New Athens, IL
Population 1,937 · Illinois
About New Athens, IL
New Athens is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,937 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,477 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in New Athens features a median home value of $118,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes New Athens one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $927, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 914 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (684 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (143 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in New Athens shows an unemployment rate of 5.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in New Athens have an average one-way commute time of 34.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.2% of New Athens residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in New Athens, IL
Compared to national averages, New Athens has a median household income of $61,477 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $118,100, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $927 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, New Athens's income is 18% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 29% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in New Athens, IL?
New Athens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $118,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $927/month, and a low poverty rate of 9.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,477) that falls below the national average. However, New Athens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
New Athens has a population of 1,937 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare New Athens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near New Athens
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Park | 1,939 | $106,250 | $265,000 | Compare |
| Princeville | 1,932 | $81,944 | $162,000 | Compare |
| Hampton | 1,946 | $86,679 | $182,800 | Compare |
| Mount Sterling | 1,949 | $63,922 | $118,100 | Compare |
| Sesser | 1,919 | $52,326 | $79,800 | Compare |
| Port Byron | 1,959 | $101,250 | $259,300 | Compare |
| Jonesboro | 1,912 | $58,309 | $114,400 | Compare |
| Jerome | 1,910 | $55,777 | $116,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare New Athens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about New Athens
What is the population of New Athens, IL?
The population of New Athens, IL is 1,937 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in New Athens?
The median household income in New Athens, IL is $61,477 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in New Athens?
The median home value in New Athens, IL is $118,100, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in New Athens?
The median monthly rent in New Athens, IL is $927, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in New Athens?
The unemployment rate in New Athens, IL is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is New Athens, IL a good place to live?
New Athens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,937 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is New Athens, IL?
20.2% of residents in New 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 New Athens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for New Athens, IL: median home value is $118,100 (52% below national), median rent is $927/month, and median household income is $61,477. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in New Athens?
The poverty rate in New Athens, IL is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is New Athens, IL?
New Athens's population is 0.4% White, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.