Abilene, TXBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

It’s West Texas, y’all! That means that the weather in Abilene is a little bit of everything. The average highs and lows are 93°F and 71°F (summer) and 58°F and 34°F (winter). 

The average annual snowfall in Abilene is relatively low, at just 5 inches per year.

The average annual rainfall in Abilene is 26 inches.

Abilene averages 261 sunny days a year.

Cool off in the summer at Adventure Cove, a pirate-themed waterpark with slides, a lazy river, a pool and concessions.

Check out the downtown ArtWalk, which happens on the second Thursday of every month and includes live art demonstrations and music.

Hand feed giraffes at Abilene Zoo or bounce around on trampolines at Maxx Air. 

Your favorite storybook heroes come to life in Abilene, a city dedicated to celebrating the magic of children’s literature. In 2000, the city established the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the first museum of its kind to showcase the artwork of children’s books. Exhibits go beyond museum walls – sculptures like “Stuart Little” and “Good Night Dinosaur” are spread throughout town. There’s even an annual event held downtown called the Children’s Art + Literacy Festival.

Abilene is known for its treasure trove of vintage and antique stores. There are dozens of shops stocked with items from days gone by, from mall-style outlets, like Vintage Marketplace, to boutique-style stores, like Living Chic. Abilene even has a handful of flea markets for those who like a mix of old and new.

The Mill is a wine bar with great outdoor seating. Sangrias, beer, cigars and snacky dinner items (think charcuterie, sliders, flatbreads) are also on the menu.

Abilene has a vast arts presence for a city of its size, with museums, galleries, performing arts organizations, a ballet and a philharmonic orchestra. A staple in the community is the Paramount Theatre, operated by a nonprofit organization that showcases classic, family, and art films and live theater productions.

Mezamiz Coffee House is a gathering place that also serves wine and beer and hosts events like open mic nights and doodle nights so that you can draw in a sketchpad alongside others.

Health care, education and manufacturing and information technology are a few of the significant industries in Abilene; however, the city has a diverse economy where industries all over the board are growing. Some of the largest employers in the area include Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene Independent School District and Hendrick Health.

In 2024, the sales tax rate in Abilene is 8.25%.

No, Texas does not have a state income tax.

Abilene residents are in good health thanks to Hendrick Medical Center, recognized as one of the best hospitals in Texas and one of the region’s largest.

Abilene is home to both Hardin-Simmons University and Abilene Christian University.