Median Income
$49,904
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$168,100
40% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
278/100K
27% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$686
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Athens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,005
Median Age44.2 yrs
Density410/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$49,904
Per Capita$32,651
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$1,109M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$168,100
Rent$686
Ownership65.1%
Zillow$236,367
Housing Units532
Rent Burden22.9%
Crime
F
Violent278/100K
Property742/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault93/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking19.5%
Depression26.8%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.2 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,408 ft (429 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+3.7%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute25 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Athens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Athens receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include 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 $49,904, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Athens is $168,100, 40% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $686 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 278 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 742 per 100,000, 62% below the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Athens has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.2 inches, including 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Athens has a population of 1,005 with a density of 410 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 44.2 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.4% female and 49.6% male. The city is predominantly White (90.8%), with 1.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.2yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Athens is $49,904, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,651 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $919, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 538 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,904 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,651 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $919 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,024 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 538 |
| County GDP | $1,109M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 46 |
| Retail | 65 |
| Manufacturing | 38 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in Athens is $168,100, 40% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,367, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $686 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 532 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,657 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $168,100 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $236,367 |
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $124,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $89 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.1% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $686 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.9% |
| Housing Units | 532 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,657 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Athens, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 32.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985. The dentist ratio is 1:1,665. 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Athens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.6% |
| Depression | 26.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,985 |
| Dentists | 1:1,665 |
| Mental Health | 1:802 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.8% |
| Dental Visits | 61.8% |
| Premature Death | 6,980/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 55.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 46 |
Athens has a violent crime rate of 278 per 100,000 residents, 27% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 92.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 185.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 742 per 100,000, 62% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 742, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 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 | 278.3/100K |
| 27% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 185.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 92.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 742.1/100K |
| 62% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 742.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Athens has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 270 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 34.2 inches. The area receives 57.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,408 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-11°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.8°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,408 ft (429 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 410/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.0349°N, 90.0792°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Taylor County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
70 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.2"
10% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0438 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 37.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 44.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 54.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
255 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 149 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 31, 1977 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
98 km |
4 |
| Sep 26, 1951 |
EF4 |
100 km |
6 |
| Jun 25, 1950 |
EF4 |
72 km |
2 |
| Apr 10, 2011 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 3, 1955 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2007 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
17 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG BURN (3,154 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
BIG BURN |
3,154 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
2024 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
2,717 |
89 km |
| 1994 |
BIG BURN |
2,248 |
98 km |
| 2023 |
2023 RX |
1,992 |
89 km |
| 1997 |
BIG BURN |
1,642 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
1,297 |
97 km |
| 2019 |
RILEY |
1,254 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
2021 DOD HARDWOOD RANGE RX |
987 |
89 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
901 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
PR 16 |
778 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
FOULDS CREEK |
750 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
UNNAMED |
702 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
PR 17 RX FIRE |
701 |
97 km |
| 2003 |
PR 17 |
632 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
580 |
94 km |
| 2001 |
BIG BURN |
565 |
97 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-11°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Athens has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 11°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.9").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Athens
What is the population of Athens?
Athens has a population of 1,005 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 410 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.4% female and 49.6% male.
Is Athens expensive to live in?
Athens is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $49,904, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $168,100 (40% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $686 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 278 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 742 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.2 inches, with 57.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Athens?
The job market in Athens is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $919. There are 538 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $168,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $236,367. For renters, the median monthly rent is $686. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,657.
How are the schools in Athens?
Schools in Athens score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Athens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 3.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Athens?
The obesity rate in Athens is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 32.6% are physically inactive. 26.8% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 55.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,985.
What is transportation like in Athens?
The average commute in Athens is 25 minutes. 74.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Athens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is 90.8% White, 1.4% Black or African American. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
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