Athens, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Athens, Ohio is 23,211 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 73rd-largest city in Ohio. The median household income is $37,059, the median home value is $242,200, and the median age is 21.8.
The population has grown 2.3% since 2010 (24,266 → 24,824).
23,211
Population
2334
People / sq mi
$37,059
Median Income
$242,200
Median Home Value
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Athens covers 9.9 sq mi of land at 2334 people per square mile.
About Athens, OH
Age is the most distinctive thing about Athens: a median age of 21.8, younger than the national median. With 23,211 residents, Athens is a city in Ohio.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $37,059, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 10.8%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $242,200, with typical rent around $1,029.
The population is unusually well-credentialed for US cities — 67.1% of adults have a four-year degree, above the national 35.0%. About 18.0% of workers primarily work from home, above the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 minutes each way.
Athens city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Athens city had a population of 24,266 in 2010 and 24,824 in 2024, a 2.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 25,245 in 2016. Average annual growth rate: 0.30%.
24,824
Population (2024)
24,266
Population (2010)
25,245
Peak (2016)
0.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,266 |
| 2011 | 24,161 |
| 2012 | 23,904 |
| 2013 | 23,684 |
| 2014 | 23,878 |
| 2015 | 24,858 |
| 2016 | 25,245 |
| 2017 | 25,189 |
| 2018 | 24,594 |
| 2019 | 24,536 |
| 2020 | 23,821 |
| 2021 | 20,700 |
| 2022 | 22,758 |
| 2023 | 24,751 |
| 2024 | 24,824 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 83.7% |
| Black or African American | 4.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$37,059
Median Household Income
$24,562
Per Capita Income
10.8%
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$242,200
Median Home Value
$1,029
Median Rent
33.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.6%
High School+
67.1%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.9%
Drive Alone
46.7%
Public Transit
18.0%
Work From Home
16.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
28.3%
Foreign Born
90.1%
Non-English at Home
3.5%
Veterans
12.2%
With Disability
95.6%
Health Insurance
97.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 38.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 27.0% |
| Manufacturing | 6.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.0% |
| Retail Trade | 2.1% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.0% |
| Information | 2.0% |
| Public Administration | 1.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Construction | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Athens, Ohio has a population of 23,211 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 73rd-largest city in Ohio.
The median household income in Athens, Ohio is $37,059, with 10.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Athens, Ohio is $242,200, with median monthly rent at $1,029 and a homeownership rate of 33.9%.
The median age in Athens, Ohio is 21.8 years. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.
The population has grown 2.3% since 2010 (24,266 → 24,824).
Where to stay in Athens
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.