Athens, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Athens, Tennessee is 14,250 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 43rd-largest city in Tennessee. The median household income is $53,151, the median home value is $197,300, and the median age is 40.8.
The population has grown 10.1% since 2010 (13,671 → 15,050).
14,250
Population
916
People / sq mi
$53,151
Median Income
$197,300
Median Home Value
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Athens covers 15.6 sq mi of land at 916 people per square mile.
About Athens, TN
What sets Athens apart is where people work — remote work is unusually rare here, at 4.1% versus 14.0% nationally. With 14,250 residents, Athens is a city in Tennessee. It ranks #43 among cities in Tennessee by population.
The typical household earns $53,151, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 14.9%, above the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $197,300, with typical rent around $807.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 22.6% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 4.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Athens city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Athens city had a population of 13,671 in 2010 and 15,050 in 2024, a 10.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 15,050 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.69%.
15,050
Population (2024)
13,671
Population (2010)
15,050
Peak (2024)
0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,671 |
| 2011 | 13,682 |
| 2012 | 13,743 |
| 2013 | 13,743 |
| 2014 | 13,815 |
| 2015 | 13,717 |
| 2016 | 13,775 |
| 2017 | 13,843 |
| 2018 | 13,932 |
| 2019 | 14,020 |
| 2020 | 14,091 |
| 2021 | 14,120 |
| 2022 | 14,343 |
| 2023 | 14,728 |
| 2024 | 15,050 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.7% |
| Black or African American | 6.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$53,151
Median Household Income
$31,659
Per Capita Income
14.9%
Poverty Rate
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$197,300
Median Home Value
$807
Median Rent
58.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
86.7%
High School+
22.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
84.5%
Public Transit
4.1%
Work From Home
22.4 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
30.8%
Foreign Born
91.9%
Non-English at Home
6.2%
Veterans
16.5%
With Disability
88.2%
Health Insurance
95.5%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Manufacturing | 28.8% |
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 16.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 8.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 6.6% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 5.7% |
| Information | 5.7% |
| Retail Trade | 4.5% |
| Construction | 3.9% |
| Public Administration | 2.5% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.6% |
Largest cities in Tennessee
Largest counties in Tennessee
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Metro areas in Tennessee
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Athens, Tennessee has a population of 14,250 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 43rd-largest city in Tennessee.
The median household income in Athens, Tennessee is $53,151, with 14.9% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Athens, Tennessee is $197,300, with median monthly rent at $807 and a homeownership rate of 58.1%.
The median age in Athens, Tennessee is 40.8 years. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The population has grown 10.1% since 2010 (13,671 → 15,050).
Athens city, TN Climate
Athens city, TN has an average annual temperature of 14.4°C (58°F) and receives about 1437 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.4°C
Avg Temp
1437
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 133 mm |
| February | 5° / 41° | 122 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 156 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 116 mm |
| May | 19° / 65° | 125 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 99 mm |
| July | 25° / 77° | 127 mm |
| August | 25° / 76° | 102 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 107 mm |
| October | 15° / 58° | 91 mm |
| November | 9° / 49° | 120 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 139 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Athens city, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Athens city, TN are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Athens
Visiting or relocating to Athens, TN? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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Statewide data for Tennessee
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.