Median Income
$62,292
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$156,800
44% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
53.5%
59% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,020
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.2%
128% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Athens Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,156
Median Age27.3 yrs
Density2,890/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$62,292
Per Capita$21,224
Unemployment8.2%
Poverty9.6%
County GDP$2,337M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,800
Rent$1,020
Ownership74.0%
Zillow$162,691
Housing Units395
Rent Burden36.0%
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured4.6%
Smoking20.1%
Depression31.5%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain41.0 in/yr
Elevation2,515 ft (767 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+53.5%
High School+98.5%
Graduate+22.8%
School Score4.75
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute19 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Athens a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Athens receives an overall livability score of 4.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Athens stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Athens is $62,292, 17% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.2%, unemployment is notably high. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Athens is $156,800, 44% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Athens is a highly educated community / 53.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Athens experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches, including 23.9 inches of snow.
Athens has a population of 1,156 with a density of 2,890 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 27.3 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (88%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,156
Total Population
2023 Census
27.3yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
5.9%
56% below US avg
The median household income in Athens is $62,292, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,224 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $965, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,682 business establishments, including 114 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,292 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,224 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $965 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $53,509 |
| Gini Index | 0.456 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.2% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,682 |
| County GDP | $2,337M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 114 |
| Healthcare | 196 |
| Retail | 202 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,279 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 58.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.0% |
The median home value in Athens is $156,800, 44% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,691. Monthly rent averages $1,020 (12% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 395 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $2,279 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,800 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,691 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,020 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.0% |
| Housing Units | 395 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,279 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.45% |
In Athens, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 31.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 4.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,970. The dentist ratio is 1:2,348. 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Athens vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 31.5% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.4% |
| Uninsured | 4.6% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,970 |
| Dentists | 1:2,348 |
| Mental Health | 1:605 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.5% |
| Premature Death | 18,112/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 196 |
Athens experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.0 inches. The area receives 23.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,515 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (0°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 52.2°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,515 ft (767 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,890/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.4207°N, 81.0125°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Mercer County County |
| Nearest Airport | Roanoke/Blacksburg Regional (Woodrum Field) (ROA)
57 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.0"
8% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.73"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 75.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 35.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
42 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 8, 2023.
| Apr 22, 1991 |
14 km ESE of Falling Spring, West Virginia |
M3.5 |
92 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
112 km |
| Apr 4, 2010 |
14 km SW of Gassaway, West Virginia |
M3.4 |
131 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
85 km |
| Mar 31, 2013 |
West Virginia |
M3.4 |
137 km |
| Sep 13, 2017 |
11 km NE of Peterstown, West Virginia |
M3.2 |
28 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
9 km W of Alderson, West Virginia |
M3.1 |
41 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
2 km NNE of Cave Spring, Virginia |
M3.0 |
91 km |
| Jun 28, 1991 |
4 km ENE of Pratt, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
94 km |
| Aug 14, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Nickelsville, Virginia |
M2.9 |
140 km |
| Jan 22, 1995 |
0 km WNW of Pulaski, Virginia |
M2.9 |
46 km |
| Jan 10, 2012 |
14 km WNW of Birch River, West Virginia |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jul 4, 2009 |
3 km E of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
23 km |
| Feb 15, 2005 |
12 km NNW of Raven, Virginia |
M2.8 |
84 km |
| Jul 15, 2021 |
10 km S of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
26 km |
| May 12, 2017 |
6 km SSW of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.8 |
22 km |
| Jul 6, 2023 |
5 km S of Hillsville, Virginia |
M2.7 |
82 km |
| Aug 18, 2000 |
2 km SSE of Narrows, Virginia |
M2.7 |
98 km |
| Aug 30, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M2.7 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
64 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 1 fatality, 75 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2024 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 23, 2022 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 7, 2014 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1990 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1990 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 1976 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1965 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1965 |
EF2 |
19 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1961 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1953 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KAYFORD MOUNTAIN (31,509 ac, 1991).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1991 |
KAYFORD MOUNTAIN |
31,509 |
73 km |
| 1987 |
ELLIS CREEK |
24,070 |
67 km |
| 1991 |
BROWNS BRANCH |
17,324 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
HUFF CREEK |
15,190 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
RUCKERS BRANCH |
14,744 |
97 km |
| 1991 |
ROLLINS BRANCH |
14,435 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
GAULEY MTN |
13,113 |
84 km |
| 1991 |
TOMS BRANCH |
11,849 |
82 km |
| 2012 |
ALLEGHANY TUNNELS FIRES |
11,055 |
85 km |
| 1991 |
BRUSHY FORK |
10,704 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
LEFT FORK |
10,196 |
100 km |
| 1987 |
PINE CREEK |
8,864 |
99 km |
| 1994 |
SCISSORSVILLE BRANCH |
8,711 |
100 km |
| 1991 |
CANEBRAKE |
8,152 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
DRY BRANCH |
8,059 |
95 km |
| 1987 |
RICK CREEK ROAD |
7,740 |
84 km |
| 2012 |
BARBOURS CREEK. |
7,244 |
83 km |
| 1991 |
MUD LICK CREEK |
7,111 |
77 km |
| 1991 |
PEACHTREE |
6,635 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
CARBANATE |
6,533 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (0°C) |
3.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
35°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Athens has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 33°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and November the driest (2.5").
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) |
$224 ($134-$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179-$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90-$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716-$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67-$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134-$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45-$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134-$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358-$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90-$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134-$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580-$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358-$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923-$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448-$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475-$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790-$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716-$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179-$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895-$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67-$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22-$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69-$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24-$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24-$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69-$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58-$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72-$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45-$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67-$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074-$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13-$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537-$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448-$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179-$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358-$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475-$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134-$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90-$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $729 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $715 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $670 |
| Toddler | $584 |
| Preschool | $584 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Athens
What is the population of Athens?
Athens has a population of 1,156 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 2,890 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Athens expensive to live in?
Athens is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $62,292, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,800 (44% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,020 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
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 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 41.0 inches, with 23.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Athens?
The job market in Athens faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $965. There are 1,682 business establishments in the area, including 114 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 17.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $156,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,691. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,020. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,279.
How are the schools in Athens?
Schools in Athens have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 53.5% of adults in Athens hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.5% have completed high school. 22.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Athens?
The obesity rate in Athens is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 31.5% of residents report depression. 4.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,970.
What is transportation like in Athens?
The average commute in Athens is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 58.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Athens?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is 88% White, 6% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 17.0% of residents have a disability. 95.4% have health insurance coverage.