Athens, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
130,776
0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,695/yr
3.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
58,426
2.2% year-over-year change

Athens population

How many people live in Athens

Athens is home to 130,776 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.7% of Athens locals are male, and 52.3% are female.

Total population
130,776
0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.7%
62,391
Female
52.3%
68,385
Value Percent YoY change
Male 62,391 47.7% 0.1%
Female 68,385 52.3% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Athens is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.7% are children under 15, then 29% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.9% of the population, while another 17.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
28
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.7%
15 to 24
29%
25 to 44
26.9%
45 to 64
17.9%
Over 65
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 17,908 13.7% -2.7%
15 to 24 37,960 29% 1.2%
25 to 44 35,191 26.9% -0.2%
45 to 64 23,432 17.9% -0.1%
Over 65 16,285 12.4% 3.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Athens, 88.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 6.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 57.5% of locals are Caucasian, 24.9% are African American and 4.4% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 3.7% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
88.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.4%
Non-citizens
6.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 116,067 88.8% 0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5,745 4.4% -6.6%
Non-citizens 8,964 6.8% 7.3%
Racial breakdown
White
57.5%
Black or African American
24.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
3.7%
Value Percent
White 75,228 57.5%
Black or African American 32,521 24.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native 747 0.6%
Asian 5,729 4.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 246 0.2%
Two or more races 11,408 8.7%
Other 4,897 3.7%

Households in Athens

A peek inside Athens households

Athens has 54,764 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 45.4% are families, while the remaining 54.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
54,764
1.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
29,926
Family households
24,838
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 29,926 54.6% 2.9%
Family households 24,838 45.4% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Athens

The housing landscape of Athens

Athens's housing consists of 58,426 units, with 48.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 6.4% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
58,426
2.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 28,479 48.7%
1 unit, attached 3,726 6.4%
2 units 3,547 6.1%
3 or 4 units 3,032 5.2%
5 to 9 units 4,340 7.4%
10 to 19 units 5,756 9.8%
20 to 49 units 2,650 4.5%
50 or more units 4,024 6.9%
Mobile home 2,778 4.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 96 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
1,258
30.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Athens

In Athens, the median construction year is 1987. About 5.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 19.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,231 5.5% 9.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,444 2.5% -6.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 3,395 5.8% 4.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 6,586 11.3% -1.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 8,125 13.9% 2.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 8,790 15% 8.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 8,828 15.1% -8.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 11,363 19.4% 3.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 5,406 9.2% 5.7%
Built in 2020 or later 1,258 2.2% 30.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Athens occupancy rates

Out of the 54,764 occupied housing units in Athens, 41% are owner-occupied, while 59% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
54,764
1.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
32,323
Owner occupied
22,441
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 32,323 59% 0.5%
Owner occupied 22,441 41% 1.7%
Unoccupied housing units
6.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Athens housing costs

Housing costs in Athens come to a median of $1,194 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,207.

Median housing costs per month
$1,194/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Athens
$1,207/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Athens

Athens education at a glance

About 24.9% of the population in Athens went to high school, while 29.2% pursued college studies. Another 5.7% earned an associate degree and 20% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 16.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 3,818 3.5% 8.6%
High school diploma 27,160 24.9% 8.5%
College diploma 31,933 29.2% -2.0%
Associate degree 6,183 5.7% -6.9%
Bachelor's degree 21,819 20% -1.7%
Graduate degree 18,247 16.7% -0.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Athens

How much people earn in Athens

The average annual household income in Athens was $78,897 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,695, reflecting a +3.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Athens
$78,897/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Athens
$56,695/year
3.5% year-over-year change

Athens income by age

In Athens, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,330. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $74,370 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,227, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $50,532 in earnings. Overall, 74% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,227 33.2%
25 - 44 $65,330 -1.5%
45 - 64 $74,370 8.6%
Over 65 $50,532 4.4%
Above poverty level
88,303
Below poverty level
31,009
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 88,303 74% 0.6%
Below poverty level 31,009 26% 0.6%

Average renter income in Athens

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Athens, their median household income was $33,828 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 42.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,828
Rent-to-income ratio
42.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Athens

Workforce and job types in Athens

81.7% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 18.3% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.7% run their own businesses, 59.9% are employed by private companies, and 24.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
53,686
Blue collar
12,013
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 53,686 81.7% 0.5%
Blue collar 12,013 18.3% 2.5%
Employer type
Self employees
8.7%
Private companies
59.9%
Governmental workers
24.8%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5,715 8.7% -3.2%
Private companies 39,369 59.9% 0.3%
Governmental workers 16,314 24.8% 1.5%
Not for profit companies 4,302 6.6% 10.2%

Transportation in Athens

How people get around in Athens

In Athens, the average commute time is 72 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.2% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 5.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
72 min
-16.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 50,515 91.2% -0.5%
Taxicab 134 0.2% -5.0%
Bus or trolleybus 1,200 2.2% -7.0%
Motorcycle 71 0.1% -50.4%
Bicycle 564 1% -4.6%
Walk 2,887 5.2% 3.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Athens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
30601 25,899 11,346 $39,219 $59,901
30602 1,467 0 $0 $0
30605 41,544 17,554 $50,062 $71,707
30606 47,865 21,598 $63,328 $103,033
30607 10,700 4,270 $65,361 $79,989
30609 3,310 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Athens demographics 

What is the total population of Athens?

Athens has a total population of 130,776 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Athens?

The gender ratio in Athens is as follows:
  • 47.7% males (62,391 residents)
  • 52.3% females (68,385 residents)

What is the median age in Athens?

The median age in Athens is 28.

What is the age distribution of the population in Athens?

The age distribution in Athens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.7% (17,908 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 29% (37,960 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.9% (35,191 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 17.9% (23,432 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.4% (16,285 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Athens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is as follows:
  • White: 57.5% (75,228 residents)
  • Black or African American: 24.9% (32,521 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (747 residents)
  • Asian: 4.4% (5,729 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (246 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (11,408 residents)
  • Other: 3.7% (4,897 residents)

What percentage of the population in Athens are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 88.8% of the population in Athens.

How many housing units are there in Athens?

There are 58,426 housing units in Athens, reflecting a +2.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Athens and what is the average household size?

Athens has a total of 54,764 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Athens?

Athens has a median household income of $56,695, representing a +3.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Athens?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 81.7% (53,686 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 18.3% (12,013 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.7% (5,715 residents)
  • Private companies: 59.9% (39,369 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 24.8% (16,314 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (4,302 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025