The Great Plains are higher in elevation than the North Central Plains and Coastal Plains. While much of the region is flat, the Caprock Escarpment separates the Great Plains from the North Central Plains. The Great Plains region also includes the Texas Hill Country, the Balcones Escarpment, Palo Duro Canyon, and the Ogallala Aquifer.

The Great Plains have cold winters and cool summers. Unlike the North Central Plains and Coastal Plains, this region receives significant snow every winter. and 15-20 inches of precipitation

The Great Plains region supports an agricultural economy where wheat and cotton are the main crops grown. There are also ranches with livestock, such as cattle, goats, and sheep. This is also a region of wind energy, and oil and gas reserves.

The cities of Amarillo and Lubbock are located in the Great Plains region. Lubbock is home to Texas Tech, the 3rd largest university in Texas. Amarillo has Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, and The Big Texan Steak Ranch restaurant, which offers diners a free 72-oz steak, if they can eat the entire meal in under an hour.