Amarillo
RANK #487 / 996 NAT · #23 / 69 TX · POP 141,489
1YR FORECAST: +0.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
Randall County, Texas, stands out for Palo Duro Canyon State Park, often called the "Grand Canyon of Texas." This natural landmark, the second-largest canyon in the United States, offers dramatic geological features, including multicolored rock layers and steep mesa walls. Located in the Texas Panhandle, with its county seat in Canyon, the area is about 15 miles south of Amarillo. Commutes within the county and to nearby Amarillo are generally manageable, though a study suggests average travel times to work in Potter and Randall County are closer to 20-25 minutes. The community offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to city amenities. Outdoor recreation abounds with over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding within Palo Duro Canyon State Park, alongside camping and glamping options. The county also features Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, providing additional recreational opportunities.
Life in Randall County is characterized by a family-friendly environment and highly-rated public schools, with an average math proficiency score of 56% and reading proficiency score of 62%, exceeding statewide averages. Most residents own their homes, and the cost of living is lower than the U.S. average. The local economy sees growth in sectors like healthcare, retail, and educational services. Major investment is also flowing into data centers and energy sectors, contributing to the county's economic landscape.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 6.2x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Project Matador (AI Data Center Campus)
Fermi America (co-founded by Rick Perry)
|
$5,000M | Proposed |
|
Claude Data Center
Hoffman Construction
|
$750M | Under Construction |
|
Randall Solar
Unknown
|
$250M | Planned |
|
Lano Realty Townhome Development
Lano Realty
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Randall County scores 51/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#487). Median household income is $78,038 and job growth is running at +2.4%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
By national standards, Randall County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $209,200, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.37 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,072/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Randall County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.4% clip. Home values shifted +1.7% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 5.59% of Randall County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.