Athena, OR
Population 1,206 · Oregon
About Athena, OR
Athena is a small town located in Oregon with a population of 1,206 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,729 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Athena features a median home value of $196,700, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Athena in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $868, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 533 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (389 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (111 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Athena shows an unemployment rate of 2.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 11.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Athena have an average one-way commute time of 20.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
32.7% of Athena 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 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 0.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Athena Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Athena, OR
Compared to national averages, Athena has a median household income of $70,729 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,700, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $868 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Athena's income is 7% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 49% below the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Athena, OR?
Athena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $868/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.1%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 11.4%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,729) that falls below the national average. However, Athena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Athena has a population of 1,206 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Athena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Athena
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayside Gardens | 1,194 | $75,810 | $403,100 | Compare |
| Pilot Rock | 1,220 | $85,795 | $165,200 | Compare |
| Lowell | 1,221 | $90,078 | $339,800 | Compare |
| Falls City | 1,222 | $51,094 | $275,400 | Compare |
| Rose Lodge | 1,186 | $55,179 | $221,200 | Compare |
| Yamhill | 1,179 | $121,250 | $414,100 | Compare |
| Oakland | 1,237 | $58,272 | $318,400 | Compare |
| Donald | 1,242 | $79,167 | $336,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Athena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Athena
What is the population of Athena, OR?
The population of Athena, OR is 1,206 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Athena?
The median household income in Athena, OR is $70,729 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Athena?
The median home value in Athena, OR is $196,700, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Athena?
The median monthly rent in Athena, OR is $868, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Athena?
The unemployment rate in Athena, OR is 2.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Athena, OR a good place to live?
Athena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,206 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Athena, OR?
32.7% of residents in Athena 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 Athena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Athena, OR: median home value is $196,700 (20% below national), median rent is $868/month, and median household income is $70,729. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Athena?
The poverty rate in Athena, OR is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Athena, OR?
Athena's population is 0.0% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 0.6% of residents are foreign-born.