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CITY · 2020 ACS

Athens

Tennessee · 14,084 residents · 15.562 sq mi
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The short version

Athens has notably lower household income than the US average, with a median household income of $36,864. Population has held roughly steady since 2000. Median home value has more than doubled since 2000, reaching $156,800. The poverty rate of 23.7% is well above the national figure. Households here earn about 33% less than the Tennessee median.

At a glance
Lower income
below the US median
US median: $66,278
Mid-age
median age 38.4
US median: 38.8
Less educated
22% hold a bachelor's degree
US average: 33%
Less affordable
home values up 40%, inflation adjusted
US median home: $265,253
Section 01

Population & growth

Total population
14,084
+7%since 2000
from 13,220 in 2000
1990 – 2025
Population density
905 / sq mi
+7%since 2000
from 850 / sq mi in 2000
US average: 280
Median age
38.4
+5%since 2000
from 36.5 in 2000
US average: 38.8
Population, 1990 – 2024
12K13K13K14K15K1990201020202024Athens
202414K
1990201020202024
Section 02

Income & economy

Median household income
$36,864
−16%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $29,277 in 2000
US average: $66,278
1990 – 2024
Per capita income
$23,879
+41%since 2000
from $16,877 in 2000
US average: $35,364
Households earning $100K+
19.8%
+4.1 ptssince 2009
from 15.6% in 2009
US average: 43.9%
Poverty rate
23.7%
+5.2 ptssince 2000
from 18.4% in 2000
US average: 12.8%
Workforce by industry, 2020
Retail trade29.2%
US avg: 10%
Information13.2%
US avg: 11.1%
Other services5%
US avg: 6.6%
Finance & insurance4.9%
US avg: 5.5%
Professional, scientific, technical4.3%
US avg: 4.7%
Wholesale trade3.4%
US avg: 6.7%
Public administration3.3%
US avg: 4.7%
Transportation & warehousing1.1%
US avg: 2.5%
Arts, entertainment, food0.8%
US avg: 2%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing0.8%
US avg: 1.7%
Construction0.8%
US avg: 1.2%
Education & health services0.6%
US avg: 0.8%
Manufacturing0%
US avg: 0.5%
BARS: THIS PLACE · TICKS: US AVERAGE
Section 03

Housing

Median home value
$156,800
+40%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $74,700 in 2000
US average: $265,253
1990 – 2024
Median gross rent
$741
+17%inflation adjusted, since 2000
from $422 in 2000
US average: $1,124
Owner-occupied
55.6%
−5.3 ptssince 2000
from 60.9% in 2000
44.4% rent
Afford Score
4.3
+67%since 2000
from 2.6 in 2000
1990 – 2024
RELATED:See current rent listings in Athens on RentDataNow
Section 04

Race & ethnicity

2000
White, non-Hispanic85.1%(11,247)
Black9.2%(1,213)
Hispanic / Latino3%(398)
Asian1.4%(182)
Other0%
Diversity Score30.8%(4,070)
2020
White, non-Hispanic78.1%(10,994)
Black7.5%(1,061)
Hispanic / Latino7.4%(1,041)
Asian1.4%(197)
Other3.7%(518)
Diversity Score44.1%(6,216)
Diversity Score
44
+43%since 2000
from 31 in 2000
1990 – 2024
Section 05

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
21.9%
+5.3 ptssince 2000
from 16.6% in 2000
US average: 32.9%
High school or higher
83.7%
+12.7 ptssince 2000
from 71.0% in 2000
US average: 88.5%
Graduate degree
7.3%
+1.1 ptssince 2000
from 6.2% in 2000
US average: 12.7%
Section 06

Commute & transportation

Average commute
21.1 min
+57%since 2000
from 13.5 min in 2000
US average: 26.9
Drive alone to work
85.1%
+1.2 ptssince 2009
from 83.9% in 2009
US average: 75.1%
No vehicle available
6.5%
−0.5 ptssince 2009
from 7.0% in 2009
US average: 8.4%
Section 07

Work & employment

Unemployment rate
7.6%
−0.6 ptssince 2011
from 8.2% in 2011
US average: 5.4%
Labor force participation
53.8%
−1.4 ptssince 2011
from 55.1% in 2011
US average: 63.4%
Management & professional
35.1%
−28.3 ptssince 2009
from 63.4% in 2009
US average: 39.3%
Section 08

People & community

Male
48.2%
+1.0 ptssince 2009
from 47.1% in 2009
Female
51.8%
−1.0 ptssince 2009
from 52.9% in 2009
Foreign born
5.9%
+2.6 ptssince 2009
from 3.3% in 2009
US average: 13.5%
Uninsured
11.4%
−73.8 ptssince 2013
from 85.2% in 2013
US average: 8.8%
Drill deeper

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Head to head

Compare Athens to nearby cities

ATHENS VS
Cleveland
Income$58,559+59%
Home value$272,200+74%
Population51,172+235%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
ATHENS VS
Lenoir City
Income$67,259+82%
Home value$252,400+61%
Population12,530−18%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
ATHENS VS
Soddy-Daisy
Income$75,113+104%
Home value$256,600+64%
Population13,474−12%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
ATHENS VS
Collegedale
Income$70,246+91%
Home value$365,100+133%
Population11,499−25%
SEE FULL COMPARISON →
Frequently asked

How many people live in Athens, Tennessee?

Athens, Tennessee has about 14,084 residents according to the 2020 American Community Survey.

What is the median household income in Athens, Tennessee?

The typical household in Athens, Tennessee earns about $36,864 a year. Half of households make more than that, and half make less.

Is Athens, Tennessee expensive?

In Athens, Tennessee, the median home is worth about $156,800, and the typical rent is about $741 a month.

How educated are people in Athens, Tennessee?

About 21.9% of adults age 25 and over in Athens, Tennessee hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

What is the poverty rate in Athens, Tennessee?

About 23.7% of people in Athens, Tennessee live below the federal poverty line.

Has Athens, Tennessee grown since 1990?

Yes, Athens, Tennessee has grown since 1990. The population has added about 2,030 residents, a change of about 17 percent over that period.

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DATA: US CENSUS BUREAU ACS 5-YEAR + DECENNIAL CENSUS · UPDATED 2024

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