Median Income
$16,250
78% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,500
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.6%
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.1%
47% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
46.3%
273% higher than US avg
How Athens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population286
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density82/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$16,250
Per Capita$19,318
Unemployment0.9%
Poverty46.3%
County GDP$1,561M
Commute31 min
Housing
B
Home Value$91,500
RentN/A
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity47.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression30.4%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
AQI42 (Good)
Rain57.0 in/yr
Elevation366 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+85.0%
School Score4.48
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute31 min
Broadband31.0%
Libraries7
Is Athens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Athens receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Athens has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Athens is $16,250, 78% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. The poverty rate of 46.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Athens is $91,500, 68% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Athens enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 57.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Athens has a population of 286 with a density of 82 people per square mile. The median age is 37.3 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (50%), with 48.6% Black.
Population
37.3yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 2.7% |
| 80% below US avg |
The median household income in Athens is $16,250, which is 78% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 46.3% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 31 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $16,250 |
| 78% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,318 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $948 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,924 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 46.3% |
| 273% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 995 |
| County GDP | $1,561M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 63 |
| Healthcare | 96 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,034 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 31.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.6% |
The median home value in Athens is $91,500, 68% below the national average.
Home Values
| Census Median | $91,500 |
| 68% below US avg |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $763 |
| 1 Bedroom | $832 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,007 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,298 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,508 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,034 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Athens, 47.1% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 30.4% report depression. 39.2% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Athens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.1% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 45.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 11.8% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 39.2% |
| Depression | 30.4% |
| Mental Distress | 24.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 80.8% |
| Premature Death | 15,964/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 96 |
Crime Rates: Athens vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
Safety Score
Athens has an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation is 57.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 62.8°F |
| 16% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 57.0 inches |
| 50% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.7 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 366 ft (112 m) |
| Area | 3.5 sq mi (9.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 82/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.6580°N, 93.0277°W |
| County FIPS | 22119 |