Athens, WV demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,494
29.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,667/yr
-9.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
515
10.0% year-over-year change

Athens population

How many people live in Athens

Athens is home to 1,494 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.1% of Athens locals are male, and 51.9% are female.

Total population
1,494
29.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.1%
718
Female
51.9%
776
Value Percent YoY change
Male 718 48.1% 29.8%
Female 776 51.9% 28.7%
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 21, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.6% are children under 15, then 46.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 13.9% of the population, while another 13.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
21.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.6%
15 to 24
46.4%
25 to 44
13.9%
45 to 64
13.9%
Over 65
12.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 203 13.6% -2.9%
15 to 24 693 46.4% 91.4%
25 to 44 207 13.9% 5.1%
45 to 64 208 13.9% -2.8%
Over 65 183 12.2% 5.2%
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, 95.5% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.8% of locals are Caucasian, 4.1% are African American and 2.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
95.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.5%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,427 95.5% 29.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 23 1.5% 35.3%
Non-citizens 44 3% 33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
87.8%
Black or African American
4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
2.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 1,312 87.8%
Black or African American 61 4.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 8 0.5%
Asian 31 2.1%
Two or more races 71 4.8%
Other 11 0.7%

Households in Athens

A peek inside Athens households

Athens has 348 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 70.4% are families, while the remaining 29.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
348
13.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
103
Family households
245
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 103 29.6% 30.4%
Family households 245 70.4% 7.0%
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 515 units, with 74.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
515
10.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 383 74.4%
2 units 18 3.5%
5 to 9 units 83 16.1%
10 to 19 units 31 6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Athens

In Athens, the median construction year is 1959. About 35.3% 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 182 35.3% 14.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 36 7% 33.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 42 8.2% -14.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 29 5.6% -12.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 122 23.7% 19.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 27 5.2% 35.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 38 7.4% -2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 39 7.6% 0.0%
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 348 occupied housing units in Athens, 74.1% are owner-occupied, while 25.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 32.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
348
13.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
90
Owner occupied
258
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 90 25.9% 12.5%
Owner occupied 258 74.1% 13.2%
Unoccupied housing units
32.4%
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 $914 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $975.

Median housing costs per month
$914/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
$975/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 32.6% of the population in Athens went to high school, while 41.1% pursued college studies. Another 2.1% earned an associate degree and 15.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 8.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 2 0.2% 0.0%
High school diploma 401 32.6% 50.2%
College diploma 505 41.1% 98.8%
Associate degree 26 2.1% 30.0%
Bachelor's degree 193 15.7% -6.3%
Graduate degree 103 8.4% -15.6%
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 $75,275 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,667, reflecting a -9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Athens
$75,275/year
0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Athens
$56,667/year
-9.0% 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 $55,000. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $70,000 overall. Overall, 80.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $55,000 -8.4%
45 - 64 $70,000 -34.3%
Over 65 $44,167 -27.4%
Above poverty level
754
Below poverty level
182
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 754 80.6% -10.1%
Below poverty level 182 19.4% 97.8%

Employment in Athens

Workforce and job types in Athens

The job market in Athens is powered by 461 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 1.1% run their own businesses, 58.1% are employed by private companies, and 33.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
461
10.8% year-over-year change
White collar
357
Blue collar
104
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 357 77.4% -2.5%
Blue collar 104 22.6% 108.0%
Employer type
Self employees
1.1%
Private companies
58.1%
Governmental workers
33.4%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 5 1.1% -66.7%
Private companies 268 58.1% 35.4%
Governmental workers 154 33.4% -9.9%
Not for profit companies 34 7.4% 6.2%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
-24.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Athens stands at 5.7%, 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: 66.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 17.1% 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 303 66.4% 1.3%
Walk 78 17.1% 136.4%
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
24712 2,913 719 $80,625 $80,913

Explore more communities

FAQs about Athens demographics 

What is the total population of Athens?

Athens has a total population of 1,494 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 +29.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Athens?

The gender ratio in Athens is as follows:
  • 48.1% males (718 residents)
  • 51.9% females (776 residents)

What is the median age in Athens?

The median age in Athens is 21.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Athens?

The age distribution in Athens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.6% (203 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 46.4% (693 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 13.9% (207 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 13.9% (208 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.2% (183 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Athens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is as follows:
  • White: 87.8% (1,312 residents)
  • Black or African American: 4.1% (61 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (8 residents)
  • Asian: 2.1% (31 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (71 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (11 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 95.5% of the population in Athens.

How many housing units are there in Athens?

There are 515 housing units in Athens, reflecting a +10.0% 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 348 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Athens?

Athens has a median household income of $56,667, representing a -9.0% 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 94.3% in Athens, with a workforce of 461 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.4% (357 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.6% (104 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 1.1% (5 residents)
  • Private companies: 58.1% (268 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 33.4% (154 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (34 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