April 2026
Over the years, the Panhandle's diverse economy has allowed us to weather the commodity, employment and construction cycles.
Over the last 6 months, data centers have begun to have a giant impact on Amarillo's economy.
Strong employment, more construction and rising retail sales can be traced back to the data centers that are being built in the Texas Panhandle. The Employers Survey from February-our newest numbers-shows we have 131,700 people working in Amarillo, up 2,200 from last February. The Household Survey shows 136,512 people working which is 2,230 more than February 2025. Amarillo's unemployment rate is 3.7%, compared to Texas's 4.4%.
Construction for April is up 160% from 12 months ago. Year to Date Construction is up 36%, Residential Starts are up 208% from 12 months ago.
Data center activity conversations have filled our bank-increased traffic in rural counties, demand for electricians, shortages in housing and hotels/motels. We will follow all of this closely.
Airline Boardings are flat with a year ago. The Hotel/Motel Tax Collections are up 12%. New Car Sales are up 3% and Used Car Sales are flat compared to last April.
There are 4 drilling rigs in the Panhandle, up from just 1 a year ago. Oil prices are up 49% due to the Iran War. Natural Gas prices are down 20% from a year ago.
The drought is severe and there is very little, if any wheat crop this year. Wheat prices are down 9% at $5.84. Corn prices are $4.44 and down 7% from 12 months ago.
Milk prices are down 4% from a year ago, but Dairies remain profitable. Cattle Prices remain high- up 20% since last April. Lower inventory going to feed and higher demand by consumers strengthen area cattle producers.
Economic Pulse
| Economic Components | Current Month | Last Month | Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Index (Base Jan. 88 @ 100) | 231.70 | 220.70 | 195.00 |
| Sales Tax Collections | $ 8,351,586 | $ 8,359,548 | $ 7,161,594 |
| Sales Tax Collection-YTD | $ 37,388,953 | $ 29,236,084 | $ 34,388,953 |
| New Vehicle Sales | 654 | 642 | 636 |
| Used Vehicle Sales | 1,691 | 1,443 | 1,683 |
| Airline Boardings | 32,132 | 27,935 | 31,720 |
| Hotel/Motel Receipt Tax | $ 674,413 | $ 714,495 | $ 602,238 |
| Population - Corporate Amarillo | 201,106 | 201,106 | 201,106 |
| Employment - CLF | – | 141,776 | 140,247 |
| Unemployment Rate | % – | % 3.70 | % 3.10 |
| Total Workers Employed (Household Survey) | – | 136,512 | 135,928 |
| Total Workers Employed (Employers Survey) | – | 131,700 | 130,600 |
| Average Weekly Wages | $ 1,102.00 | $ 1,102.00 | $ 1,071.00 |
| Gas Meters | 70,387 | 70,012 | 70,200 |
| Interest Rates: 30 Year Mortgage Rates | % 6.250 | % 6.125 | % 6.625 |
| Building Permits Dollar Amount | $ 33,155,996 | $ 64,395,791 | $ 12,751,988 |
| Year to Date Permits | $ 146,494,847 | $ 106,395,491 | $ 108,061,608 |
| Residential Starts | 71 | 34 | 23 |
| Year To Date Starts | 146 | 73 | 100 |
| Median House Sold Price | $ 255,000 | $ 265,000 | $ 255,000 |
| Drilling Rigs In Panhandle | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Oil Price Per Barrel | $ 93.60 | $ 94.00 | $ 62.79 |
| Natural Gas | $ 2.61 | $ 3.17 | $ 3.25 |
| Wheat Per Bushel | $ 5.84 | $ 5.98 | $ 6.46 |
| Fed Cattle Per CWT | $ 248.00 | $ 235.00 | $ 206.40 |
| Corn Per Bushel | $ 4.44 | $ 4.50 | $ 4.81 |
| Cotton (Cents Per Pound) | $ 72.34 | $ 66.82 | $ 62.70 |
| Milk | $ 16.98 | $ 16.18 | $ 17.75 |
Prepare for the majestic dance of disclaimers!
This document was prepared by Amarillo National Bank on behalf of itself for distribution in Amarillo, Texas and is provided for informational purposes only. The information, opinions, estimates and forecasts contained herein relate to specific dates and are subject to change without notice due to market and other fluctuations. The information, opinions, estimates and forecasts contained in this document have been gathered or obtained from public sources believed to be accurate, complete and/or correct. The information and observations contained herein are solely statements of opinion and not statements of fact or recommendations to purchase, sell or make any other investment decisions.
Economic Pulse Charts
{beginAccordion h3}
2026 Economic Analysis
{endAccordion}
{beginAccordion h3}
2025 Economic Analysis
{endAccordion}
{beginAccordion h3}
2024 Economic Analysis
{endAccordion}
{beginAccordion h3}
2023 Economic Analysis
{endAccordion}