Athens, AL
Population 27,474 · Alabama
About Athens, AL
Athens is a mid-sized city located in Alabama with a population of 27,474 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,000 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Athens features a median home value of $253,700, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Athens in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $834, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 12,192 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (7,065 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (4,101 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Athens shows an unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 13.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Athens have an average one-way commute time of 24.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
30.8% of Athens residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 5.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Athens experiences an annual average temperature of 62.3°F with 45.7" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 89°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 38°F (December–January).
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
Climate & Weather in Athens
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 55 | 62 | 63 | 68 | 80 | 86 | 90 | 88 | 84 | 73 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 38 | 44 | 43 | 49 | 59 | 65 | 70 | 70 | 64 | 54 | 44 | 38 |
| Rain " | 6.1 | 5.3 | 6.7 | 4.4 | 3.6 | 2.6 | 4.4 | 6.4 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 3.2 |
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Athens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Athens
What is the population of Athens, AL?
The population of Athens, AL is 27,474 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, AL is $65,000 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, AL is $253,700, which is 4% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Athens?
The median monthly rent in Athens, AL is $834, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, AL is 3.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Athens, AL a good place to live?
Athens offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 27,474 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Athens, AL?
30.8% of residents in Athens aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Athens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Athens, AL: median home value is $253,700 (4% above national), median rent is $834/month, and median household income is $65,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Athens?
The poverty rate in Athens, AL is 13.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Athens, AL?
Athens's population is 5.5% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 17.1% two or more races. 5.3% of residents are foreign-born.