Athens, WV
Population 1,156 · West Virginia
About Athens, WV
Athens is a small community in West Virginia with a population of 1,156 residents. The median household income is $62,292 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Athens is 27.3 years.
Housing in Athens has a median home value of $156,800 and median monthly rent of $1,020. Of the 468 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 228 owner-occupied and 80 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Athens is 8.2% and the poverty rate is 9.7%. 53.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 19.3 minutes.
How Athens Ranks in West Virginia
Cost of Living in Athens, WV
Compared to national averages, Athens has a median household income of $62,292 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,800, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,020 is 12% below the US average of $1,163. Within West Virginia, Athens's income is 15% above the state average of $54,014, and home values are 22% above the state median of $128,301.
Why Live in Athens, WV?
Athens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,020/month, and a well-educated community where 53.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,292) 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 1,156 with a median age of 27.3 years. Compare Athens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in West Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Athens
Cities in West Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lesage | 1,165 | $38,944 | $0 | Compare |
| White Hall | 1,141 | $72,000 | $260,700 | Compare |
| Benwood | 1,173 | $39,474 | $90,400 | Compare |
| Hamlin | 1,173 | $56,583 | $92,500 | Compare |
| Alderson | 1,182 | $33,794 | $119,200 | Compare |
| Washington | 1,129 | $44,882 | $207,500 | Compare |
| Gilbert Creek | 1,119 | $0 | $92,700 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 1,110 | $55,313 | $124,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in West Virginia
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, WV?
The population of Athens, WV is 1,156 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, WV is $62,292 per year.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, WV is $156,800.
What is the average rent in Athens?
The median monthly rent in Athens, WV is $1,020.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, WV is 8.2%.