Median Income
$85,000
13% higher than US avg
Home Value
$164,200
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
105/100K
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.6%
24% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$893
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Athens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,146
Median Age33.3 yrs
Density1,277/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$85,000
Per Capita$40,265
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$15,669M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$164,200
Rent$893
Ownership74.7%
Zillow$219,103
Housing Units1,037
Rent Burden32.1%
Crime
F
Violent105/100K
Property470/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault105/100K
Burglary105/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.2%
Depression24.6%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.4 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation600 ft (183 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.6%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Commute25 min
Broadband93.1%
EV Stations33
Libraries13
Is Athens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Athens receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Athens offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Athens is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Athens is $164,200, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $893 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Athens is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000, 76% below the national average.
Education
25.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Athens experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Athens has a population of 2,146 with a density of 1,277 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 33.3 years, 14% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.3yrs
Median Age
14% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Athens is $85,000, which is 13% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,265. The average weekly wage is $1,334. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,970 business establishments, including 544 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,000 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,265 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,334 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,001 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,970 |
| County GDP | $15,669M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 544 |
| Healthcare | 489 |
| Retail | 672 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Athens is $164,200, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,103, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $893 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,037 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $7,281 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,200 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,103 |
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $200,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $102 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $893 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.3% |
| Housing Units | 1,037 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,281 |
| 108% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.43% |
In Athens, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 20.8% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829. The dentist ratio is 1:1,165. 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Athens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 24.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:829 |
| Dentists | 1:1,165 |
| Mental Health | 1:310 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,880/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 87.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 489 |
Athens has a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents, 72% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 104.6 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 470 per 100,000, 76% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 366, burglary at 105, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 30 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Athens receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Athens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 104.6/100K |
| 72% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 104.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 470.5/100K |
| 76% below US avg |
| Burglary | 104.6/100K |
| Theft | 365.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 30 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Athens experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 302 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 600 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.0°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 600 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,277/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.9619°N, 89.7216°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sangamon County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA) 49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.4"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0483 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 91.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M3.3 on May 13, 2025.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
132 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
139 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
760 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 22 fatalities, 839 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
75 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
24 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
72 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
67°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Athens has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.6").
Average costs for common services in Athens. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $848 |
| Toddler | $815 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $783 |
| Toddler | $748 |
| Preschool | $686 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Athens
What is the population of Athens?
Athens has a population of 2,146 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,277 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Athens expensive to live in?
Athens has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $85,000, 13% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $164,200 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $893 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Athens safe?
Athens is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 105 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 470 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Athens receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Athens?
Athens has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,334. There are 4,970 business establishments in the area, including 544 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $164,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,103. For renters, the median monthly rent is $893. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.7%. The average annual property tax is $7,281.
How are the schools in Athens?
Schools in Athens score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.6% of adults in Athens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Athens?
The obesity rate in Athens is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 24.6% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 87.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:829.
What is transportation like in Athens?
The average commute in Athens is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Athens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is 93% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.9% of residents have a disability. 97.4% have health insurance coverage.