Athens, OH
Population 23,211 · Ohio
About Athens, OH
Athens is a mid-sized city in Ohio with a population of 23,211 residents. The median household income is $37,059 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Athens is 21.8 years.
Housing in Athens has a median home value of $242,200 and median monthly rent of $1,029. Of the 8,062 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 2,403 owner-occupied and 4,678 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Athens is 7.8% and the poverty rate is 41.6%. 67.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 16.4 minutes.
How Athens Ranks in Ohio
Cost of Living in Athens, OH
Compared to national averages, Athens has a median household income of $37,059 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $242,200, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,029 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Athens's income is 48% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 39% above the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Athens, OH?
Athens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $242,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,029/month, and a well-educated community where 67.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,059) 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 23,211 with a median age of 21.8 years. Compare Athens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Athens
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maple Heights | 23,350 | $52,823 | $89,600 | Compare |
| Trotwood | 23,041 | $49,082 | $99,500 | Compare |
| Hudson | 23,007 | $180,931 | $444,800 | Compare |
| Pickerington | 23,828 | $116,645 | $309,700 | Compare |
| Willoughby | 23,934 | $70,884 | $206,200 | Compare |
| Solon | 23,970 | $135,180 | $375,700 | Compare |
| Wadsworth | 24,302 | $77,581 | $235,600 | Compare |
| Oxford | 22,069 | $42,147 | $232,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
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, OH?
The population of Athens, OH is 23,211 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, OH is $37,059 per year.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, OH is $242,200.
What is the average rent in Athens?
The median monthly rent in Athens, OH is $1,029.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, OH is 7.8%.