Abilene is experiencing significant growth, notably with the construction of the Stargate data center, a 4 million square foot facility set to be completed by the end of the year. This project has attracted approximately 6,000 workers to a city of just over 100,000 residents, placing considerable strain on the local housing market.
In April 2023, an affordable housing report indicated a shortage of over 5,000 housing units in Abilene. The influx of workers for the data center has exacerbated this issue, leading to increased rental prices and making it challenging for low-income families to find affordable housing. Gene Reed, CEO of the Abilene Housing Authority, highlighted that the demand for housing is significantly outpacing supply, driving up rental costs and making it difficult for low-income families to secure housing.
The Abilene City Council has been proactive in addressing these challenges. In recent meetings, the council approved several zoning changes and development projects aimed at increasing housing availability. For instance, in May 2026, the council approved multiple rezonings and Planned Development amendments to facilitate new residential developments. Additionally, the council has adopted strategic priorities focusing on sustainable growth, including planning for infrastructure repairs after major construction initiatives and increasing investment in quality-of-life amenities to attract and retain professionals and their families.
Despite these efforts, the rapid growth continues to present challenges. Residents have reported rising rents and a growing homelessness problem as issues resulting from the sudden influx of workers. The city remains committed to finding solutions to ensure that Abilene’s growth benefits all residents and that housing remains accessible and affordable.