Athens, AL
Population 27,474 · Alabama
About Athens, AL
Athens is a mid-sized city in Alabama with a population of 27,474 residents. The median household income is $65,000 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Athens is 41.6 years.
Housing in Athens has a median home value of $253,700 and median monthly rent of $834. Of the 12,192 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 7,065 owner-occupied and 4,101 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Athens is 3.3% and the poverty rate is 13.5%. 30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 24.7 minutes.
How Athens Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Athens, AL
Compared to national averages, Athens has a median household income of $65,000 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $253,700, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $834 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Athens's income is 12% above the state average of $57,952, and home values are 59% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Athens, AL?
Athens offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $834/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.3%, and short commute times averaging just 24.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,000) that falls below the national average. However, Athens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Athens has a population of 27,474 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Athens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Athens
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homewood | 27,697 | $108,386 | $502,300 | Compare |
| Daphne | 28,673 | $86,479 | $309,700 | Compare |
| Trussville | 26,182 | $120,794 | $351,500 | Compare |
| Enterprise | 28,990 | $68,306 | $198,500 | Compare |
| Bessemer | 25,655 | $37,844 | $129,800 | Compare |
| Pelham | 24,510 | $91,904 | $278,900 | Compare |
| Northport | 30,991 | $77,781 | $258,800 | Compare |
| Fairhope | 23,360 | $86,509 | $406,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Athens
What is the population of Athens, AL?
The population of Athens, AL is 27,474 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, AL is $65,000 per year.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, AL is $253,700.
What is the average rent in Athens?
The median monthly rent in Athens, AL is $834.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, AL is 3.3%.