The Texas Panhandle, located in the northernmost part of the state, is characterized by its flat, high plains and semi-arid climate. This region spans around 25,000 square miles and includes cities like Amarillo. Agriculture, particularly wheat and cattle ranching, is a major economic driver, supported by the Ogallala Aquifer. The area is also home to Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S. The Panhandle experiences extreme temperature fluctuations, with hot summers reaching over 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing.
Explore the map of Texas Panhandle showing all the counties with state boundary, county boundaries, interstate highways, US highways, railroads, major cities, major towns, and state parks.
Texas Panhandle
The Texas Panhandle is a unique region located in the northernmost part of Texas, covering approximately 25,600 square miles. It is known for its flat, expansive high plains, part of the larger Great Plains region of the United States. The Panhandle consists of 26 counties, with Amarillo serving as the largest city and economic hub. The region’s economy is driven by agriculture, particularly wheat, sorghum, and cattle ranching, supported by the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest underground water sources in the country.
Geography and Climate
The Texas Panhandle is characterized by its wide, open landscapes and semi-arid climate. It sits at an average elevation of 3,000 to 4,000 feet, making it higher than much of the rest of Texas. The climate in the Panhandle is notable for its extremes: hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C) and cold winters where temperatures can drop below freezing. The region averages around 17.8 inches of rainfall annually, though precipitation varies from year to year.
The Panhandle also experiences strong winds and is part of "Tornado Alley," meaning it is prone to severe weather, particularly in the spring and early summer. Tornadoes and thunderstorms are common, making weather preparedness a key concern for residents.
Economy
Agriculture is the backbone of the Texas Panhandle’s economy. The region produces significant amounts of wheat, corn, sorghum, and cotton. It is also a major player in cattle ranching, contributing to Texas’ status as the leading cattle-producing state in the U.S. The Ogallala Aquifer, which lies beneath the Panhandle, provides crucial irrigation for crops and water for livestock, though concerns about its depletion have been growing.
The region has also seen growth in energy production, particularly wind energy. With its vast open spaces and high wind speeds, the Panhandle has become an important area for wind farms, contributing to Texas’ position as a leader in renewable energy.
Palo Duro Canyon
One of the most famous geographical features of the Texas Panhandle is Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States, stretching 120 miles long and reaching depths of up to 1,000 feet. Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Texas," Palo Duro is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, offering hiking, camping, and spectacular views of the canyon’s multi-layered rock formations. Its geological history spans millions of years, providing insight into the ancient environments that once existed in the region.
Transportation and Infrastructure
The Texas Panhandle is well-connected by major highways such as Interstate 40, which runs through Amarillo, linking the region to the rest of Texas and neighboring states. The Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport serves as the primary air travel hub, providing regional and national flights.
Demographics
The demographics of the Texas Panhandle reflect a population that is largely rural, with a few urban centers, most notably Amarillo, the region’s largest city. The Panhandle covers 26 counties and has a total population of approximately 440,000 people, according to recent estimates. This represents about 1.5% of Texas' total population, despite the Panhandle making up nearly 10% of the state’s land area. The region’s demographic composition is shaped by its agricultural economy, historical settlement patterns, and proximity to neighboring states.
Population Distribution
Amarillo, located in Potter and Randall counties, is home to roughly 200,000 residents, making it the economic and cultural hub of the Panhandle. Other significant towns include Canyon, Dumas, and Pampa, though much of the population outside these urban centers lives in sparsely populated rural areas. Counties like Oldham, Hartley, and Hemphill have populations under 5,000, reflecting the region's reliance on agriculture and the wide, open spaces typical of the Great Plains.
Ethnic and Racial Composition
The Texas Panhandle has a predominantly white population, accounting for approximately 60% of the total. However, there is also a significant Hispanic or Latino presence, which makes up around 35% of the region’s residents. The Hispanic population has grown steadily over the past several decades, largely due to immigration and higher birth rates. This demographic shift is evident in areas like Potter County, where the Hispanic population approaches 50%.
Other racial groups, including African Americans and Native Americans, represent a smaller portion of the Panhandle’s population, collectively accounting for less than 5% of the total.
Age and Family Structure
The median age in the Texas Panhandle is around 35 years, reflecting a relatively young population. This is particularly true in areas with large agricultural or industrial workforces. Families are a central part of the demographic makeup, with many households involved in farming, ranching, or supporting industries. The average household size is slightly higher than the national average, with approximately 2.6 to 3 persons per household, reflecting both family-oriented lifestyles and the presence of multigenerational households in some rural communities.
Education and Employment
Education levels in the Texas Panhandle vary, with urban areas like Amarillo offering more access to higher education and specialized job training. West Texas A&M University, located in Canyon, serves as the primary higher education institution in the region. The university attracts students from across the state, contributing to the educated workforce in the Panhandle’s urban centers.
In terms of employment, the Panhandle’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture, ranching, meatpacking, and energy production, particularly wind energy. The agricultural focus has resulted in a high number of labor-intensive jobs, particularly in rural areas. Additionally, Amarillo is home to industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, providing more diversified employment opportunities.
Income and Poverty
The median household income in the Texas Panhandle is around $52,000, which is slightly below the state average of $63,826. However, the cost of living in the region is also lower than in many parts of Texas, particularly in rural areas. While Amarillo and its surrounding areas have a relatively stable economy, rural counties often face higher poverty rates due to the reliance on agriculture and fewer economic opportunities. The poverty rate in some rural areas can exceed 20%, while the overall poverty rate for the region is around 14%.
List of Counties of Texas Panhandle
Dallam
Sherman
Hansford
Ochiltree
Lipscomb
Hartley
Moore
Hutchinson
Roberts
Hemphill
Oldham
Potter
Carson
Gray
Wheeler
Deaf Smith
Randall
Armstrong
Donley
Collingsworth
Parmer
Castro
Swisher
Briscoe
Hall
Childress
