Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Athens, AL
Thinking of moving to Athens, AL? This friendly city of about 28,661 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $239,000 and rents near $1,090. Commutes average just under 26 minutes, and residents enjoy a mild climate, plenty of sunshine, and strong job growth. Athens features a low cost of living, reputable local schools, and access to high-quality healthcare, making it a welcoming place for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Athens, AL
Demographics - Athens, AL
Athens, AL is home to approximately 28,661 people, with a population density of 600 per square mile and a median age of 39.5. The city is predominantly White, with notable Black and other minority communities, and about 4% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio is balanced, making for a diverse and family-friendly environment.
Population:
28,661
Density:
600 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.5
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
72.4%
Black:
17.7%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
8.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Athens, AL?
Athens offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $239,000 and average rents around $1,090. The city’s cost of living index is 85.2, which is lower than the national average, and residents benefit from moderate state taxes and reasonable utility costs. Groceries, housing, and transportation are all budget-friendly, making Athens an attractive option for families and retirees.
Median House Value:
$239,000
Gross Rent:
$1,090
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,190
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$415
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
66.4
Utilities:
95.1
Transportation:
91.5
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
91.8
Crime
Is Athens, AL a safe place to live?
Athens experiences a moderate crime rate, with about 261 violent crimes and 2,450 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 383 chance of being a victim of a violent crime, while property crimes are more common, with a 1 in 41 chance. Overall, the city maintains a level of safety typical for similar-sized communities in Alabama.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
261
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,450
Crime Index:
2,711
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 383
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Athens, AL year-round?
Athens enjoys a mild Southern climate, with winter lows averaging 33°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. The city receives about 55 inches of rainfall annually and experiences 57% sunny days, making it appealing for those who appreciate distinct but moderate seasonal changes. Residents benefit from comfortable spring and fall temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
76°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Athens neighborhoods reflect a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $63,400 and a low unemployment rate of 2.6%. Most adults have completed high school, and about 27% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The poverty rate is 12%, and average commute times are manageable at just over 25 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,700
Household Income:
$63,400
Family Income:
$79,900
Per Capita Income:
$30,800
Income Male:
$44,800
Income Female:
$34,600
Poverty Rate:
12.0%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$1,090
Unemployment Rate:
2.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
25.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.2%
Bachelors or More:
27.1%
Education
How are the schools in Athens, AL?
Athens boasts reputable educational options, with well-regarded public schools like Athens High School and Athens Middle School serving local students. Higher education is easily accessible through Athens State University in town and Calhoun Community College just six miles away. Private schooling options are also available, making Athens a strong choice for families prioritizing education.
Public Schools
Name:
Athens High School
Street:
655 US Highway 31 N
Phone:
256-233-6613
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
19:1
Name:
Athens Middle School
Street:
100 U.S. 31 North
Phone:
256-233-6620
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
Lindsay Lane Christian Academy
Street:
1300 Lindsay Lane S
Phone:
256-233-3778
Students:
720
Colleges
Name:
Athens State University
City:
Athens
State:
AL
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,100
Name:
Calhoun Community College
City:
Tanner
State:
AL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Athens provides quality healthcare, anchored by Athens-Limestone Hospital and nearby Madison Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 88% health insurance coverage, residents have solid access to medical care. The healthcare index of 67.8 reflects reliable local services for families and seniors.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Athens-Limestone Hospital
Address:
700 W Market St, Athens, AL 35611
Phone:
(256) 233-9292
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Madison Hospital
Address:
8375 Highway 72 W, Madison, AL 35758
Phone:
(256) 265-2012
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.6%
Health Care Index:
67.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Athens, AL?
The Athens housing market features a median home price of $239,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,090, with about two-thirds of homes being owner-occupied. Home values have seen healthy appreciation at 8.2% over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.4%. This stable market offers both affordable options for buyers and opportunities for investors.
Median Home Price:
$239,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,090
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
8.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Athens residents can handle their driver and vehicle services at the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Office located on US-31. The local DMV provides standard licensing and registration services, with convenient access for new and current residents. For more information, residents can visit the official ALEA website or call the office directly.
State:
Alabama
Department:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Driver License Office
Address:
100 US-31, Athens, AL 35611
Phone:
256-233-4152
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.