Athens, Michigan Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Athens is 1,000, with males comprising 51% and females 49%. The population has remained stable, with small fluctuations reflecting its rural nature and appeal as a quiet residential community.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1831
  • County Affiliated: Calhoun County
  • Land Area: 1.03 square miles
  • Population Density: 971 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 269
  • Zip Codes: 49011

Geography and Location

Athens is located in southern Michigan, within Calhoun County. The town is situated in a primarily agricultural region characterized by flat to gently rolling terrain. The surrounding landscape features farmland, woodlands, and small rivers, which contribute to the town’s rural character. Athens is approximately 20 miles south of Battle Creek and 50 miles southwest of Lansing, providing access to larger urban centers while maintaining a peaceful, rural atmosphere. The town is close to several lakes and recreational areas, including the nearby Nottawa Lake, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. Athens experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, typical of the Midwest. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, with corn and soybeans being dominant crops, and the community enjoys a strong sense of connection through local events and traditions. The town’s small size and close-knit population make it an ideal location for families and individuals seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with easy access to nearby amenities.

Demographics

Median resident age: 31.7 years
Median household income: $42,083
Median house value: $78,300

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (96.1%)
  • Hispanic (1.9%)
  • American Indian (1.5%)
  • Two or more races (1.1%)

Ancestries: German (20.0%), United States (19.6%), English (15.0%), Irish (7.6%), Dutch (5.0%), Scottish (2.7%).

Elevation: 896 feet

Land area: 1.0 square miles

Map of Athens, MI

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 88.8%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 10.9%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 3.7%
  • Unemployed: 5.2%
  • Mean travel time to work: 31.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens village

  • Never married: 20.5%
  • Now married: 62.9%
  • Separated: 0.6%
  • Widowed: 6.8%
  • Divorced: 9.2%

1.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +117 (+11.8%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • W K KELLOGG (about 15 miles; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Abbreviation: BTL)
  • KALAMAZOO/BATTLE CREEK INTERNATIONAL (about 25 miles; KALAMAZOO, MI; Abbreviation: AZO)
  • GERALD R. FORD INTERNATIONAL (about 58 miles; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Abbreviation: GRR)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • DAVID’S (about 3 miles; ATHENS, MI; Abbreviation: 9C2)
  • BRANCH COUNTY MEMORIAL (about 17 miles; COLDWATER, MI; Abbreviation: OEB)
  • BROOKS FIELD (about 23 miles; MARSHALL, MI; Abbreviation: RMY)

Amtrak station near Athens:

  • 17 miles: BATTLE CREEK (104 CAPITAL AVE. SW). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, taxi stand, intercity bus service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Athens:

  • KELLOGG COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 19 miles; BATTLE CREEK, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,824)
  • WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (about 29 miles; KALAMAZOO, MI; Full-time enrollment: 23,132)
  • KALAMAZOO VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 35 miles; KALAMAZOO, MI; Full-time enrollment: 5,017)
  • SPRING ARBOR UNIVERSITY (about 48 miles; SPRING ARBOR, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,266)
  • JACKSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 60 miles; JACKSON, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,756)
  • CALVIN COLLEGE (about 62 miles; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Full-time enrollment: 4,148)
  • AQUINAS COLLEGE (about 65 miles; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,022)

Schools

Public high school in Athens:

  • ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 287; Location: 300 E. HOLCOMB STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high school in Athens:

  • FACTORYVILLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 68; Location: 1292 FACTORYVILLE RD; Grades: PK – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Athens:

  • ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 288; Location: 515 E. WILLIAMS STREET; Grades: 05 – 08)

Libraries

Library in Athens:

  • ATHENS COMMUNITY LIBRARY (Operating income: $12,390; Location: 116 EAST BURR OAK STREET; 1,408 books; 27 serial subscriptions)