Median Income
$62,946
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$269,600
4% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.8%
50% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$920
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.8%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
31% lower than US avg
How Athol Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population830
Median Age40.7 yrs
Density722/mi²
Male / Female55% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans14.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,946
Per Capita$27,538
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty8.6%
County GDP$11,539M
Commute37 min
Housing
A
Home Value$269,600
Rent$920
Ownership79.3%
Zillow$797,856
Housing Units324
Rent Burden23.3%
Health
Obesity30.8%
Uninsured14.5%
Smoking12.5%
Depression24.4%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI24 (Good)
Rain24.6 in/yr
Elevation2,393 ft (729 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.8%
High School+89.9%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 23%
Commute37 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations7
Libraries8
Is Athol a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Athol receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Athol offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Athol is $62,946, 16% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Athol is $269,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
16.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Athol has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.6 inches, including 27.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24.
Athol has a population of 830 with a density of 722 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 40.7 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.5% female and 54.5% male. The city is predominantly White (74.9%), with 10% Hispanic, 1.6% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.7% of residents. 14.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
830
Total Population
2023 Census
40.7yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.7%
26% above US avg
Spanish
2.2%
84% below US avg
The median household income in Athol is $62,946, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,538 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,075, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,717 business establishments, including 482 restaurants. The cost of living index is 95.5, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 37 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,946 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,538 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,075 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,805 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,717 |
| County GDP | $11,539M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 482 |
| Healthcare | 652 |
| Retail | 635 |
| Manufacturing | 273 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 95.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.60% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 36.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Athol is $269,600, 4% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $797,856, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $920 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $950 for a one-bedroom to $1,173 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 324 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. The average annual property tax is $4,301 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $269,600 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $797,856 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $920 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $898 |
| 1 Bedroom | $950 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,173 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,619 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,949 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.7% |
| Housing Units | 324 |
| Median Year Built | 1991 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,301 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.60% |
In Athol, 30.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 25.3% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 19.3% report binge drinking. 18.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,249. The dentist ratio is 1:1,380. 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Athol vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.8% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 25.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.0% |
| Depression | 24.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.5% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,249 |
| Dentists | 1:1,380 |
| Mental Health | 1:413 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,562/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 652 |
Athol has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 27.2 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 24 / among the cleanest air in the country. 82% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 2,393 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
65°F Jul (18°C)
| Annual Average | 45.0°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,393 ft (729 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 722/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.9470°N, 116.7078°W |
| Timezone | America/Boise |
| County | Kootenai County County |
| Nearest Airport | Spokane International (GEG) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.6"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
3.58"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 24.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 82.0% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
94 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 13, 2025.
| Dec 22, 1998 |
Idaho-Montana border region |
M4.7 |
112 km |
| Mar 22, 2006 |
8 km SSW of Rexford, Montana |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 17, 1994 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M4.1 |
87 km |
| Jan 20, 1998 |
15 km SSE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M4.0 |
123 km |
| Nov 11, 2001 |
3 km NE of Spokane, Washington |
M4.0 |
59 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Hope, Idaho |
M3.9 |
37 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
Washington |
M3.9 |
59 km |
| Apr 24, 2015 |
12 km SSW of East Hope, Idaho |
M3.7 |
33 km |
| Aug 19, 1999 |
12 km ENE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M3.7 |
130 km |
| Mar 14, 1997 |
1 km E of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| May 30, 1996 |
3 km SSW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Oct 26, 1999 |
23 km WNW of Niarada, Montana |
M3.6 |
135 km |
| Jan 20, 2000 |
21 km ENE of Athol, Idaho |
M3.5 |
21 km |
| Mar 8, 1994 |
32 km S of Wallace, Idaho |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| Dec 15, 2012 |
19 km S of Troy, Montana |
M3.4 |
73 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
2 km SSE of Town and Country, Washington |
M3.4 |
59 km |
| Jun 28, 1997 |
3 km NNW of Mullan, Idaho |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| May 14, 2014 |
5 km NE of Happys Inn, Montana |
M3.4 |
122 km |
| Nov 2, 1996 |
4 km W of Trout Creek, Montana |
M3.4 |
80 km |
| Nov 12, 2001 |
3 km NNE of Spokane, Washington |
M3.3 |
60 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
25 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF2 |
13 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1991 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 1978 |
EF2 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1957 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1954 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1997 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1994 |
EF1 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1984 |
EF1 |
46 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 1983 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1981 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1978 |
EF1 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1970 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 18, 2024 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2022 |
EF0 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2016 |
EF0 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2004 |
EF0 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF0 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1999 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
9 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 19.8 m (65 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1952 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
- |
127 km |
| 1949 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
19.8 m |
- |
124 km |
| 2024 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
14.3 m |
- |
127 km |
| 1944 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.1 m |
- |
127 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
- |
100 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
4.8 m |
- |
127 km |
| 2009 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
3.6 m |
- |
108 km |
| 1953 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
- |
- |
127 km |
| 1952 |
COLUMBIA RIVER VALLEY, WA |
Meteorological |
- |
- |
127 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RUSSELL MOUNTAIN (26,130 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
RUSSELL MOUNTAIN |
26,130 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
TOWER |
24,779 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
FORD CORKSCREW |
16,179 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
SOUTH YAAK |
12,866 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
DECEITFUL |
12,750 |
66 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,401 |
80 km |
| 2015 |
SOUTH BOBTAIL |
11,256 |
72 km |
| 2023 |
OREGON |
10,957 |
37 km |
| 2023 |
GRAY |
10,096 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
CAYUSE MTN |
9,744 |
100 km |
| 2015 |
NAPOLEON 1 |
9,727 |
66 km |
| 2015 |
LOWER FLAT |
9,034 |
46 km |
| 2018 |
COUGAR |
8,708 |
56 km |
| 2021 |
TRESTLE CREEK COMPLEX |
7,117 |
56 km |
| 2016 |
SPOKANE COMPLEX |
6,839 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
CUB CREEK |
5,683 |
90 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
5,297 |
79 km |
| 2015 |
NORTH GRIZZLY |
5,286 |
50 km |
| 2015 |
GOAT ROCK COMPLEX |
5,210 |
87 km |
| 1994 |
LIBBY COMPLEX (SCENERY) |
5,160 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
58°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
65°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
64°F (18°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
35°F (1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.6 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Athol has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 28°F in December to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.7 inches, with December being the wettest month (3.6") and July the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Athol. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$239 ($143-$382) |
| Specialist Visit |
$334 ($191-$525) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$191 ($96-$334) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,101 ($764-$4,775) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$124 ($72-$191) |
| Dental Filling |
$239 ($143-$382) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$573 ($382-$955) |
| Battery Replacement |
$191 ($96-$334) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($57-$143) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$86 ($48-$134) |
| HVAC Repair |
$382 ($143-$764) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,685 ($3,820-$11,460) |
| Roof Repair |
$955 ($382-$1,910) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,595 ($5,253-$14,325) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,433 ($478-$3,343) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,325 ($4,775-$28,650) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,775 ($1,910-$9,550) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,433 ($764-$2,865) |
| Will Preparation |
$478 ($191-$955) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,388 ($955-$4,775) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$143 ($72-$239) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$62) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($48-$124) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.92 ($2.87-$5.25) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.34 ($2.39-$4.78) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.63 ($2.39-$5.25) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.30 ($2.87-$6.21) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.25 ($3.82-$7.16) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.57-$1.72) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$134 ($76-$239) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$143) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$62 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$81 ($48-$143) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$191 ($72-$478) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,910 ($1,146-$3,343) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$124) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.64-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$239) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,146 ($573-$2,388) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$955 ($478-$1,910) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$382 ($191-$669) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$955 ($382-$2,388) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,938 ($4,775-$28,650) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$191) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$287 ($143-$478) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$191 ($96-$382) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $721 |
| Toddler | $669 |
| Preschool | $607 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $524 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Athol
What is the population of Athol?
Athol has a population of 830 residents and is located in Idaho. The population density is 722 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.7 years. The population is 45.5% female and 54.5% male.
Is Athol expensive to live in?
Athol has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 95.5 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,946, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $269,600 (4% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $920 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Athol?
Athol has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.6 inches, with 27.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 24.
How is the job market in Athol?
Athol has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,075. There are 8,717 business establishments in the area, including 482 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 37 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Athol?
The median home value in Athol is $269,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $797,856. For renters, the median monthly rent is $920. Fair market rent is $950 for a 1-bedroom and $1,173 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,301.
How are the schools in Athol?
Schools in Athol score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.8% of adults in Athol hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.9% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Athol?
The obesity rate in Athol is 30.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 18.0% are physically inactive. 24.4% of residents report depression. 14.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 79.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,249.
What is transportation like in Athol?
The average commute in Athol is 37 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Athol?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Athol is 74.9% White, 10% Hispanic or Latino, 1.6% Asian. 98.7% of residents speak only English at home. 14.2% of the population are military veterans. 17.8% of residents have a disability. 85.5% have health insurance coverage.