Athens, Alabama Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Athens, Alabama is 27,474 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 22nd-largest city in Alabama. The median household income is $65,000, the median home value is $253,700, and the median age is 41.6.
The population has grown 48.2% since 2010 (21,994 → 32,587).
27,474
Population
657
People / sq mi
$65,000
Median Income
$253,700
Median Home Value
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Athens covers 41.8 sq mi of land at 657 people per square mile.
About Athens, AL
What distinguishes Athens is density: among the most sparsely settled of US cities, around 657 people per square mile. Athens is a city in Alabama with a population of 27,474. It ranks #22 among cities in Alabama by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $65,000 — below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 9.7%, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $253,700, with typical rent around $834.
30.8% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 6.5% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Athens city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Athens city had a population of 21,994 in 2010 and 32,587 in 2024, a 48.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,587 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.89%.
32,587
Population (2024)
21,994
Population (2010)
32,587
Peak (2024)
2.89%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,994 |
| 2011 | 22,790 |
| 2012 | 23,390 |
| 2013 | 23,836 |
| 2014 | 24,451 |
| 2015 | 24,870 |
| 2016 | 25,263 |
| 2017 | 25,719 |
| 2018 | 26,441 |
| 2019 | 27,366 |
| 2020 | 25,733 |
| 2021 | 27,070 |
| 2022 | 28,648 |
| 2023 | 30,946 |
| 2024 | 32,587 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.0% |
| Black or African American | 17.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Economy & Income
$65,000
Median Household Income
$39,921
Per Capita Income
9.7%
Poverty Rate
1.9%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$253,700
Median Home Value
$834
Median Rent
63.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
88.8%
High School+
30.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
82.5%
Public Transit
6.5%
Work From Home
24.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
31.5%
Foreign Born
92.3%
Non-English at Home
6.9%
Veterans
15.4%
With Disability
89.5%
Health Insurance
93.9%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 20.8% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.3% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.9% |
| Construction | 7.0% |
| Information | 7.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.5% |
| Public Administration | 4.5% |
| Retail Trade | 3.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 0.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
Largest cities in Alabama
Largest counties in Alabama
Part of Alabama
Metro areas in Alabama
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Athens, Alabama has a population of 27,474 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 22nd-largest city in Alabama.
The median household income in Athens, Alabama is $65,000, with 9.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Athens, Alabama is $253,700, with median monthly rent at $834 and a homeownership rate of 63.3%.
The median age in Athens, Alabama is 41.6 years. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The population has grown 48.2% since 2010 (21,994 → 32,587).
Where to stay in Athens
Visiting or relocating to Athens, AL? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.