Amarillo is 19.6 minutes (Texas 27.5); 0.6% of workers take transit and 6.6% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Amarillo scores 11.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 77.9°F and winters 39.7°F, with 19.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Amarillo | TexasTX | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19.6 min#311 of 1,312 | 27.5 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 5.7%#674 of 1,312 | 9.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 77% | 71.8% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.6% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 0.9% | 1.6% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.2% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 6.6% | 12.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 11.4#545 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Texas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52.2 | 24.9 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 56.1 | 27.5 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 64.8 | 34.8 | 1.3 |
| Apr | 72.4 | 42.5 | 1.5 |
| May | 80.9 | 52.6 | 2.3 |
| Jun | 89.7 | 62.4 | 2.9 |
| Jul | 92.9 | 66.4 | 2.8 |
| Aug | 91 | 65.3 | 2.9 |
| Sep | 84 | 57.8 | 1.7 |
| Oct | 73 | 45.4 | 1.8 |
| Nov | 61.3 | 33.5 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 51.9 | 25.7 | 0.7 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Amarillo.
| Measure | Amarillo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 58.7°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 77.9°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 39.7°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 19.7 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Amarillo.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Amarillo?
Potter County's air had a median air quality index of 16, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Potter County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 69% of US counties.
| Measure | Amarillo | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 16#25 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.19%#906 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Potter County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Potter County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.09% | 100% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0028% | 96% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.021% | 89% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.011% | 85% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0045% | 72% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0033% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.033% | 2% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Amarillo compare with similar-size cities?
Amarillo is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #149 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 201,885.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #847 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 | 19.6 min |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #1173 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 | 21.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Amarillo compare with the rest of Texas?
Amarillo ranks #45 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 17% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 60% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Texas home.
| City | Rank in TX | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flower Mound, TXPop. 78,389 | #1 | 67.4 | $161,235 | $2,231/mo | 42 |
| Frisco, TXPop. 219,304 | #2 | 66.6 | $150,212 | $2,014/mo | 98 |
| Cedar Park, TXPop. 78,301 | #3 | 66.3 | $129,545 | $1,846/mo | 91 |
| McKinney, TXPop. 210,600 | #4 | 65.3 | $124,215 | $1,901/mo | 115 |
| Leander, TXPop. 74,067 | #5 | 65.2 | $139,048 | $1,939/mo | part year |
| Round Rock, TXPop. 127,786 | #6 | 64.9 | $99,287 | $1,763/mo | 125 |
| The Woodlands, TXPop. 121,002 | #7 | 63.6 | $140,701 | $1,822/mo | no data |
| Georgetown, TXPop. 85,999 | #8 | 63.4 | $95,062 | $1,795/mo | 149 |
| Mansfield, TXPop. 77,510 | #9 | 63.4 | $121,126 | $1,954/mo | 106 |
| Allen, TXPop. 110,265 | #10 | 63.3 | $130,901 | $1,932/mo | 79 |
| Tyler, TXPop. 109,215 | … #41 | 53.8 | $67,486 | $1,252/mo | 366 |
| Odessa, TXPop. 115,322 | #42 | 52.8 | $73,472 | $1,315/mo | 286 |
| McAllen, TXPop. 145,385 | #43 | 52.6 | $61,579 | $1,049/mo | 126 |
| Wichita Falls, TXPop. 102,581 | #44 | 52.6 | $60,177 | $1,022/mo | 358 |
| Amarillo, TXPop. 201,885 | #45 | 52.5 | $65,912 | $1,092/mo | 551 |
| Temple, TXPop. 89,602 | #46 | 52.5 | $68,204 | $1,231/mo | 316 |
| El Paso, TXPop. 680,130 | #47 | 52.3 | $59,745 | $1,073/mo | 289 |
| Texas City, TXPop. 55,364 | #48 | 52.3 | $68,776 | $1,307/mo | 249 |
| Abilene, TXPop. 128,053 | #49 | 52.0 | $62,648 | $1,157/mo | 457 |
The top 10 of the 74 and the cities ranked either side of Amarillo among the Texas cities we track, by overall score. Texas statewide: median income $79,721, violent crime 344.9 per 100,000.
How is Amarillo's score calculated?
Amarillo scores 52.5 out of 100, #847 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Texas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Amarillo. Similar-size median 52.9.
54.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Amarillo's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
54.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Amarillo. Similar-size median 53.8.
41.3 - EducationCity data, some inputs missing · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Amarillo's public schools. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 52.1.
43.6 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Amarillo's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Amarillo. Similar-size median 51.2.
39.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Amarillo. Similar-size median 42.1.
52.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Amarillo. Similar-size median 50.1.
44.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Amarillo's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
54.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
65.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Amarillo's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Amarillo has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Amarillo
Is Amarillo, TX a good place to live?
Amarillo ranks #847 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #149 of 256 mid-size cities and #45 of 74 in Texas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.1%, #12 of 241) and low rents ($1,092/mo, #33 of 256), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Amarillo?
Amarillo's cost of living index is 91.8, 8% below the US level of 100 and #307 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,092/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $211,528, 29% below the typical Texas home ($299,367).
What is the crime rate in Amarillo?
Amarillo recorded 551 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 68% above the US rate of 328 and 60% above Texas's 345. That ranks #879 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #175 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Amarillo Police Department. Property crime runs 2,421 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Amarillo?
The median household in Amarillo earns $65,912, 21% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% below Texas ($79,721). Unemployment is 3.1% (US 4.3%). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Amarillo?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,092/mo (Census), #321 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,330/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Amarillo?
The typical home value in Amarillo is $211,528, up 4% in a year, against $299,367 for Texas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $196,900.
How are the public schools in Amarillo?
There is no city graduation rate for Amarillo; its public schools have 15 students per teacher and spend $11,498 per pupil.
How long is the commute in Amarillo?
The average commute is 19.6 minutes, #311 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.5 minutes across Texas. 5.7% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Amarillo?
Amarillo averages 58.7°F over the year, 77.9°F in summer and 39.7°F in winter, with 19.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Amarillo walkable?
Amarillo scores 11.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #545 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Amarillo at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Potter County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, winter weather, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.19% of building value, higher than 69% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Amarillo?
Potter County's air had a median air quality index of 16, and 94% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Amarillo?
Amarillo has 201,885 residents. The median resident of Amarillo is 35.1 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 26.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #918 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 59.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Amarillo compare with the rest of Texas?
Amarillo ranks #45 of the 74 Texas cities we track, with a score of 52.5 against Texas's statewide 52.2. Its households earn 17% below the Texas median. Violent crime is 60% above the statewide rate. Homes are 29% below the typical Texas home.
What cities are similar in size to Amarillo?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Amarillo's population of 201,885 are Little Rock, AR (#1190 overall), Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Tallahassee, FL (#1007 overall), Augusta, GA (#1173 overall), and Sioux Falls, SD (#309 overall). Amarillo is #847.