Athens, TN
Population 14,250 · Tennessee
About Athens, TN
Athens is a mid-sized city located in Tennessee with a population of 14,250 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,151 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Athens features a median home value of $197,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Athens in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $807, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,678 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (3,507 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (2,524 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Athens shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Athens have an average one-way commute time of 22.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.6% of 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 5.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Athens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Athens
What is the population of Athens, TN?
The population of Athens, TN is 14,250 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, TN is $53,151 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, TN is $197,300, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Athens?
The median monthly rent in Athens, TN is $807, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, TN is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Athens, TN a good place to live?
Athens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 14,250 and a median age of 40.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Athens, TN?
22.6% of residents in 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 Athens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Athens, TN: median home value is $197,300 (19% below national), median rent is $807/month, and median household income is $53,151. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Athens?
The poverty rate in Athens, TN is 18.4%, 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, TN?
Athens's population is 5.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 6.1% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.