Cities and Towns in Potter County, Texas

Founded in 1876, Potter County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Potter County was formed from Bexar County. The city of Amarillo is the county seat. With FIPS code of 375, Potter County has a population of 116,547 and area of 909 square miles (2,354 km²).

List of all cities in Potter County, TX alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Amarillo, TX 79101 806
79102 806
79103 806
79104 806
79105 806
79106 806
79107 806
79108 806
79111 806
79116 806
79117 806
79120 806
79124 806
79159 806
79166 806
79168 806
79172 806
79174 806
79178 806
79185 806
79189 806
Amarillo College, TX 79178 806
Amarillo Globe News, TX 79166 806
Amarillo Hardware, TX 79172 806
American Quarter Horse Assoc, TX 79168 806
Boys Ranch, TX 79174 806
Bushland, TX 79012 806
Clowe and Cowan, TX 79185 806

Major Cities and Towns in Potter County, Texas

Amarillo

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 90.0 square miles
  • Population: 199,000 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79101-79124
  • Latitude: 35.2210° N
  • Longitude: 101.8313° W

Location and History

Amarillo is the county seat and largest city of Potter County, located in the Texas Panhandle. Positioned along U.S. Route 66, Amarillo’s strategic location made it an important crossroads in the region’s early development. The city was founded in 1887, when the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway reached the area, and it was initially named “Oneida” after a nearby Native American tribe. However, the name was changed to Amarillo, meaning “yellow” in Spanish, likely referring to the region’s yellow soil and sunsets. Over the years, Amarillo became a central hub for agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, thanks to its proximity to vast ranchlands. In the 20th century, the city’s growth was fueled by the development of oil and gas industries, as well as its location along historic Route 66, which brought travelers and tourism. Today, Amarillo is a regional economic and cultural center with a diverse economy centered around agriculture, energy, and transportation. The city’s history and the surrounding Great Plains are significant factors in its identity, making it a key point of interest for those exploring the Texas Panhandle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Amarillo is served by the Amarillo Independent School District, which operates several primary and secondary schools, as well as Amarillo High School, known for its strong athletics, academic programs, and extracurricular activities. The city also has multiple private schools and is home to West Texas A&M University, which offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Key landmarks in Amarillo include the Cadillac Ranch, a world-famous public art installation featuring 10 graffitied Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. The Amarillo Museum of Art offers a variety of cultural exhibits, while the Don Harrington Discovery Center is a science museum great for families. The historic Route 66 district is another popular destination for visitors, filled with vintage motels, neon signs, and quirky diners that evoke the spirit of the iconic highway. The city’s scenic parks, like Thompson Park, provide residents and tourists with outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy the area’s natural beauty. Amarillo’s proximity to attractions like the Palo Duro Canyon State Park also makes it a popular stop for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Vega

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 0.5 square miles
  • Population: 1,000 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79092
  • Latitude: 35.2284° N
  • Longitude: 102.3910° W

Location and History

Vega is a small town located in the northern part of Potter County, Texas, about 30 miles east of Amarillo. The town was established in the early 1900s and was originally a railroad stop along the Southern Pacific Railway. Vega was named after the Vega family, early settlers in the area, and the name was chosen due to its resemblance to a Spanish term for “meadow” or “plain,” fitting for the vast, open landscapes of the Texas Panhandle. The arrival of the railroad brought settlers, and the town began to develop as a small agricultural hub. Vega grew primarily as a farming and ranching community, with cotton, wheat, and livestock being central to the local economy. Today, Vega is a quiet, rural town that still maintains its agricultural roots, with a focus on ranching and farming. Though small, Vega is a key part of the fabric of the Panhandle region, and its history reflects the area’s agricultural heritage and the role of the railroad in shaping its development.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vega is served by the Vega Independent School District, which includes Vega High School, offering a solid education with strong programs in athletics and academics. Despite its small size, Vega has a strong sense of community and pride in its educational system. The town is home to a few local businesses and services, and its rural charm draws visitors looking to experience life in the Texas Panhandle. One of the town’s notable landmarks is the Old Vega Depot, which reflects the town’s history as a railroad hub and offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s past. The historic depot is now a museum showcasing artifacts related to Vega’s early settlement and development. Another key attraction is the Vega Memorial Park, which provides recreational opportunities for locals, including a picnic area and a playground. The town is also close to several natural landmarks, such as the Canadian River, which provides scenic views and opportunities for fishing and hiking. Vega’s small-town atmosphere and historical significance make it a peaceful destination for those traveling through the region.

Bishop Hills

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 2.0 square miles
  • Population: 150 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79118
  • Latitude: 35.1952° N
  • Longitude: 101.9510° W

Location and History

Bishop Hills is a small, rural community located southeast of Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. This unincorporated area was developed as a residential neighborhood in the 1950s and 1960s, when the land was purchased for agricultural and residential use. Named after the bishop family who originally owned the land, the area has remained largely residential, serving as a peaceful suburb for those looking to live just outside Amarillo. The development of Bishop Hills was closely tied to the post-World War II boom in suburban construction, as more families sought homes in quieter, rural settings while still having easy access to the services and jobs offered by Amarillo. Over the decades, Bishop Hills has maintained its character as a quiet, mostly residential community, with a small population that enjoys a slower pace of life in contrast to the larger city nearby.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Although Bishop Hills is a small, residential area, it is served by the Amarillo Independent School District, and children from the community attend schools in Amarillo. Residents typically make use of the city’s schools, parks, and amenities. Bishop Hills does not have many specific landmarks, but it is located near key recreational and cultural sites in Amarillo, such as the Amarillo Zoo and the nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, a major natural landmark and one of the largest canyons in the United States. Bishop Hills also has a number of local parks and green spaces, providing areas for outdoor activities like walking, jogging, and community gatherings. The area’s proximity to Amarillo makes it a desirable location for families who want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a small town while being close to the amenities of a larger city. Though small, Bishop Hills contributes to the overall rural charm of the region, and its residents enjoy a strong sense of community and a connection to the wider Amarillo area.

Timbercreek Canyon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

  • Area: 3.5 square miles
  • Population: 500 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 79118
  • Latitude: 35.2721° N
  • Longitude: 101.8785° W

Location and History

Timbercreek Canyon is a small, upscale residential community located in the eastern portion of Potter County, about 10 miles southeast of Amarillo. The community was established in the early 1970s as a getaway for people seeking a rural lifestyle while still being close to the amenities of Amarillo. Timbercreek Canyon is nestled in the foothills of the Palo Duro Canyon and offers beautiful views of the canyon’s rugged terrain and vast open spaces. The area was originally developed for those seeking a more secluded and nature-centric lifestyle, and the community has evolved into a quiet, affluent neighborhood with homes that are often set on large, wooded lots. The area’s appeal lies in its natural beauty, with the surrounding hills providing opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and enjoying the outdoors. Timbercreek Canyon continues to be a popular place for retirees, families, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking tranquility without sacrificing proximity to urban amenities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Timbercreek Canyon is part of the Amarillo Independent School District, so students attend schools in Amarillo, including Amarillo High School and several middle and elementary schools. While Timbercreek Canyon itself is a quiet residential area, it is known for its proximity to outdoor recreation opportunities. The nearby Palo Duro Canyon State Park, one of Texas’ most famous natural landmarks, offers miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for camping and wildlife observation. Timbercreek Canyon also has its own local parks and walking trails, offering residents and visitors easy access to nature. The community’s private and tranquil atmosphere makes it a popular choice for those seeking a retreat-like setting. Though Timbercreek Canyon is a small community, its residents enjoy a rich connection to the natural beauty of the area, with the canyon and surrounding landscapes providing an idyllic backdrop for life in the Texas Panhandle.