Athens, New York Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Athens is 3,800, with males making up 48% and females 52%. The population has been stable, with slight growth in recent years due to its desirable location along the Hudson River.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1805
  • County Affiliated: Greene County
  • Land Area: 26.1 square miles
  • Population Density: 145 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 518
  • Zip Codes: 12015

Geography and Location

Athens is located along the western bank of the Hudson River in Greene County, New York. The town is approximately 35 miles south of Albany and 120 miles north of New York City, making it a popular destination for those seeking a rural lifestyle with proximity to urban amenities. Athens offers picturesque views of the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Hudson River to the east, giving it a unique combination of riverfront and mountain landscapes. The town experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The riverfront location plays a significant role in the local economy, with recreational boating, fishing, and tourism contributing to its growth. Athens is known for its historic architecture, particularly along its waterfront, and has become a popular destination for weekend getaways and second homes. The town’s rich history, scenic beauty, and peaceful atmosphere make it a desirable location for residents and visitors alike.

Demographics

Median resident age: 40.9 years
Median household income: $39,719
Median house value: $87,600

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (94.7%)
  • Hispanic (1.7%)
  • Two or more races (1.3%)
  • Black (1.0%)
  • American Indian (0.8%)
  • Other race (0.7%)

Ancestries: Italian (22.7%), Irish (21.9%), German (18.4%), English (10.9%), Polish (6.7%), Dutch (6.6%).

Land area: 3.4 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 79.2%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 9.0%
  • Unemployed: 3.4%
  • Mean travel time to work: 27.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens town

  • Never married: 21.8%
  • Now married: 57.8%
  • Separated: 3.5%
  • Widowed: 8.2%
  • Divorced: 8.7%

5.6% Foreign born (3.7% Europe, 1.2% Asia).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

  • COLUMBIA GREENE MEDICAL CENTER INC (about 8 miles; CATSKILL, NY)
  • NORTHERN DUTCHESS HOSPITAL (about 24 miles; RHINEBECK, NY)
  • ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER (about 27 miles; ALBANY, NY)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • ALBANY INTL (about 33 miles; ALBANY, NY; Abbreviation: ALB)
  • DUTCHESS COUNTY (about 45 miles; POUGHKEEPSIE, NY; Abbreviation: POU)
  • STEWART INT’L (about 57 miles; NEWBURGH, NY; Abbreviation: SWF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • COLUMBIA COUNTY (about 8 miles; HUDSON, NY; Abbreviation: 1B1)
  • GREEN ACRES (about 11 miles; LIVINGSTON, NY; Abbreviation: 1A1)
  • KLINE KILL (about 14 miles; GHENT, NY; Abbreviation: NY1)

Amtrak station near Athens:

  • 2 miles: HUDSON (69 S. FRONT ST.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, snack bar, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, call for taxi service, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Athens:

  • EXCELSIOR COLLEGE (about 29 miles; ALBANY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 7,096)
  • THE COLLEGE OF SAINT ROSE (about 29 miles; ALBANY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 3,116)
  • SUNY AT ALBANY (about 30 miles; ALBANY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 14,168)
  • SIENA COLLEGE (about 31 miles; LOUDONVILLE, NY; Full-time enrollment: 3,001)
  • RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (about 34 miles; TROY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 7,150)
  • HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 34 miles; TROY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 6,337)
  • CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA (about 35 miles; HYDE PARK, NY; Full-time enrollment: 2,028)

Public primary/middle school in Athens:

  • EDWARD J. ARTHUR ES (Students: 280; Location: 51 THIRD ST; Grades: KG – 04)

Libraries

Library in Athens:

  • D.R. EVARTS LIBRARY (Operating income: $26,333; Location: 80 SECOND STREET; 13,254 books; 193 audio materials; 512 video materials; 20 serial subscriptions)