Athens, TN
Population 14,250 · Tennessee
About Athens, TN
Athens is a mid-sized city in Tennessee with a population of 14,250 residents. The median household income is $53,151 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Athens is 40.8 years.
Housing in Athens has a median home value of $197,300 and median monthly rent of $807. Of the 6,678 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 3,507 owner-occupied and 2,524 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Athens is 5.5% and the poverty rate is 18.4%. 22.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22.4 minutes.
How Athens Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Athens, TN
Compared to national averages, Athens has a median household income of $53,151 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $197,300, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $807 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Athens's income is 15% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 8% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Athens, TN?
Athens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $197,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $807/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,151) 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 14,250 with a median age of 40.8 years. Compare Athens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Athens
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabethton | 14,364 | $44,834 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Lakeland | 14,068 | $113,843 | $373,800 | Compare |
| Nolensville | 14,545 | $170,068 | $695,100 | Compare |
| White House | 13,875 | $87,315 | $311,200 | Compare |
| McMinnville | 13,765 | $43,348 | $147,200 | Compare |
| Powell | 13,544 | $85,281 | $264,500 | Compare |
| Arlington | 14,989 | $125,909 | $367,700 | Compare |
| Portland | 13,325 | $72,380 | $256,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Athens, TN is 14,250 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, TN is $53,151 per year.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, TN is $197,300.
What is the average rent in Athens?
The median monthly rent in Athens, TN is $807.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, TN is 5.5%.