Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Athens, TN
Considering a move to Athens, TN? This friendly city of 14,500 offers affordable living with a median home price of $196,000 and average rents around $900. Commute times are short at 18.5 minutes, and you'll enjoy a mild climate with 57% sunny days per year. While property crime rates are higher than average, Athens boasts a close-knit community, access to local colleges, and a cost of living well below the national average. Explore more about housing, schools, and amenities in Athens below to help you plan your move.
Demographics - Athens, TN
Demographics - Athens, TN
Athens, TN is home to approximately 14,500 residents with a median age of 39.7, reflecting a balanced mix of families and individuals. The city is predominantly White (85.2%), with small Black, Asian, and other minority communities contributing to its diversity. With a population density of 1,170 per square mile and nearly 5% non-English speakers, Athens offers a close-knit yet culturally varied environment.
Population:
14,500
Density:
1,170 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
6.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Athens, TN?
Athens offers a cost of living index of 81.5, significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable choice for new residents. Median home values are around $196,000, and average rents hover near $900, with state income taxes at 0%. Everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and healthcare remain budget-friendly, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$196,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,260
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
2% (Hall Tax phase-out, 0% after 2021)
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
64.7
Utilities:
97.4
Transportation:
87.6
Health Care:
89.7
Miscellaneous:
91.3
Crime
Is Athens, TN a safe place to live?
Athens experiences a higher property crime rate, with about 3,100 incidents per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 32 chance of property crime. Violent crimes are less common, with a rate of 480 per 100,000 and a 1 in 208 chance of occurrence. While safety is a consideration, many residents find peace of mind through community connections and local law enforcement.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
480
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,100
Crime Index:
3,580
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 208
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 32
Weather
What is the weather like in Athens, TN year-round?
Athens enjoys a mild climate with winter lows averaging 29°F and summer highs reaching 88°F, making for pleasant seasonal changes. The city receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine 57% of the year. Residents benefit from comfortable weather that supports year-round outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
48°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Community life in Athens is shaped by a median household income of $43,500 and a poverty rate of 21.3%. Most adults have completed high school, while about 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute is a short 18.5 minutes, contributing to a relaxed small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$26,000
Household Income:
$43,500
Family Income:
$54,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
21.3%
Non English Speakers:
4.8%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.4%
Education
How are the schools in Athens, TN?
Athens offers a range of educational options, including public schools with student-teacher ratios around 15:1 and private academies for alternative learning environments. Tennessee Wesleyan University provides local higher education opportunities, while Cleveland State Community College is nearby for additional options. The community values education, supporting both young learners and adult students.
Public Schools
Name:
Athens City Middle School
Street:
200 Keith Lane
Phone:
423-745-5491
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
City Park Elementary School
Street:
815 North Congress Pkwy
Phone:
423-745-8814
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Private Schools
Name:
Fairview Christian Academy
Street:
3492 Keith St NW
Phone:
423-745-1234
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Tennessee Wesleyan University
City:
Athens
State:
TN
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,200
Name:
Cleveland State Community College
City:
Cleveland
State:
TN
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Athens provides reliable healthcare access, anchored by the Starr Regional Medical Center, which offers general and emergency services. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and 89.1% health insurance coverage, most locals can access necessary care. The area's healthcare index of 73.9 reflects a solid range of services for a city its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Starr Regional Medical Center
Address:
1114 W Madison Ave, Athens, TN 37303
Phone:
(423) 745-1411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.1%
Health Care Index:
73.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Athens, TN?
The Athens housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $196,000 and average two-bedroom rent at $900. Over half of residents own their homes, and the market has seen steady appreciation, with a 5.1% increase in the past year. Rental options remain available, supported by a 7.5% vacancy rate and minimal foreclosure activity.
Median Home Price:
$196,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Athens residents are served by the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security located at 2309 Congress Parkway S. The local DMV provides driver services, vehicle registration, and licensing needs, making transportation management straightforward. For more information, residents can visit the state website or call the listed number.
State:
Tennessee
Department:
Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Address:
2309 Congress Parkway S, Athens, TN 37303
Phone:
1-866-849-3548
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.