Data Center Boom Happening Across Texas

Panhandle housing impact expected to be limited despite statewide growth

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:23pm

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Texas continues to see rapid growth in data centers, with 78 operating facilities and another 99 planned statewide. However, experts say the Panhandle region is unlikely to experience the housing price spikes reported in other parts of the state due to factors like available housing inventory and broader economic diversification.

Why it matters

The data center boom in Texas highlights the state's continued leadership in technology infrastructure and energy projects, but the impact on local housing markets varies across different regions. Understanding these regional differences is important for policymakers and residents to plan for sustainable growth.

The details

According to Cleanview, which tracks data center development, there are currently 78 operating data centers in Texas, including several that opened in 2025. Another 99 facilities are planned statewide, among them what is being billed as the world's largest data center — the Fermi America project under construction near the Pantex plant. While the arrival of data centers has been linked to rising home prices in some Texas communities, local experts say that trend is not expected to take hold in the Panhandle region around Amarillo.

  • Texas has seen rapid growth in data centers in recent years, with 78 operating facilities as of 2026.
  • Another 99 data center facilities are planned statewide, including the Fermi America project near Pantex that is expected to be the world's largest.

The players

Aaron Faver

An expert from Amarillo College who says the Panhandle region is more likely to see long-term economic benefits from data center growth rather than housing price pressure.

Douglas Campbell

A local real estate expert who notes Amarillo's housing inventory and stable economy, as well as broader energy expansion projects in the Panhandle region.

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What they’re saying

“Amarillo has room for additional major companies and described the current development as just the beginning. He said the growth presents an opportunity for the community to consider what it wants to look like in the coming decades, adding that those discussions are necessary as development accelerates.”

— Aaron Faver, Amarillo College expert

“Housing inventory plays a major role in home prices, noting there are currently 741 homes on the market in Amarillo. Campbell said while the housing market is flat, it is not declining. He described Amarillo's economy and housing market as stable, adding that housing helps drive much of the local economy.”

— Douglas Campbell, Local real estate expert

What’s next

As the data center boom continues across Texas, local leaders in the Panhandle region will need to carefully monitor the economic and housing impacts to ensure sustainable growth that benefits the community.

The takeaway

While Texas as a whole is experiencing rapid expansion of data centers, the impact on local housing markets varies significantly by region. The Panhandle area around Amarillo appears poised to see more long-term economic benefits than housing price spikes, thanks to factors like available inventory and a diversified economy.