Median Income
$49,588
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$166,800
41% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
157/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.8%
20% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$834
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Athens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,260
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density1,863/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,588
Per Capita$40,304
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$6,798M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$166,800
Rent$834
Ownership42.5%
Zillow$188,667
Housing Units1,865
Rent Burden25.5%
Crime
F
Violent157/100K
Property752/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault157/100K
Burglary94/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain41.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation755 ft (230 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.8%
High School+93.1%
Graduate+10.0%
School Score5.57
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 26%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.8%
EV Stations6
Libraries10
Is Athens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Athens receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. 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 $49,588, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Athens is $166,800, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $834 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Athens is below the national average at 157 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 752 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
26.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Athens experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.2 inches, including 42.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Athens has a population of 3,260 with a density of 1,863 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
The median household income in Athens is $49,588, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,304. The average weekly wage is $1,156, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,525 business establishments, including 116 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,588 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,304 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,156 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,160 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,525 |
| County GDP | $6,798M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 116 |
| Healthcare | 150 |
| Retail | 235 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,894 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.93% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 91.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Athens is $166,800, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,667, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $834 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 42.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,865 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. The average annual property tax is $4,894 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,800 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,667 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $834 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 42.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 42.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 57.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,865 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,894 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.93% |
In Athens, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:982. The dentist ratio is 1:1,814. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Athens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:982 |
| Dentists | 1:1,814 |
| Mental Health | 1:979 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,655/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 61.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 150 |
Athens has a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 156.7 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 752 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 658, burglary at 94, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 8 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 | 156.7/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 156.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 752.1/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Burglary | 94.0/100K |
| Theft | 658.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Athens experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. The area gets 275 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 41.2 inches. The area receives 42.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 755 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 46.9°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 755 ft (230 m) |
| Area | 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,863/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.9375°N, 76.5140°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Bradford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Elmira/Corning Regional (ELM)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.2"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0418 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 73.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 37.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 67.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Feb 3, 2001 |
6 km W of Bath, New York |
M3.2 |
86 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
44 km |
| Jan 25, 1999 |
New York |
M2.5 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
177 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 13 fatalities, 139 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
52 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
100 km |
6 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
7 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 1955 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1991 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1989 |
EF2 |
88 km |
2 |
| Aug 28, 1988 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1984 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PENOBSCOT (2,091 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
WOODRUFF |
757 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Athens has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 24°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (2.1").
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) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Athens
What is the population of Athens?
Athens has a population of 3,260 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 1,863 people per square mile, spread across 0.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Athens expensive to live in?
Athens has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $49,588, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,800 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $834 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Athens safe?
Athens is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 157 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 752 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 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.2 inches, with 42.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Athens?
The job market in Athens is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,156. There are 1,525 business establishments in the area, including 116 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $166,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,667. For renters, the median monthly rent is $834. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 42.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,894.
How are the schools in Athens?
Schools in Athens score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.8% of adults in Athens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.1% have completed high school. 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Athens?
The obesity rate in Athens is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 61.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:982.
What is transportation like in Athens?
The average commute in Athens is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 91.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Athens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is 93.6% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.5% of residents have a disability. 94.6% have health insurance coverage.
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