Athens-Clarke County unified government, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Athens-Clarke County unified government, Georgia is 126,987 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 6th-largest city in Georgia. The median household income is $51,655, the median home value is $271,800, and the median age is 29.2.
The population has grown 10.8% since 2010 (116,102 → 128,691).
126,987
Population
1091
People / sq mi
$51,655
Median Income
$271,800
Median Home Value
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Athens-Clarke County unified government covers 116.4 sq mi of land at 1091 people per square mile.
About Athens-Clarke County unified government, GA
Athens-Clarke County unified government skews on age — the median resident is 29.2, younger than the national median. Athens-Clarke County unified government is a city in Georgia with a population of 126,987. It is the #6-largest of all cities in Georgia nationally.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,655, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.7%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $271,800, with typical rent around $1,162.
College attainment is above the local norm at 48.7%, above the national 35.0%. About 11.9% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance) had a population of 116,102 in 2010 and 128,691 in 2024, a 10.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 129,026 in 2023. Average annual growth rate: 0.74%.
128,691
Population (2024)
116,102
Population (2010)
129,026
Peak (2023)
0.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 116,102 |
| 2011 | 116,928 |
| 2012 | 118,584 |
| 2013 | 119,566 |
| 2014 | 119,059 |
| 2015 | 122,213 |
| 2016 | 123,523 |
| 2017 | 125,409 |
| 2018 | 125,857 |
| 2019 | 126,913 |
| 2020 | 127,239 |
| 2021 | 127,898 |
| 2022 | 128,638 |
| 2023 | 129,026 |
| 2024 | 128,691 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.6% |
| Black or African American | 26.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$51,655
Median Household Income
$31,836
Per Capita Income
12.7%
Poverty Rate
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$271,800
Median Home Value
$1,162
Median Rent
40.5%
Owner-Occupied
Education
89.9%
High School+
48.7%
Bachelor's+
Commute
2.1%
Drive Alone
72.0%
Public Transit
11.9%
Work From Home
20.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
32.3%
Foreign Born
84.7%
Non-English at Home
4.0%
Veterans
12.2%
With Disability
88.8%
Health Insurance
96.2%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 34.5% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 13.8% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.7% |
| Manufacturing | 7.4% |
| Retail Trade | 5.0% |
| Construction | 4.2% |
| Information | 3.9% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 3.3% |
| Public Administration | 2.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.2% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.0% |
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Athens-Clarke County unified government, Georgia has a population of 126,987 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 6th-largest city in Georgia.
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County unified government, Georgia is $51,655, with 12.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Athens-Clarke County unified government, Georgia is $271,800, with median monthly rent at $1,162 and a homeownership rate of 40.5%.
The median age in Athens-Clarke County unified government, Georgia is 29.2 years. The population is 47.4% male and 52.6% female.
The population has grown 10.8% since 2010 (116,102 → 128,691).
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), GA Climate
Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), GA has an average annual temperature of 16.6°C (62°F) and receives about 1265 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.6°C
Avg Temp
1265
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 125 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 114 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 140 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 102 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 107 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 99 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 119 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 95 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 84 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 84 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 92 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 104 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-Clarke County unified government (balance), GA
The most comfortable months to visit Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), GA are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Athens-Clarke County unified government
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.