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

It’s Texas, y’all. That means winters in Lubbock are gray, but summers are hot. The average highs and lows are 92°F and 67°F (summer) and 56°F and 28°F (winter).

The average annual snowfall in Lubbock is less than 8 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during the winter months, snowfall is rare.

The average annual rainfall in Lubbock is around 20 inches.

Lubbock averages 263 sunny days a year.

Cool off on hot summer days at Buffalo Springs Lake, where visitors can camp, fish and hike, among other activities. Or lounge at Sandy Point or Marina Beach, which are perfect swimming spots. There is a cost for admission, but it’s well worth it to discover this treasure trove of outdoor fun. Looking for a free activity? Spend the day hiking at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in nearby Canyon, TX. The park is home to the country’s second-largest canyon; visitors can explore by foot, mountain bike or even a horse.

Play peek-a-boo with prairie dogs at Prairie Dog Town in MacKenzie Park. The black-tailed prairie dog preserve has been around since the 1930s. Other popular features in the park include a disc golf course, a playground, a sculpture garden and more.

Stay up past bedtime at the Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre, which reserves one screen for family-friendly double features.

The wine scene here is on point: Lubbock and the rest of the High Plains region produce 80% of the grapes used in Texas wines.

Like many college towns, Lubbock is home to several cute boutiques and local shops, including TC Ellis, J. Hoffman’s, Hemline Lubbock and Chrome. Locals can also grab home goods at Hulla B’Lu.  

Lubbock isn’t messing around when it comes to great dining options. A local favorite – and truly Texas spot – is Cafe J. The spot serves up Southern fare (like chicken fried steak) and international cuisines. The eatery is located right across campus and is a great spot to take Mom and Dad when visiting TTU. 

Lubbock is known for its live music scene! Some fun spots to tap your toes to the beat include Cotton Court Hotel, Cactus Theatre and The Blue Light. Also, Cook’s Garage and Lonestar Amphitheater can’t be missed.

Gather a group of friends and head to The Roof, where patrons are treated to bird’s-eye views of the Texas Tech football stadium and good, old-fashioned college fun. To beat the college crowd, head over to Chimy’s on Broadway. The beloved bar is home to the best cheese fries, an amazing porch and DP Shootouts – a Lubbock tradition!

Lubbock is known as a thriving area with roots in agriculture, education and health care, all of which provide a foundation for the local economy. However, technology, manufacturing, and finance and professional services are also on the rise in this Texas town.

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

No, Texas does not have a state income tax.

Covenant Medical Center was recently named the best hospital in Northwestern Texas and is a high performer in nearly a dozen procedure and condition specialties. Other providers include the University Medical Center – Lubbock and the Lubbock Heart & Surgical Hospital.

Lubbock’s most notable university is Texas Tech University, a public four-year institution. Lubbock is also home to Lubbock Christian University.