Is Amarillo Safe, Pros and cons of living in Amarillo
Amarillo, Texas, situated in the heart of the Panhandle, presents a unique blend of Western heritage and modern development. Known for its vast ranches, friendly atmosphere, and significant role in the state’s economy, Amarillo offers a distinct lifestyle for its residents. The city’s strategic location and rich history contribute to its identity as a key hub in the region.
Exploring a move to Amarillo involves understanding its various facets, from safety and cost of living to employment opportunities and climate. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering Amarillo as their next home, covering essential aspects of daily life and community.
Is it Safe to Live in Amarillo?
Amarillo faces challenges with crime rates that are notably higher than national averages. The city experiences a significant number of both violent and property crimes. Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Amarillo is approximately one in 30 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, violent crimes in Amarillo are about 92% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes).
Property crime rates also present concerns, with motor vehicle theft being a particular issue, occurring at one of the highest rates in the nation. Amarillo has a property crime rate of 26 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). While the Amarillo Police Department reports an overall decrease in Part 1 index crimes in 2023 compared to 2022, the statistics indicate a need for vigilance within the community (as reported by Amarillo Police Department).
Crime Statistics Overview
The overall crime rate in Amarillo is 58% higher than the national average per 100,000 residents (as reported by AreaVibes). This statistic encompasses both violent and property crimes. When compared to other communities of similar population size, Amarillo’s crime rate per thousand residents stands out as higher than most (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent offenses, including rape, murder, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, occur at a rate of one in 145 in Amarillo (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are also a significant concern. Amarillo has one of the highest rates of motor vehicle theft in the nation (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Factors Influencing Safety
Community engagement and educational attainment can play a role in influencing crime rates. In Amarillo, 78% of residents have achieved at least a high school diploma, which is lower than the national average of 83% (as reported by AreaVibes). While Amarillo’s police department is actively working on crime reduction through initiatives like the Amarillo Regional Crime Center and community outreach programs, residents should remain aware of their surroundings (as reported by Amarillo Police Department).
NeighborhoodScout identifies certain areas as safer, including Westline Rd / W Costley Rd, River Falls / Palisades, and Quail Creek. These areas may offer a lower risk profile compared to other parts of the city. However, crime can occur anywhere, and general safety precautions are always recommended.
Cost of Living in Amarillo
Amarillo offers a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability. Housing expenses, in particular, are considerably less than the national figures, contributing to the overall lower cost of living.
While daily expenses like groceries and utilities are also more affordable, the exact cost can vary based on individual spending habits and lifestyle choices. The lower cost of living extends to transportation and healthcare as well, providing further financial advantages for residents.
Housing Costs
Housing in Amarillo is a major draw, with prices substantially below the national average. The median sale price of a home in Amarillo was approximately $235,000 in March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This is 61% lower than the national average (as reported by Redfin).
Rental costs are also competitive. The average rent in Amarillo is around $1,102 per month, which is about 44.9% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). For those looking to rent, studio apartments average about $750, one-bedroom apartments around $805, and two-bedroom apartments approximately $1,000 per month (as reported by Zillow).
Everyday Expenses
Daily expenses in Amarillo are generally lower than the national average. Grocery prices are about 6% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Utilities are also more affordable, being 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).
Transportation costs, including gas prices and public transit, are 8% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). Healthcare expenses in Amarillo are also 18% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale). To live comfortably in Amarillo as a single adult, a salary of around $65,000 before taxes is recommended (as reported by Apartments.com).
Job Market and Major Employers
Amarillo boasts a diverse economy with several key industries driving its job market. Major business clusters include energy, food processing, health services, manufacturing, and retail. This economic diversity provides a range of employment opportunities for residents.
The city is home to several large employers, contributing significantly to the local economy and offering substantial employment. These major employers span various sectors, from healthcare and education to industry and government.
Key Industries and Employers
The healthcare sector is a significant employer in Amarillo, with BSA Health System and Northwest Texas Healthcare System being prominent institutions (as reported by Zippia and Amarillo Chamber of Commerce). The food processing industry is also a major player, with Tyson Foods, Inc. being one of the largest employers in the region (as reported by Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Zippia).
Other key employers include the Amarillo Independent School District, CNS Pantex, and Xcel Energy (as reported by Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and Zippia). The energy sector, manufacturing, and retail also contribute to the employment landscape, offering diverse career paths.
Employment and Salary Information
The average salary in Amarillo varies depending on the source and methodology. ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $50,977 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). ERI SalaryExpert provides a slightly different figure, stating the average salary for jobs in Amarillo is $63,075 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert).
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average hourly wage of $25.82 in May 2024 for the Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is lower than the nationwide average of $32.66 (as reported by Bureau of Labor Statistics). The unemployment rate in Amarillo was 3.30% as of the latest available data (as reported by YCharts).
Climate in Amarillo
Amarillo experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers and cold, windy winters. The city sees significant temperature variations, especially during the fall and winter months due to the influence of cold fronts.
Precipitation is moderate, with most of it occurring during the warmer months, often associated with thunderstorms. The city’s climate offers a range of weather conditions throughout the year.
Temperature and Seasonal Changes
Summer in Amarillo is hot, with average high temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit, and temperatures can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit several times a year (as reported by National Weather Service). The hot season typically lasts from late May to mid-September.
Winters are cold, with average high temperatures in the upper 40s Fahrenheit, but can fluctuate widely from the teens to the 70s or 80s Fahrenheit (as reported by National Weather Service). The coldest month is January, with average lows around 26°F and highs around 51°F.
Rainfall and Humidity
Amarillo receives an average annual precipitation of about 19.71 inches, with the majority falling between April and September (as reported by National Weather Service). Measurable precipitation occurs on an average of 72 days per year.
Humidity levels are generally low, which can moderate the effect of high summer temperatures and make evenings pleasant. However, low humidity can also lead to dry conditions, particularly in the spring (as reported by National Weather Service).
Education in Amarillo
Amarillo offers a range of educational opportunities, primarily through the Amarillo Independent School District (AISD) and various higher education institutions. The quality of education can vary, with different schools and districts receiving varying ratings.
AISD serves a large student population and is rated as above average by Niche. The district’s performance is based on factors such as state test scores, graduation rates, and teacher quality.
School District Performance
Amarillo Independent School District has an overall Niche grade of B+ (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 44% of students are proficient in math and 51% in reading within the district (as reported by Niche). The student-teacher ratio is 17 to 1 across the district (as reported by Niche).
Individual schools within the district receive different ratings. For example, Amarillo High School has an overall Niche grade of B+ and a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1 (as reported by Niche). Tascosa High School and Palo Duro High School are also part of the district, with varying performance metrics.
Higher Education and Learning
For post-secondary education, Amarillo is home to Amarillo College, a public community college with over 10,000 students (as reported by Amarillo Economic Development). Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Amarillo also offers programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy (as reported by Amarillo Economic Development).
These institutions provide pathways for higher learning and specialized training, contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in the region. West Texas A&M University is also located nearby in Canyon, Texas.
Demographics of Amarillo
Amarillo is a mid-sized city in Texas with a population of over 200,000 residents. The city’s demographics show a diverse population with a significant White and Hispanic presence.
The median age in Amarillo is relatively young, suggesting a population with a good proportion of working-age adults and families. The city’s diversity is a notable characteristic, reflecting the broader demographic trends of Texas.
Population and Diversity
As of the most current US Census data, Amarillo has a population of 201,885, making it the 16th most populated city in Texas (as reported by US Census data). The largest racial/ethnic groups are White (51%), followed by Hispanic (34.2%), and Black (7.1%) (as reported by US Census data).
Compared to Texas overall, Amarillo is less diverse. The share of White residents is higher in Amarillo than in the state, while the share of Black residents is slightly lower (as reported by Census Dots).
Age and Income
The median age for Amarillo residents is 35.1 years (as reported by US Census data). This indicates a population that is relatively young compared to national averages.
The median household income in Amarillo was approximately $65,912 in 2024 (as reported by US Census data). However, 11.1% of Amarillo families live in poverty (as reported by US Census data). A comfortable salary for a single adult is estimated around $65,000 before taxes (as reported by Apartments.com).