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
Athens County is a county in Ohio with a population of 61,573. It ranks #41 among counties in Ohio by population. The median age is 32.8, younger than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Athens County is $53,837, below the US median of $74,580. 7.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $173,800, with monthly rent averaging $903. The homeownership rate of 61.9% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Athens County reflects 35.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 11.7% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.5 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.