Living in Athens, Ohio
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Athens · Census data 2020–2024
Athens has 23,396 residents with a median age of 21.6. The median household income is $38,204 (46% lower than the Ohio median), the median home value is $247,000, the median rent is $1,011/month.
Athens at a glance
- Population
- 23,396
- Median age
- 21.6State: 39.7
- Median household income
- $38,204State: $71,389
- Median home value
- $247,000State: $214,800
- Median rent
- $1,011/moState: $1,034
- Homeowners
- 32.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 64.1%
- Average commute
- 16 min
Is Athens a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 16 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 46% lower than the Ohio median; home values 15% higher than the state median; unemployment of 8.2%; a poverty rate of 40%.
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 $247,000, 26% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,011 per month, which is 45.1% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,599 a month in housing costs.
Athens median household income
The median household income in Athens is $38,204 and the income per person is $26,028. 40% of residents live below the poverty line (Ohio: 13.3%).
Housing in Athens: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 8,221
- Owner-occupied
- 32.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 67.4%
- Vacant
- 12%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1970
- Average household size
- 2.30
Athens demographics
- Population
- 23,396
- Median age
- 21.6
- Under 18
- 8%
- 65 and older
- 6.3%
- Households
- 7,238
- Foreign-born
- 6.6%
- Veterans
- 3.1%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Athens ›
Education in Athens
64.1% of adults 25 and older in Athens have a bachelor's degree or higher (Ohio: 31.5%), and 36.5% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Athens
- Unemployment rate
- 8.2%State: 4.8%
- Average commute
- 16 minState: 23 min
- Work from home
- 20.2%
- Drive alone
- 46.1%
- Public transit
- 1.6%
- Walk to work
- 21.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 89.6%
Athens vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 23,396 | $38,204 | $247,000 | $1,011 |
| The Plains | 2,748 | $59,688 | $233,500 | $971 |
| Chauncey | 655 | $35,200 | $74,400 | $893 |
| Millfield | 207 | $41,601 | $76,000 | — |
| Albany | 1,013 | $52,070 | $145,600 | $847 |
| Amesville | 207 | $77,500 | $145,200 | $1,111 |
| Jacksonville | 344 | $66,875 | $88,100 | — |
| Buchtel | 451 | $70,000 | $150,000 | $725 |
| Trimble | 466 | $47,120 | $60,400 | $738 |
More for people moving to Athens
Athens ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Athens: FAQ
What is the median household income in Athens, OH?
The median household income in Athens is $38,204, 46% lower than the Ohio median of $71,389 (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 $247,000, compared with $214,800 in Ohio.
How much is rent in Athens?
The median gross rent in Athens is $1,011 per month, about 45.1% of household income.
Is Athens, OH a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 16 minutes. Minuses: median household income 46% lower than the Ohio median; home values 15% higher than the state median; unemployment of 8.2%; a poverty rate of 40%.
What is the median age in Athens?
The median age in Athens is 21.6 years (Ohio: 39.7).
How long is the commute in Athens?
The average commute to work in Athens is 16 minutes; 20.2% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens is 8.2% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Athens?
64.1% 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.
Last updated: