Living in Athens, West Virginia
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Athens · Census data 2020–2024
Athens has 1,494 residents with a median age of 21.1. The median household income is $56,667 (5% lower than the West Virginia median), the median home value is $168,100, the median rent is $975/month.
Athens is a small town, so Census survey estimates have wide margins of error. Treat percentages as approximate.
Athens at a glance
- Population
- 1,494
- Median age
- 21.1State: 42.7
- Median household income
- $56,667State: $59,608
- Median home value
- $168,100State: $162,600
- Median rent
- $975/moState: $872
- Homeowners
- 74.1%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 47.8%
- Average commute
- 18 min
Is Athens a good place to live?
Pros: An average commute of 18 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 5% lower than the West Virginia median; home values 3% higher than the state median; unemployment of 5.7%; a poverty rate of 19.4%.
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 $168,100, 49% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $975 per month, which is 38.5% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,326 a month in housing costs.
Athens median household income
The median household income in Athens is $56,667 and the income per person is $18,772. 19.4% of residents live below the poverty line (West Virginia: 16.7%).
Housing in Athens: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 515
- Owner-occupied
- 74.1%
- Renter-occupied
- 25.9%
- Vacant
- 32.4%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1959
- Average household size
- 2.69
32.4% of homes are vacant most of the year, a sign that Athens has many vacation and second homes.
Athens demographics
- Population
- 1,494
- Median age
- 21.1
- Under 18
- 17.7%
- 65 and older
- 12.2%
- Households
- 348
- Foreign-born
- 4.5%
- Veterans
- 1.9%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Athens ›
Education in Athens
47.8% of adults 25 and older in Athens have a bachelor's degree or higher (West Virginia: 24.1%), and 17.2% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Athens
- Unemployment rate
- 5.7%State: 5.4%
- Average commute
- 18 minState: 27 min
- Work from home
- 11.6%
- Drive alone
- 45.6%
- Public transit
- 0%
- Walk to work
- 17.1%
- Homes with broadband
- 92.2%
Athens vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | 1,494 | $56,667 | $168,100 | $975 |
| Princeton | 5,736 | $43,900 | $120,300 | $747 |
| Rich Creek | 776 | $48,750 | $123,200 | $478 |
| Peterstown | 594 | $38,750 | $116,800 | $621 |
| Narrows | 1,935 | $62,708 | $119,400 | $931 |
| Montcalm | 484 | $63,024 | — | — |
| Ghent | 290 | $109,692 | — | — |
| Bluewell | 1,992 | $35,168 | $125,500 | $728 |
| Bluefield | 9,387 | $49,375 | $105,400 | $804 |
More for people moving to Athens
Athens ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Athens: FAQ
What is the median household income in Athens, WV?
The median household income in Athens is $56,667, 5% lower than the West Virginia median of $59,608 (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 $168,100, compared with $162,600 in West Virginia.
How much is rent in Athens?
The median gross rent in Athens is $975 per month, about 38.5% of household income.
Is Athens, WV a good place to live?
Pluses: an average commute of 18 minutes. Minuses: median household income 5% lower than the West Virginia median; home values 3% higher than the state median; unemployment of 5.7%; a poverty rate of 19.4%.
What is the median age in Athens?
The median age in Athens is 21.1 years (West Virginia: 42.7).
How long is the commute in Athens?
The average commute to work in Athens is 18 minutes; 11.6% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens is 5.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Athens?
47.8% 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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