Athens County, Ohio Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 41st-largest in Ohio
The population of Athens County, Ohio is 61,573 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 41st-largest county in Ohio. The median household income is $53,837, the median home value is $173,800, and the median age is 32.8.
The population of Athens County has declined 3.0% since 2010 (65,175 → 63,218), a -0.22% annualized rate.
61,573
Population
-0.22%
Annual growth
122
People / sq mi
$53,837
Median Income
$173,800
Median Home Value
Athens County covers 504 sq mi of land at 122.3 people per square mile.
About Athens County, OH
Age is the most distinctive thing about Athens County: a median age of 32.8, younger than the national median. Athens County is a county in Ohio with a population of 61,573. It ranks #41 among counties in Ohio by population.
The typical household earns $53,837, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 7.7%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $173,800, with typical rent around $903.
College attainment is above the local norm at 35.4%, near the national 35.0%. A solid 11.7% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
Athens County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Athens County had a population of 65,175 in 2010 and 63,218 in 2024, a -3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 66,587 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: -0.19%.
63,218
Population (2024)
65,175
Population (2010)
66,587
Peak (2017)
-0.19%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 65,175 |
| 2011 | 65,092 |
| 2012 | 64,633 |
| 2013 | 64,628 |
| 2014 | 64,833 |
| 2015 | 65,949 |
| 2016 | 66,402 |
| 2017 | 66,587 |
| 2018 | 65,673 |
| 2019 | 65,582 |
| 2020 | 62,380 |
| 2021 | 59,090 |
| 2022 | 61,029 |
| 2023 | 62,969 |
| 2024 | 63,218 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 90.7% |
| Black or African American | 2.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.8
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
14.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.8% · Seniors (65+): 14.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,837$-15,843 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,116 |
| Per-capita income | $29,474 |
| Poverty rate | 7.7%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Athens County is professional & business services, accounting for 39.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
11.7%
Carpool
67.1%
Public transit
11.7%
Work from home
22.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$173,800$-25,400 vs state
Median home value
$903
Median rent
61.9%
Homeownership rate
26,466
Total housing units
85.9%
Occupied
14.1%
Vacant
38.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
92.4%
With broadband internet
23.8%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
17.0%
With a disability
94.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.8%
High School+
35.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Ohio
Other counties in Ohio
Part of Ohio
Metro areas in Ohio
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Athens County, Ohio has a population of 61,573 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 41st-largest county in Ohio. Population density is 122 people per square mile.
The population of Athens County has declined 3.0% since 2010 (65,175 → 63,218), a -0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Athens County, Ohio is $53,837, with mean (average) household income of $75,116 and per-capita income of $29,474. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Athens County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (90.7%), Black or African American (2.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Athens County, Ohio is 32.8 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Athens County is $173,800 and median monthly rent is $903. 61.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 26,466 total housing units, 14.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Athens County, Ohio is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 39.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Columbus is among the largest cities associated with Athens County, Ohio, with a population of 906,480.
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Statewide data for Ohio
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Ohio
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.