Abilene is experiencing significant growth, driven by major projects like the Stargate data center and expansions at Dyess Air Force Base. This surge has brought thousands of workers to the city, intensifying the demand for housing and leading to a notable shortage of affordable options.
In April 2023, a report highlighted a deficit of over 5,600 housing units in Abilene. Since then, the influx of approximately 6,000 workers for the Stargate project has further strained the housing market. Gene Reed, CEO of the Abilene Housing Authority, noted that the demand is “tremendously outweighing the supply,” making it challenging for low-income families to find or afford housing.
In response, the Abilene City Council has taken steps to address the issue. In February 2026, they approved infrastructure updates and housing projects aimed at expanding the housing supply. Additionally, the council adopted new strategic priorities to guide the city’s future growth, emphasizing sustainable development and community engagement.
Community organizations are also actively involved. The West Texas Homeless Network has been instrumental in coordinating efforts to reduce homelessness, achieving functional zero for chronic homelessness in 2019. Their data-driven approach continues to inform strategies to support vulnerable populations.
As Abilene continues to grow, balancing development with affordability remains a priority. Collaborative efforts between the city council, community organizations, and residents are essential to ensure that all citizens have access to safe and affordable housing.