Panhandle 81 Exceptional
Panhandle Livability #21 ranked city in Texas#1,354 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Panhandle

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.

  • Crime Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

What's it like Living in Panhandle?

Located in the state of Texas, Panhandle is a small city with a population of 2,771 inhabitants. At 89%, the majority of the Panhandle population is White; this is followed by 3% American Indian and Alaskan and 2% Black.

Are you trying to decide if living in Panhandle is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Texas, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Panhandle and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Texas and national averages.

Panhandle, TX receives 83 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #7 in Texas and #691 in the USA. Compared to the US average, Panhandle ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Panhandle ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the scores for each individual category, Panhandle has received high marks for crime (A+), education (A+), employment (A+) and housing (A+). Panhandle does not do well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Panhandle, the unemployment rate stands at 1.4%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Panhandle schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Panhandle an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Panhandle excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Assuming that Panhandle meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Panhandle. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Panhandle are simply unattainable. The median home price for Panhandle homes is $217,332, which is 15.4% lower than the Texas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Panhandle, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2, which is 37.5% lower than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Panhandle

See all the best places to live around Panhandle

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Compare Panhandle, TX Livability

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      Panhandle transportation information

      Statistic Panhandle Texas National
      Average one way commute22min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work79.0%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.3%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.3%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home6.4%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Panhandle, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.