Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Athens, OH
Thinking of moving to Athens, OH? Home to about 24,000 residents and the vibrant Ohio University campus, Athens offers an affordable lifestyle, with median home prices around $225,000 and average rents of $950. The city enjoys a youthful atmosphere, low violent crime rate (79 per 100K), and short commutes averaging 17 minutes. With a strong educational scene, a walkable community, and four-season weather, Athens is an inviting spot for students, families, and anyone seeking small-city charm with big opportunities.
Demographics - Athens, OH
Demographics - Athens, OH
Athens, OH has a population of around 24,000, characterized by a youthful median age of 22.6 due to the presence of Ohio University. The community is predominantly White, with a diverse mix of other backgrounds and nearly 6% of residents speaking a language other than English. This college town offers a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere and a balanced gender ratio.
Population:
24,000
Density:
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.6
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.5%
Black:
4.6%
Asian:
4.1%
Others:
7.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Athens, OH?
Living in Athens is affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and typical home values around $225,000. Renters benefit from average monthly rents near $950, and residents see moderate utility costs and reasonable state taxes. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are also generally less expensive compared to larger cities, making Athens attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$900
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,170
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$440
State Taxes:
Low:
2.765%
|
High:
3.99%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
73.5
Utilities:
98.4
Transportation:
92.7
Health Care:
91.2
Miscellaneous:
88.3
Crime
Is Athens, OH a safe place to live?
Athens enjoys a low violent crime rate of just 79 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a strong sense of safety. While property crime is somewhat more common, with a 1 in 70 chance, the overall crime index remains manageable for a city of its size. This makes Athens a reassuring choice for families and students alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
79
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,430
Crime Index:
1,509
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,266
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Athens, OH year-round?
Athens experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows in the 20s and warm summers reaching the mid-80s. The city receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine over half the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities and a lush, green landscape.
Winter
Min:
21°F
Max:
38°F
Spring
Min:
40°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
42.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The Athens community is friendly and well-educated, with over half of adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Median household income stands at $37,000, and the average commute is just under 17 minutes, reflecting the city’s compact, accessible layout. While the poverty rate is higher than average, a strong sense of community and educational attainment are evident.
Median Income:
$25,600
Household Income:
$37,000
Family Income:
$55,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,200
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
40.1%
Non English Speakers:
5.9%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
3.1%
Commute Time:
16.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.6%
Bachelors or More:
51.6%
Education
How are the schools in Athens, OH?
Education is a cornerstone of Athens, highlighted by Ohio University’s main campus and a robust selection of public and private K-12 schools. Public schools like Athens High School and Morrison-Gordon Elementary offer solid student-teacher ratios, while Athens Montessori provides additional private options. The city’s academic environment attracts families and supports lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Athens High School
Street:
1 High School Rd
Phone:
740-797-4521
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Morrison-Gordon Elementary School
Street:
793 W Union St
Phone:
740-593-5445
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.2
Private Schools
Name:
Athens Montessori School
Street:
500 E State St
Phone:
740-594-3911
Students:
130
Colleges
Name:
Ohio University
City:
Athens
State:
OH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, anchored by OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, which offers full emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% health insurance coverage, Athens ensures solid medical support for its population. The city’s healthcare index reflects reliable and accessible services for families and students.
Major Hospitals
Name:
OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital
Address:
55 Hospital Dr, Athens, OH 45701
Phone:
(740) 593-5551
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Athens, OH?
Athens’ housing market features a median home price of $225,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $950, making it accessible for both buyers and renters. Owner-occupancy is lower due to the large student population, while rental vacancy rates allow for flexibility in housing choices. Home values are appreciating steadily, contributing to a stable investment environment.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
34.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Athens residents are served by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles located conveniently on East State Street. The DMV offers standard licensing and registration services, with information and scheduling available online or by phone. This ensures easy access for new arrivals needing to update their credentials.
State:
Ohio
Department:
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1002 E State St, Athens, OH 45701
Phone:
1-844-644-6268
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.