Athens, TX
Population 13,013 · Texas
About Athens, TX
Athens is a mid-sized city located in Texas with a population of 13,013 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,601 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 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 $205,700, which is 16% 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 $1,069, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,148 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (2,460 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,909 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 3.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Athens have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.9% 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 29.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.2% Asian residents, with 10.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Athens, TX
Compared to national averages, Athens has a median household income of $70,601 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $205,700, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,069 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within Texas, Athens's income is 3% below the state average of $72,726, and home values are 3% below the state median of $211,769.
Why Live in Athens, TX?
Athens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $205,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,069/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,601) 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 13,013 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Athens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Texas.
Similar Cities Near Athens
Cities in Texas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomball | 13,032 | $71,426 | $306,400 | Compare |
| Manvel | 12,873 | $113,938 | $321,600 | Compare |
| Santa Fe | 12,828 | $95,815 | $290,200 | Compare |
| Henderson | 13,348 | $54,179 | $166,900 | Compare |
| Robinson | 12,668 | $95,579 | $269,000 | Compare |
| Andrews | 13,416 | $78,896 | $186,700 | Compare |
| Lantana | 12,583 | $200,147 | $542,200 | Compare |
| Kilgore | 13,444 | $58,141 | $154,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Texas
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, TX?
The population of Athens, TX is 13,013 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Texas.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, TX is $70,601 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, TX is $205,700, which is 16% 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, TX is $1,069, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, TX is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Athens, TX a good place to live?
Athens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 13,013 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Athens, TX?
21.9% 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, TX: median home value is $205,700 (16% below national), median rent is $1,069/month, and median household income is $70,601. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Athens?
The poverty rate in Athens, TX is 12.6%, 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, TX?
Athens's population is 29.7% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.2% Asian, and 14.1% two or more races. 10.2% of residents are foreign-born.