Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA
Population 126,987 · Georgia
About Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia is a major city located in Georgia with a population of 126,987 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,655 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.2 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia features a median home value of $271,800, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,162, 0% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 56,132 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (21,623 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (31,774 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 26.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
48.7% of Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 6.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 9.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia Ranks in Georgia
Cost of Living in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA
Compared to national averages, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia has a median household income of $51,655 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $271,800, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,162 is 0% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia's income is 15% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 40% above the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA?
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,162/month, and a well-educated community where 48.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,655) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia has a population of 126,987 with a median age of 29.2 years. Compare Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Fulton | 109,157 | $81,798 | $270,600 | Compare |
| Sandy Springs | 107,198 | $101,593 | $583,900 | Compare |
| Savannah | 147,546 | $56,782 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Macon-Bibb County, Georgia | 156,543 | $50,747 | $165,800 | Compare |
| Roswell | 92,577 | $124,422 | $520,500 | Compare |
| Johns Creek | 82,115 | $160,185 | $583,700 | Compare |
| Warner Robins | 81,438 | $65,715 | $171,600 | Compare |
| Albany | 67,939 | $45,201 | $118,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia
What is the population of Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA?
The population of Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is 126,987 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is $51,655 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?
The median home value in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is $271,800, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?
The median monthly rent in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is $1,162, which is 0% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?
The unemployment rate in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA a good place to live?
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 126,987 and a median age of 29.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA?
48.7% of residents in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA: median home value is $271,800 (11% above national), median rent is $1,162/month, and median household income is $51,655. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia?
The poverty rate in Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA is 26.3%, 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-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia, GA?
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia's population is 6.1% White, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 26.1% two or more races. 9.8% of residents are foreign-born.