Athens, WV
Population 1,156 · West Virginia
About Athens, WV
Athens is a small town located in West Virginia with a population of 1,156 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,292 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27.3 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Athens features a median home value of $156,800, which is 36% 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 $1,020, 12% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 468 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (228 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (80 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Athens shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Athens have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
53.5% of Athens residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Athens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Athens
What is the population of Athens, WV?
The population of Athens, WV is 1,156 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in West Virginia.
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household income in Athens, WV is $62,292 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens, WV is $156,800, which is 36% 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, WV is $1,020, which is 12% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Athens?
The unemployment rate in Athens, WV is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Athens, WV a good place to live?
Athens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,156 and a median age of 27.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Athens, WV?
53.5% of residents in Athens aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Athens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Athens, WV: median home value is $156,800 (36% below national), median rent is $1,020/month, and median household income is $62,292. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Athens?
The poverty rate in Athens, WV is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Athens, WV?
Athens's population is 0.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 6.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.