What to know when moving to Amarillo, TX
TL;DR: Amarillo at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A ZIP where 87.5% of residents are renters and the median household income is $40,313.
- The Major Draw:
- Affordable living with a median gross rent of $898.
- The Reality Check:
- 24.3% of the population lives below the poverty line.
- Commute:
- 6.8% use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $898/month in rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Amarillo is characterized by a significant renter population, with 87.5% of residents renting their homes. The median household income is $40,313, and only 14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. With a poverty rate of 24.3%, many residents are likely budget-conscious. The public transit usage is low at 6.8%, indicating that most residents may rely on personal vehicles.
Probably not your spot if you want a highly educated community or robust public transportation options.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $898, making housing relatively affordable.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $152,300.
- About 14.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which reflects the educational landscape.
- The poverty rate stands at 24.3%, indicating economic challenges for some residents.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Texas, the overall crime rates show some concerning trends, although they have improved recently.
- Violent crime: 345.5 per 100k, which is slightly above the national rate of 325.3 per 100k.
- Property crime: 1,797.7 per 100k, higher than the national average of 1,546.9 per 100k.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 35.1% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Texas).
Schools & Higher Ed
Amarillo has access to several educational institutions:
- Total postsecondary institutions: 4
- Institutions with College Scorecard data: 4
- Notable schools include Amarillo College and the Milan Institute-Amarillo.
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES + College Scorecard, ED.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Amarillo offers several outdoor spots to explore.
- John Ward Memorial Park - 4.6 stars from 2008 reviews
- AMP'D! Adventure Park - 4.4 stars from 865 reviews
- Memorial Park - 4.5 stars from 756 reviews
- Texas Air & Space Museum - 4.7 stars from 435 reviews
Source: Google Places API.