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Athens, Illinois Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Athens is 2,000, with males making up 50% and females 50%. The population has remained relatively stable, reflecting the town’s role as a small rural community with limited growth.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1831
  • County Affiliated: Menard County
  • Land Area: 1.6 square miles
  • Population Density: 1,250 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 217
  • Zip Codes: 62613

Geography and Location

Athens is located in central Illinois, about 15 miles north of Springfield, the state capital. The town is set in the flat to gently rolling plains typical of central Illinois, surrounded by agricultural fields that dominate the local landscape. Athens is a quiet, rural community that benefits from its proximity to Springfield, allowing residents access to urban amenities while maintaining a small-town lifestyle. The region experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Agriculture is the main economic driver in the surrounding area, with corn and soybean farming being particularly prominent. Athens offers a peaceful, residential environment with a mix of historic homes and modern developments. The town is close to several state parks and natural areas, including Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site, which draws visitors interested in Abraham Lincoln’s early life. Athens’ location near major highways provides easy access to larger cities, while its rural setting fosters a close-knit community atmosphere.

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.1 years
Median household income: $41,208
Median house value: $85,000

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (97.6%)
  • Hispanic (1.3%)
  • Two or more races (0.5%)

Ancestries: German (29.2%), Irish (13.3%), United States (10.0%), English (9.9%), Italian (3.7%), Polish (2.8%).

Elevation: 606 feet

Land area: 1.5 square miles

Map of Athens, IL

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 87.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.1%
  • Unemployed: 2.2%
  • Mean travel time to work: 26.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens city

  • Never married: 24.2%
  • Now married: 53.4%
  • Separated: 0.6%
  • Widowed: 8.9%
  • Divorced: 12.8%

0.6% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +252 (+17.1%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • CAPITAL (about 10 miles; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Abbreviation: SPI)
  • GREATER PEORIA REGIONAL (about 48 miles; PEORIA, IL; Abbreviation: PIA)
  • DECATUR (about 62 miles; DECATUR, IL; Abbreviation: DEC)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • HAVANA REGIONAL (about 27 miles; HAVANA, IL; Abbreviation: 9I0)
  • LOGAN COUNTY (about 31 miles; LINCOLN, IL; Abbreviation: AAA)
  • MANITO MITCHELL (about 36 miles; MANITO, IL; Abbreviation: C45)

Amtrak station near Athens:

  • 13 miles: SPRINGFIELD (WASHINGTON & 3RD STS.). Services: ticket office, fully wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, taxi stand, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Athens:

  • LINCOLN LAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 17 miles; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Full-time enrollment: 3,756)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD (about 17 miles; Springfield, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,357)
  • MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY (about 51 miles; DECATUR, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,274)
  • BRADLEY UNIVERSITY (about 52 miles; PEORIA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 5,262)
  • ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE (about 54 miles; EAST PEORIA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 6,404)
  • ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 63 miles; NORMAL, IL; Full-time enrollment: 18,785)
  • HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 64 miles; Normal, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,390)

Schools

Public high school in Athens:

  • ATHENS SR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 288; Location: 1 WARRIOR WAY; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 335; Location: 1 WARRIOR WAY; Grades: 05 – 08)
  • SALT CREEK ACADEMY (Students: 20; Location: RR 1 BOX 106; Grades: 06 – 11)

Libraries

Library in Athens:

  • ATHENS MUNICIPAL LIB. (Operating income: $43,249; Location: 211 N. MAIN STREET; 12,731 books; 230 audio materials; 7 video materials)

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