Living in Athens, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Athens · Census data 2020–2024
Athens has 1,134 residents with a median age of 45.8. The median household income is $70,192 (4% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $157,000, the median rent is $978/month.
Athens is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Athens at a glance
- Population
- 1,134
- Median age
- 45.8State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $70,192State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $157,000State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $978/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 77.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 9.1%
- Average commute
- 29 min
Is Athens a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 32% lower than the state median; unemployment of 2.4%; a poverty rate of 6.6%.
Cons: Median household income 4% lower than the Michigan median; an average commute of 29 minutes.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Athens
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Athens the median home value is $157,000, 53% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $978 per month, which is 17.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,127 a month in housing costs.
Athens median household income
The median household income in Athens is $70,192 and the income per person is $34,588. 6.6% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in Athens: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 459
- Owner-occupied
- 77.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 22.4%
- Vacant
- 6.8%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1961
- Average household size
- 2.65
Athens demographics
- Population
- 1,134
- Median age
- 45.8
- Under 18
- 17.1%
- 65 and older
- 17%
- Households
- 428
- Foreign-born
- 0.8%
- Veterans
- 7.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Athens ›
Education in Athens
9.1% of adults 25 and older in Athens have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 3.4% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Athens
- Unemployment rate
- 2.4%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 29 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 11.1%
- Drive alone
- 76%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 0.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 78.3%
Athens vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 1,134 | $70,192 | $157,000 | $978 |
| Union City | 1,940 | $62,788 | $107,500 | $935 |
| Sherwood | 388 | $58,750 | $97,500 | $838 |
| Burlington | 264 | $66,250 | $90,800 | $914 |
| Colon | 1,570 | $58,542 | $153,500 | $785 |
| Climax | 723 | $85,313 | $208,500 | $833 |
| Scotts | 237 | $67,054 | $135,500 | — |
| Mendon | 815 | $82,292 | $142,900 | $1,007 |
| Tekonsha | 575 | $55,000 | $98,300 | $613 |
More for people moving to Athens
Athens ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Athens: FAQ
What is the median household income in Athens, MI?
The median household income in Athens is $70,192, 4% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $157,000, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in Athens?
The median gross rent in Athens is $978 per month, about 17.5% of household income.
Is Athens, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 32% lower than the state median; unemployment of 2.4%; a poverty rate of 6.6%. Minuses: median household income 4% lower than the Michigan median; an average commute of 29 minutes.
What is the median age in Athens?
The median age in Athens is 45.8 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Athens?
The average commute to work in Athens is 29 minutes; 11.1% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens is 2.4% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Athens?
9.1% of adults in Athens have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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