Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo: The second most populous city in Texas Panhandle. It is located in the north-central part of the state. Amarillo is known for its many steakhouses, its many parks and green spaces, and its many attractions, such as the Big Texan Steak Ranch and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum.
About
Amarillo is a city located in the county of Potter in the U.S. state of Texas. Its population at the 2010 census was 190,695 and a population density of 715 people per km². After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 199,654 inhabitants.
The city was created 138 years ago in 1886.
Amarillo is a city located in the Texas Panhandle on historic Route 66. With around 200,000 residents, it is a cultural and commercial hub for the region.
History and Origins
Amarillo was first settled in 1887 as a railroad town and cattle shipping point. It grew significantly as a ranching center and Route 66 stop.
Key historical facts:
- Originally founded as a railroad town named Oneida in 1887
- Renamed Amarillo for the yellow wildflowers along the creek
- Emergence of cattle ranching and Route 66 fueled growth
- Air Force base established in 1951 aiding diversification
Economy and Major Industries
Major sectors today include cattle ranching, healthcare, retail, natural gas, and nuclear waste storage. Top employers are:
- Pantex Nuclear Weapons Facility
- Bell Helicopter Textron manufacturing
- Tyson Foods beef processing plant
- Baptist St. Anthony's Hospital
Attractions and Things to Do
Popular attractions include:
- Cadillac Ranch art installation along Route 66
- Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery
- American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum
- Wonderland Amusement Park for family fun
- Hiking and biking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Amarillo retains its Western ranching roots combined with modern amenities and attractions.
Quick Facts about Amarillo
| Population : | 199,654 (2020) |
| Country : | United States of America |
| State : | Texas (United States) |
| County : | Potter County |
| Twitter username : | CityofAmarillo |
| Postal code : | 79187, 79166–79168, 79189, 79178, 79123–79124, 79174, 79182, 79116–79121, 79159, 79185, 79101–79111, 79114, 79163, 79171–79172 |
| Phone Area Codes : | 806 |
| Area : | 266.56 km2 |
| Altitude : | 3,606 feet / 1099 meters |
| Capital city : | Amarillo is capital of Potter County |
| Establishment : | January 01, 1887 (138 years ago) |
| Time Zone : | UTC−06:00 |
| Local time : | 03:02:45 (24th June 2025) |
| Density : | 749 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth : | 4.49% (2010-2020) |
Geography
Amarillo is located at 35°13'19"N 101°49'53"W (35.2220000, -101.8313000).
Amarillo map
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- Go to Official Website
- Go to Official Website
Official website of Amarillo
Demographics
The population of Amarillo increased by 4.49% in 10 years.
| Year | Population | % Change | Method |
| 2010 | 190,695 | - | census |
| 2011 | 193,763 | 1.58% | estimation process |
| 2012 | 195,404 | 0.84% | estimation process |
| 2013 | 196,248 | 0.43% | estimation process |
| 2014 | 197,200 | 0.48% | estimation process |
| 2015 | 197,816 | 0.31% | estimation process |
| 2016 | 198,694 | 0.44% | estimation process |
| 2017 | 199,722 | 0.51% | estimation process |
| 2018 | 199,183 | -0.27% | estimation process |
| 2019 | 199,371 | 0.09% | estimation process |
| 2020 | 199,654 | 0.14% | estimation process |
People born in Amarillo (143)
People born in Amarillo, including software engineer Grady Booch, actress Carolyn Jones, actress Paula Trickey, .
List
- Rick Husband (American astronaut) he was born in 12/07/1957
- Charles Albright (Murderer) he was born in 10/08/1933
- Ann Doran (actress (1911-2000)) she was born in 28/07/1911
- Caleb Fairly (Racing cyclist) he was born in 19/02/1987
- Alex O'Brien (US tennis player) he was born in 07/03/1970
- Jimmie Dale Gilmore (American musician) he was born in 06/05/1945
- Miran Edgar Thompson (American murderer) he was born in 16/12/1917
- Riley Salmon (volleyball player) he was born in 02/07/1976
- Trey Hillman (American baseball player and coach) he was born in 04/01/1963
- George Saunders (American short story writer) he was born in 02/12/1958
- Jack Davis (American athlete) he was born in 11/09/1930
- Evan Tanner (American mixed martial artist) he was born in 11/02/1971
- Johnson Wagner (professional golfer) he was born in 23/03/1980
- Barry Orton (American professional wrestler and actor) he was born in 28/05/1958
- Joe Ely (American singer and musician) he was born in 09/02/1947
- Aaron Watson (American singer) he was born in 20/08/1977
- Ryan Palmer (American professional golfer) he was born in 19/09/1976
- Francie Swift (American actress) she was born in 27/03/1969
Schools in Amarillo
College & universities near Amarillo, TX
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 222576 | Amarillo College | Amarillo (TX) | 79109 |
| 224758 | Exposito School of Hair Design | Amarillo (TX) | 79109-3208 |
| 385549 | Milan Institute of Cosmetology | Amarillo (TX) | 79103 |
| 440855 | Milan Institute-Amarillo | Amarillo (TX) | 79106 |
| 476896 | Wade Gordon Hairdressing Academy | Amarillo (TX) | 79121-0548 |
Post offices near Amarillo
| Post Office Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Amarill Post Office | Amarillo (TX) | 79105 |
| North Amarill Post Office | Amarillo (TX) | 79117 |
| Amarill Post Office | Amarillo (TX) | 79120 |
| Amarill Post Office | Amarillo (TX) | 79120 |
| Main Office Amarill Post Office | Amarillo (TX) | 79120 |
Other cities in Potter County
Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Potter County , TX.
| City Name | Population | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Bishop Hills | 173 | Town of the United States |
Distance to Other Cities
Amarillo distances to largest Texas cities
