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
Part of Tennessee
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).
Where to stay in Athens
Visiting or relocating to Athens, TN? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the metro — live availability and prices.
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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.