Median Income
$54,583
27% lower than US avg
Home Value
$36,300
87% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
272/100K
28% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.3%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$969
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
25.0%
102% higher than US avg
How Amherst Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population913
Median Age37.5 yrs
Density992/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$54,583
Per Capita$16,525
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$1,006M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$36,300
Rent$969
Ownership70.0%
Zillow$86,945
Housing Units327
Rent Burden17.7%
Crime
F
Violent272/100K
Property3,202/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured31.7%
Smoking15.8%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp59°F (15°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain19.0 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation3,648 ft (1,112 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.3%
High School+74.5%
Graduate+0.9%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 18%
Commute16 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Amherst a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Amherst receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Amherst has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Amherst is $54,583, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Amherst is $36,300, 87% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $969 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Amherst is below the national average at 272 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,202 per 100,000, 63% above the national average.
Education
6.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Amherst enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.0 inches, including 7.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Amherst has a population of 913 with a density of 992 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 37.5 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.2% female and 41.8% male. The city is predominantly White (80.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 40.4% of residents, while 59.6% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 54.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.5yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
40.4%
49% below US avg
Spanish
59.6%
345% above US avg
The median household income in Amherst is $54,583, which is 27% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,525 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,012, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 414 business establishments, including 16 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,583 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,525 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,012 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,060 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 25.0% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 414 |
| County GDP | $1,006M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,656 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 12.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Amherst is $36,300, 87% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $86,945, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $969 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $935 for a one-bedroom to $1,149 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 327 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $4,656 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 17.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $36,300 |
| 87% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $86,945 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $969 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $887 |
| 1 Bedroom | $935 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,149 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,733 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.0% |
| Housing Units | 327 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,656 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 12.83% |
In Amherst, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.5% have high blood pressure. 15.8% are current smokers. 16.7% report binge drinking. 37.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.2% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 31.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,299. The dentist ratio is 1:6,362. 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Amherst vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.5% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.8% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.2% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 54.3% |
| Uninsured | 31.7% |
| 269% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,299 |
| Dentists | 1:6,362 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,542 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.5% |
| Dental Visits | 46.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,062/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 49.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Amherst has a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 residents, 28% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,202 per 100,000, 63% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Amherst receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Amherst vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 272.2/100K |
| 28% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,202.1/100K |
| 63% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Amherst enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 330 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 19.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. The city sits at an elevation of 3,648 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.6°F |
| 9% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,648 ft (1,112 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 992/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.0120°N, 102.4148°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lamb County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lubbock Preston Smith International (LBB)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.0"
50% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 61.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 26, 2024.
| Jun 26, 2024 |
14 km ESE of Amarillo, Texas |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Apr 21, 2024 |
24 km S of Adrian, Texas |
M2.7 |
118 km |
| Aug 2, 2000 |
6 km WSW of Amarillo, Texas |
M2.7 |
140 km |
| Apr 30, 2022 |
8 km E of Anton, Texas |
M2.6 |
39 km |
| May 29, 2024 |
7 km E of Amarillo, Texas |
M2.6 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
776 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 46 fatalities, 847 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 1970 |
EF5 |
70 km |
26 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
45 km |
1 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
40 km |
5 |
| Apr 17, 1970 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1965 |
EF4 |
27 km |
4 |
| Apr 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2017 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1995 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1991 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1989 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1980 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1980 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1973 |
EF3 |
64 km |
2 |
| Apr 19, 1971 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1969 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1965 |
EF3 |
10 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TIRE (44,942 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
TIRE |
44,942 |
99 km |
| 2018 |
206 |
40,247 |
83 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,085 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
303 |
9,601 |
69 km |
| 2011 |
FATHERS DAY |
8,947 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
FM 214 CR 210 |
8,848 |
60 km |
| 2016 |
KAISER 8 |
8,551 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
ARCH |
5,849 |
71 km |
| 2006 |
HWY 37 |
5,015 |
17 km |
| 2011 |
OLYMPIA |
4,600 |
24 km |
| 2011 |
HAPPY |
3,966 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
SPADE RANCH |
3,904 |
78 km |
| 1993 |
BRONCO |
3,789 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
WHITEFACE |
3,743 |
57 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,613 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
SIERRA BLANCA |
3,522 |
87 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,462 |
21 km |
| 2006 |
PEP 2 |
3,339 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
TOKE PLANT/WISEMAN COMPLEX |
3,210 |
26 km |
| 2000 |
CURRY RD 3 |
3,026 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| February |
42°F (5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
Amherst has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 38°F in December to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.0") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Amherst. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $632 |
| Toddler | $598 |
| Preschool | $580 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $576 |
| Toddler | $550 |
| Preschool | $546 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amherst
What is the population of Amherst?
Amherst has a population of 913 residents and is located in Texas. The population density is 992 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.5 years. The population is 58.2% female and 41.8% male.
Is Amherst expensive to live in?
Amherst has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $54,583, 27% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $36,300 (87% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $969 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Amherst safe?
Amherst is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 272 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,202 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Amherst receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Amherst?
Amherst enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 59°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.0 inches, with 7.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Amherst?
The job market in Amherst is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,012. There are 414 business establishments in the area, including 16 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Amherst?
The median home value in Amherst is $36,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $86,945. For renters, the median monthly rent is $969. Fair market rent is $935 for a 1-bedroom and $1,149 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,656.
How are the schools in Amherst?
Schools in Amherst have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.3% of adults in Amherst hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 74.5% have completed high school. 0.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Amherst?
The obesity rate in Amherst is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.8% of adults are smokers. 37.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 31.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 49.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,299.
What is transportation like in Amherst?
The average commute in Amherst is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Amherst?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Amherst is 80.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American. 40.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 59.6% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.6% of residents have a disability. 54.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
