At a Glance
Median Income
$16,250
$19,318 per capita
Home Value
$91,500
Zillow: $97,188
Bachelor's Degree+
15.6%
85.0% high school+
Unemployment
2.3%
46.3% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
47.1%
25.7% smoking rate
How Athens Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Athens's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Athens a Good Place to Live?
C+
2.6 / 5.0 - Fair
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Athens residents earn a median household income of $16,250 , which is 78% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $19,318. The unemployment rate stands at 2.3% (36% below the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 46.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 995 business establishments, including 63 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Athens is $91,500 , 68% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $97,188. The cost of living index is 88.2 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1965.
Education
15.6% of adults in Athens hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(54% below the national average).
85.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 4.0/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
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 totals 56.1 inches.
Data Overview
People
Population286
Median Age37.3 yrs
Density82/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Foreign Born1.4%
Veterans3.9%
Economy
C
Median Income$16,250
Per Capita$19,318
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty46.3%
County GDP$1,561M
Avg Weekly Wage$948
Housing
B
Home Value$91,500
Rent
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$97,188
Housing Units190
Rent Burden45.6%
Health
Obesity47.1%
Diabetes17.0%
Smoking25.7%
Heart Disease8.5%
Premature Death15,964/100K
Climate
Avg Temp63°F
Rain56.1 in/yr
Elevation366 ft
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+85.0%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score4.0/10
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 31%
Commute31 min
Broadband31.0%
Internet Speed41 Mbps
EV Stations3
Libraries7
Did You Know?
Athens was founded in 1902.
The median home in Athens was built in 1965.
The nearest airport is Ruston Regional (27 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.503 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Low" by FEMA.
6.6% of the population has a disability.
The county recorded 9 fatal vehicle crashes.