Amarillo Ranked #1 for 2026 Economic Growth in U.S.

Not very often does Amarillo pop up on a positive list at number one. Sure, we show up on the lists, but rarely do we actually TOP the list. We also end up on some negative lists, but show me places that don't.

This one, though, is a big list to be number one on, as it projects Amarillo to be one of the best places in the United States, believe it or not.

What Is Amarillo Number One In

Well, we aren't there yet, but it's a projection for 2026, so let's not count our chickens before they hatch. However, according to USA Today, Amarillo tops the list for projected economic growth in a midsize city.

Think about that for a minute. Economic growth affects all of us, and in a positive way. There are a lot of factors that go into economic growth, and a lot of things that can be positive for residents, such as raises at work, more options to choose from when it comes to employment, etc.

What Goes Into Economic Growth

Some of the things USA Today pointed to were steady job creation, affordable living, and our expanding economy as the biggest factors. Amarillo has seen a big growth in the manufacturing industry, and that can tend to accelerate things.

Why do so many industries view Amarillo as a good fit? A lot of that is the affordable real estate pricing. Both residential and business sit at 17% lower than the average in the United States, and that makes it very appealing for businesses as they can profit more.

The transportation sector is also a big deal for Amarillo. Being essentially in the middle of the country, we have great rail access and transportation access in general. Just take a look at all the semi-trucks that roll through the city on a daily basis. 2026 is shaping up to be a great year.