Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Athena, OR
Thinking of moving to Athena, OR? This small town of about 1,125 residents offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with affordable housing, where the median home price is just $206,000 and average rent sits around $925. Enjoy low crime rates, short 23-minute average commutes, and easy access to highly rated local schools. With over 63% sunny days annually and friendly community vibes, Athena is ideal for those seeking a quieter pace, lower cost of living, and the charm of eastern Oregon.
Demographics - Athena, OR
Demographics - Athena, OR
Athena is a close-knit community of about 1,125 people, characterized by a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 41.2 years. The town is predominantly White, with over 91% of residents, and maintains a modest population density that supports a peaceful lifestyle. A small portion of the community speaks languages other than English, adding to its quiet diversity.
Population:
1,125
Density:
1,020 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
8.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Athena, OR?
Athena boasts a cost of living well below the national average, with a median home value of $206,000 and typical rents around $925 per month. Residents benefit from affordable utility costs and Oregon’s moderate tax structure, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious households. Day-to-day expenses, like groceries and transportation, also tend to be lower than many urban areas.
Median House Value:
$206,000
Gross Rent:
$925
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,025
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.1
Grocery:
95.0
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
93.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
102.0
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Athena, OR a safe place to live?
Athena offers a safe living environment, with a violent crime rate significantly below national averages—about 95 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime is also relatively low, giving residents peace of mind. The town's small size contributes to its welcoming, secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
95
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,110
Crime Index:
1,205
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,050
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Athena, OR year-round?
Residents of Athena enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm, sunny summers reaching highs around 88°F and brisk winters with lows near 26°F. The town receives about 16 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 63% sunny days, providing a pleasant climate for outdoor activities year-round. Seasonal changes bring beautiful scenery and comfortable living conditions.
Winter
Min:
26°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Athena's households generally enjoy stable incomes, with the typical family earning around $68,900 and a median household income of $56,800. The community has a strong educational foundation, with over 92% holding a high school diploma or higher. Average commutes are short, and local poverty rates are modest, reflecting a steady, small-town way of life.
Median Income:
$31,200
Household Income:
$56,800
Family Income:
$68,900
Per Capita Income:
$27,100
Income Male:
$39,500
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.2%
Rent:
$925
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.8%
Education
How are the schools in Athena, OR?
Athena offers quality public education through its elementary and high schools, both maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, Blue Mountain Community College is just 18 miles away, providing accessible college-level opportunities. The community’s commitment to education is reflected in its high graduation rates and supportive academic environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Athena Elementary School
Street:
375 S 5th St
Phone:
541-566-3581
Students:
145
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Name:
Weston-McEwen High School
Street:
540 E Main St
Phone:
541-566-3555
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
14:1
Colleges
Name:
Blue Mountain Community College
City:
Pendleton
State:
OR
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Hermiston and Pendleton, both offering emergency and general care services. Healthcare coverage is high, with over 92% of locals insured, and there are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. The town’s healthcare index suggests reliable, affordable care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Good Shepherd Medical Center
Address:
610 NW 11th St, Hermiston, OR 97838
Phone:
(541) 667-3400
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Anthony Hospital
Address:
2801 St Anthony Way, Pendleton, OR 97801
Phone:
(541) 276-5121
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Athena, OR?
Athena’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $206,000 and high owner-occupancy at nearly 69%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents around $925, and the area experiences low vacancy and foreclosure rates. Modest home appreciation makes it a stable place for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$206,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$925
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Athena residents are served by Oregon’s Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, with the main office located in Salem and comprehensive online resources available. The DMV provides licensing, registration, and vehicle services in line with state standards. Access to support and information is straightforward for new and current drivers.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1301 Union St NE, Salem, OR 97301
Phone:
1-503-945-5000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.