Athens, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,134
-1.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$70,192/yr
20.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
459
-3.2% year-over-year change

Athens population

How many people live in Athens

Athens is home to 1,134 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47% of Athens locals are male, and 53% are female.

Total population
1,134
-1.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47%
533
Female
53%
601
Value Percent YoY change
Male 533 47% 5.8%
Female 601 53% -6.8%
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 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 12.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.4% of the population, while another 33.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
12.8%
25 to 44
21.4%
45 to 64
33.9%
Over 65
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 169 14.9% -22.1%
15 to 24 145 12.8% 15.1%
25 to 44 243 21.4% -18.2%
45 to 64 384 33.9% 14.3%
Over 65 193 17% 11.6%
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, 98.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87% of locals are Caucasian, 0.5% are African American and 0.7% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.4%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,117 98.5% -1.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16 1.4% 0.0%
Non-citizens 1 0.1% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
87%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.3%
Asian
0.7%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 986 87%
Black or African American 6 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 26 2.3%
Asian 8 0.7%
Two or more races 107 9.4%
Other 1 0.1%

Households in Athens

A peek inside Athens households

Athens has 428 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 66.1% are families, while the remaining 33.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
428
0.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
145
Family households
283
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 145 33.9% 6.6%
Family households 283 66.1% -2.8%
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 459 units, with 87.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
459
-3.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 402 87.6%
2 units 14 3%
3 or 4 units 22 4.8%
20 to 49 units 12 2.6%
Mobile home 9 2%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Athens

In Athens, the median construction year is 1961. About 34.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 160 34.9% -13.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 32 7% 10.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 31 6.8% -3.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 69 15% -10.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 44 9.6% 63.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 21 4.6% 40.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 48 10.5% -15.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 27 5.9% -6.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 27 5.9% 12.5%
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 428 occupied housing units in Athens, 77.6% are owner-occupied, while 22.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
428
0.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
96
Owner occupied
332
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 96 22.4% 1.1%
Owner occupied 332 77.6% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
6.8%
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 $890 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $978.

Median housing costs per month
$890/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
$978/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 52.4% of the population in Athens went to high school, while 30.4% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 5.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 9 1% 28.6%
High school diploma 493 52.4% 14.7%
College diploma 286 30.4% -10.1%
Associate degree 73 7.8% 4.3%
Bachelor's degree 51 5.4% 27.5%
Graduate degree 28 3% -15.2%
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 $83,048 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $70,192, reflecting a +20.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Athens
$83,048/year
5.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Athens
$70,192/year
20.1% 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 $102,841. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,000 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $36,375, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $35,833 in earnings. Overall, 93.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $36,375 0.1%
25 - 44 $102,841 24.7%
45 - 64 $90,000 6.2%
Over 65 $35,833 N/A
Above poverty level
1,056
Below poverty level
75
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,056 93.4% 5.0%
Below poverty level 75 6.6% -45.3%

Average renter income in Athens

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Athens, their median household income was $52,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 22.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$52,250
Rent-to-income ratio
22.5%
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

The job market in Athens is powered by 611 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 54.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 45.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 70.5% are employed by private companies, and 7.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
611
5.3% year-over-year change
White collar
331
Blue collar
280
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 331 54.2% 6.8%
Blue collar 280 45.8% 3.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
70.5%
Governmental workers
7.5%
Not for profit companies
15.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 42 6.9% 2.4%
Private companies 431 70.5% 1.4%
Governmental workers 46 7.5% 58.6%
Not for profit companies 92 15.1% 8.2%
Unemployment rate
2.4%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Athens stands at 2.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Athens

How people get around in Athens

Commuting methods vary: 88% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 529 88% 10.2%
Walk 5 0.8% -28.6%
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
49011 2,236 926 $59,722 $83,893

Explore more communities

FAQs about Athens demographics 

What is the total population of Athens?

Athens has a total population of 1,134 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 -1.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Athens?

The gender ratio in Athens is as follows:
  • 47% males (533 residents)
  • 53% females (601 residents)

What is the median age in Athens?

The median age in Athens is 45.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Athens?

The age distribution in Athens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (169 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.8% (145 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.4% (243 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 33.9% (384 residents)
  • Over 65: 17% (193 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Athens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is as follows:
  • White: 87% (986 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.3% (26 residents)
  • Asian: 0.7% (8 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (107 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (1 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.5% of the population in Athens.

How many housing units are there in Athens?

There are 459 housing units in Athens, reflecting a -3.2% 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 428 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Athens?

Athens has a median household income of $70,192, representing a +20.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Athens?

The employment rate is 97.6% in Athens, with a workforce of 611 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 54.2% (331 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 45.8% (280 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (42 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.5% (431 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7.5% (46 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 15.1% (92 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