Amarillo, TX: 2026 Relocation Deep Dive Report

Amarillo: The Data Profile (2026)

Amarillo presents a distinct economic profile for the 2026 remote worker. With a population of 203,042, it functions as a small metropolitan hub rather than a sprawling urban center. The primary statistical draw is the cost-of-living index, which sits at 74.2 for housing, representing a 25.8% discount compared to the national average. However, this affordability correlates with a lower median income of $58,897, which is 21.0% below the US median of $74,580. The educational attainment rate is 25.9% for bachelor's degrees or higher, significantly lower than the US average of 33.1%.

Statistical Target Demographic: The data identifies the ideal candidate as a remote earner with a household income exceeding $80,000. This demographic leverages the 25.8% housing discount without relying on the local wage ceiling. Additionally, it suits logistics professionals, given the city's role as a distribution hub.

Cost of Living Analysis

The aggregate cost of living in Amarillo is driven down by exceptionally low utility and housing costs. While groceries and transportation reflect a 10.9% and 11.0% reduction respectively, the electricity rate is the standout metric at 14.94 cents/kWh compared to the national average of 16.0 cents/kWh.

Table 1: Cost of Living Breakdown (Monthly Budgets)

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $58,897 takes home approximately $3,900/month after taxes. After deducting the $1,079 in living expenses (excluding rent), the disposable income is $2,821. If the earner pays the $553 for a 1-bedroom unit, they retain $2,268 monthly. This represents a savings rate of 58%, significantly higher than the national average. However, a local earner on the median wage has 44% less purchasing power than the US average earner.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the city's primary economic engine for relocation. The median home price remains accessible, and the rent-to-income ratio is favorable. The "Housing Index" of 74.2 indicates that for every dollar earned in Amarillo, housing costs consume roughly 25.8% less of the budget than the average American.

Table 2: Housing Market Data (Buying vs Renting Analysis)

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
With a median home price of $189,000 and a 3-bedroom rent of $1,106, the price-to-rent ratio is approximately 14.1. Generally, a ratio below 20 favors buying. Given the -54.6% gap between local home prices and the national average, purchasing a home is statistically the superior financial move for anyone planning to stay longer than 3 years.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

RTO & Commute:
In 2026, Amarillo remains largely resistant to aggressive Return-to-Office (RTO) mandates due to a lower density of corporate headquarters. The average commute time is 18.5 minutes, significantly lower than the US average of 27.6 minutes. This saves the average commuter roughly 45 hours of driving annually.

Industry Stability:
The local economy is anchored by healthcare (Texas Tech Physicians), agriculture, and logistics (I-40/I-27 corridor). The unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, which is statistically on par with the national average of 4.0%, indicating a stable but not booming job market for local hires.

Quality of Life Audit

While the economic data is compelling, the health metrics present a complex picture. The "Health Score" of 77.6/100 is rated "Good," but this appears to be an aggregate of access to care rather than lifestyle outcomes. Risk factors are significantly elevated: the obesity rate is 38.5% (vs 31.9% US) and the diabetes rate is 13.6% (vs 10.9% US).

Table 3: Quality of Life Metrics

Safety & Air Quality:
Safety data shows a bifurcation. Violent crime is 446/100k, which is 17% higher than the US average of 380/100k. However, property crime is the primary concern, clocking in at 2,876/100k, a staggering 44% higher than the national average of 2,000/100k.
Air quality is a massive outlier in a positive direction. An AQI of 29 is pristine, driven by high wind speeds and low industrial density relative to population.

Schools & Weather:
School ratings generally hover around 6/10 on major aggregate sites, lagging behind the educational attainment of 25.9%. Weather today is 27.0°F with a high of 48°F, typical of the high plains Panhandle climate which features high winds and four distinct seasons.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: A -54.6% discount on median home prices relative to the US.
• Remote Work Arbitrage: Rent for a 1BR is only $553, allowing for rapid wealth accumulation.
• Air Quality: An AQI of 29 is among the best in the nation.
• Commute: Average commute is 18.5 minutes.

Cons:

• Income Ceiling: Median income is $58,897, 21% lower than the national average.
• Property Crime: Rate of 2,876/100k is 44% above average; security systems are recommended.
• Health Risks: Obesity (38.5%) and Diabetes (13.6%) rates are significantly elevated, suggesting a challenging environment for maintaining healthy habits without discipline.

Final Recommendation:
Amarillo is a "Buy" for remote workers and a "Rent" for local earners. The data supports relocation specifically for those earning above $65,000 remotely. The economic freedom provided by the 25.8% housing discount outweighs the elevated property crime and health risks. For those seeking local employment, the 21% income deficit makes financial mobility difficult.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in Amarillo?
For a single person to live comfortably (including savings and discretionary spending), a salary of $60,000 is recommended. This covers the $553 rent and allows for a savings rate of roughly 40%.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Texas cities?
Amarillo offers 43% cheaper housing per square foot than Austin and 35% cheaper than Dallas. It lacks the cultural amenities of those cities but offers significantly higher disposable income.

3. Are the safety statistics a major concern?
Yes. While violent crime is average, the property crime rate of 2,876/100k requires vigilance. Gated communities or homes with robust security infrastructure are statistically advisable.

4. Is now the right time to buy?
With a Housing Index of 74.2 and a median home price of $189,000, the entry barrier is low. The price-to-rent ratio of 14.1 strongly favors buying over renting for long-term residents.