Amarillo, Texas
Amarillo: The second most populous city in Texas Panhandle.
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 139 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 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 35.2220,-101.8313 |
| Altitude | 3,606 feet / 1099 meters |
| Capital city | Amarillo is capital of Potter County |
| Establishment | January 01, 1887 (139 years ago) |
| Time Zone | UTC−06:00 |
| Local time | 10:25:10 (5th May 2026) |
| Density | 749 Pop. per km² as of 2020 |
| Population growth | 4.49% (2010-2020) |
| Weather | 79℉ Partly Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms 7-days weather |
Geography
Amarillo is located at 35°13'19"N 101°49'53"W (35.2220000, -101.8313000).
Amarillo map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Weather
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. West northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25...
7-Day ForecastDemographics
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 |
Services and Civic Places in Amarillo
1US Agricultural Research Services
2300 Experiment Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, United States View details
Phone: +18063565726 | Website available
2US Agricultural Marketing Services
101 S Manhattan St, Amarillo, TX 79104, United States View details
Phone: +18063726361 | Website available
People born in Amarillo (143)
People born in Amarillo, including software engineer Grady Booch, actress Carolyn Jones, actress Paula Trickey, .
More notable people
- 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
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Amarillo, TX. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| 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 |
Closest post offices linked to 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