Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Athens, GA
Considering Athens, GA for your next move? This vibrant college town of 127,358 offers affordable living with a median home price of $265,000 and average rents around $1,200. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 20 minutes, over 61% sunny days annually, and access to top-notch healthcare and the renowned University of Georgia. While crime rates are higher than average, Athens boasts a youthful energy, diverse culture, and a thriving arts and music scene. Explore the data below to see if Athens fits your lifestyle and needs.
Demographics - Athens, GA
Demographics - Athens, GA
Athens, Georgia is a vibrant city of around 127,000 people, characterized by its youthful median age of 27.5 and a diverse population that includes significant White, Black, and Asian communities. The city has a moderate population density and over 10% of its residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to its multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
127,358
Density:
1,095 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
60.1%
Black:
27.6%
Asian:
4.6%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Athens, GA?
Athens offers a relatively affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $265,000 and average rent near $1,200. Utilities and other expenses remain below the national average, making it an attractive choice for both homeowners and renters on a budget.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$465
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.4
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
78.6
Utilities:
97.8
Transportation:
89.2
Health Care:
99.5
Miscellaneous:
93.4
Crime
Is Athens, GA a safe place to live?
Athens experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with about 489 violent crimes and 3,137 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. While the chance of property crime is approximately 1 in 32, the city’s active community and public safety efforts aim to address these concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
489
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,137
Crime Index:
3,626
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 204
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Athens, GA year-round?
Athens enjoys a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs around 90°F and cooler winters with lows near 34°F. Residents benefit from 61% sunny days each year and an average annual rainfall of just over 48 inches, supporting a pleasant outdoor lifestyle.

Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
54°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
90°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
The community in Athens features a wide range of incomes, with a median household income of $45,700 and a notable poverty rate at 26.6%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a convenient 20 minutes, adding to the city’s appeal for families and professionals.
Median Income:
$25,300
Household Income:
$45,700
Family Income:
$65,800
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$33,900
Income Female:
$28,400
Poverty Rate:
26.6%
Non English Speakers:
10.2%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.7%
Commute Time:
20.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.1%
Bachelors or More:
41.3%
Education
How are the schools in Athens, GA?
Athens is recognized for its strong educational offerings, highlighted by the University of Georgia’s presence and well-rated public and private schools. With options ranging from Clarke Central High School to Athens Academy and technical colleges, families enjoy diverse academic opportunities for students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Clarke Central High School
Street:
350 S Milledge Ave
Phone:
706-357-5200
Students:
1,400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Barrow Elementary School
Street:
100 Pinecrest Dr
Phone:
706-543-2676
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5

Private Schools
Name:
Athens Academy
Street:
1281 Spartan Ln
Phone:
706-549-9225
Students:
950

Colleges
Name:
University of Georgia
City:
Athens
State:
GA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
40,000
Name:
Athens Technical College
City:
Athens
State:
GA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Athens is served by major hospitals like Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center and St. Mary’s Health Care System, offering comprehensive emergency and surgical services. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 86% of people insured, healthcare access is robust for a city of its size.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
Address:
1199 Prince Ave, Athens, GA 30606
Phone:
(706) 475-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
St. Mary’s Health Care System
Address:
1230 Baxter St, Athens, GA 30606
Phone:
(706) 354-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.1%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Athens, GA?
The housing market in Athens remains accessible, with a median home price of $265,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,200. A significant portion of residents rent, and the area has seen a healthy 7.4% appreciation in home values over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.4%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services in Athens are managed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, conveniently located on US-29 North. Residents can access licensing, vehicle registration, and other DMV needs both in person and online through the state’s official website.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
1505 US-29 North, Athens, GA 30601
Phone:
678-413-8400
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.