GeorgiaPop. 127,345Mid-size cities
Is Athens a Good Place to Live? Athens, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Athens ranks #746 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #123 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #24 of 241) and low living costs (93.3, #57 of 256), and trails on high poverty (26.5%, #250 of 256) and low household income ($52,974, #239 of 256).
Athens by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Athens's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Athens?
Athens's cost of living index is 93.3, 7% below the US level of 100 and #389 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,219/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $299,200.
| Measure | Athens | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 93.3#389 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $299,200#527 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,219/mo#456 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 5.6x#961 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 27.6%#1179 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Is Athens safe?
Athens recorded 352 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #640 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #118 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Property crime runs 2,001 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Athens | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 352#640 of 1,085 | 297 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,001#711 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Athens?
The median household in Athens earns $52,974, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 26.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Athens | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $52,974#1184 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 26.5%#1262 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Athens?
The median resident of Athens is 29.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #315 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Athens | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 29.4 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 47.3%#315 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 40.7% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Athens's schools and health?
Athens's 19 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $21,012 spent per pupil. 30% of adults are obese and 10.1% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Athens | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 81%#849 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 11.3#40 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $21,012#162 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 30%#391 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.1%#419 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 20.4%#1210 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13.4%#991 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,711 students are enrolled in Athens's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Athens?
The average commute in Athens is 20.6 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 1.9% of workers take transit and 13.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Athens scores 7.4 of 20 (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 79.5°F and winters 46.2°F, with 49 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Athens | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.6 min#389 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 6.2%#736 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 70.2% | 71.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.9% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.7% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.9% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.5% | 14.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 7.4#1184 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 54.7 | 33.8 | 4.4 |
| Feb | 58.9 | 36.9 | 4.4 |
| Mar | 66.8 | 42.9 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 74.8 | 49.8 | 3.5 |
| May | 82.3 | 58.6 | 3.3 |
| Jun | 88.9 | 66.5 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 92 | 70 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 90.4 | 69.2 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 84.6 | 63.3 | 3.9 |
| Oct | 75.1 | 51.9 | 3.3 |
| Nov | 64.9 | 41.6 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 56.8 | 36.3 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Athens Ben Epps Airport.
| Measure | Athens | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 63°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 79.5°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 49 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Athens Ben Epps Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Athens?
Clarke County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clarke County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Athens | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#211 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Clarke County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Clarke County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.002% | 75% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0077% | 75% of counties |
| Hurricane | 0.0028% | 60% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0027% | 56% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.062% | 25% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Athens compare with similar-size cities?
Athens is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #123 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 127,345.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #746 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 | 20.6 min |
| Meridian, IDPop. 130,138 | #193 | 64.7 | $100,795 | $1,805/mo | 137 | 22.4 min |
| Palm Bay, FLPop. 130,132 | #581 | 56.9 | $72,614 | $1,601/mo | 275 | 27.8 min |
| Norman, OKPop. 129,672 | #683 | 55.3 | $67,704 | $1,090/mo | 243 | 22.6 min |
| Columbia, MOPop. 128,548 | #516 | 57.8 | $66,498 | $1,097/mo | 359 | 16.4 min |
| Pearland, TXPop. 127,514 | #427 | 59.5 | $118,842 | $1,860/mo | 82 | 32.7 min |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #762 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 | 24.6 min |
| Topeka, KSPop. 125,786 | #973 | 50.5 | $56,956 | $979/mo | 882 | 16.7 min |
| Simi Valley, CAPop. 125,634 | #406 | 59.9 | $122,081 | $2,579/mo | 136 | 27.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Athens compare with the rest of Georgia?
Athens ranks #11 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 34% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate.
| City | Rank in GA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #1 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #2 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #3 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #4 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #5 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #6 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #7 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #8 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #9 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #10 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #11 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #12 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #13 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #14 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #15 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #16 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #17 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #18 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #19 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #20 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 |
All 20 Georgia cities we track, by overall score. Georgia statewide: median income $79,991, violent crime 296.9 per 100,000.
How is Athens's score calculated?
Athens scores 54.2 out of 100, #746 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Georgia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Athens. Similar-size median 52.9.
47.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Athens's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
70.0 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Athens. Similar-size median 53.8.
55.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Athens's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
71.9 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Athens's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
74.3 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Athens. Similar-size median 51.2.
14.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Athens. Similar-size median 42.1.
37.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Athens. Similar-size median 50.1.
56.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Athens's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
33.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
67.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Athens's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Athens has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Athens
Is Athens, GA a good place to live?
Athens ranks #746 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #123 of 256 mid-size cities and #11 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.3%, #24 of 241) and low living costs (93.3, #57 of 256), and trails on high poverty (26.5%, #250 of 256) and low household income ($52,974, #239 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Athens?
Athens's cost of living index is 93.3, 7% below the US level of 100 and #389 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,219/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $299,200.
What is the crime rate in Athens?
Athens recorded 352 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 19% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #640 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #118 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Athens-Clarke County Police Department. Property crime runs 2,001 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Athens?
The median household in Athens earns $52,974, 36% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 26.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Athens?
Median rent in Athens is $1,219/mo (Census), #456 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 27.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Athens?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Athens is $299,200, #527 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Athens?
Athens's 19 public schools graduate 81% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 11.3 students per teacher and $21,012 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Athens?
The average commute is 20.6 minutes, #389 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 6.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Athens?
Athens averages 63°F over the year, 79.5°F in summer and 46.2°F in winter, with 49 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Athens walkable?
Athens scores 7.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1184 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Athens at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Clarke County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, earthquake, and hurricane, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Athens?
Clarke County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 58% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Athens?
Athens has 127,345 residents. The median resident of Athens is 29.4 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 47.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #315 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 40.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Athens compare with the rest of Georgia?
Athens ranks #11 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 54.2 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 34% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 19% above the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Athens?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Athens's population of 127,345 are Meridian, ID (#193 overall), Palm Bay, FL (#581 overall), Norman, OK (#683 overall), Columbia, MO (#516 overall), and Pearland, TX (#427 overall). Athens is #746.