BtoBers

Moving to Athens, Ohio

by · Published · Updated

The current estimated population of Athens is 24,000, with males comprising 48% and females 52%. The city’s population fluctuates seasonally due to the presence of Ohio University, which draws a large student population during the academic year.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1797
  • County Affiliated: Athens County
  • Land Area: 10.05 square miles
  • Population Density: 2,387 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 740
  • Zip Codes: 45701

Geography and Location

Athens is located in southeastern Ohio, along the Hocking River and surrounded by the rolling hills of the Appalachian Plateau. The city is home to Ohio University, a major educational and cultural center that plays a significant role in the local economy and community life. Athens is situated about 75 miles southeast of Columbus, the state capital, and is known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreation, and historic downtown. The city experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, making it a comfortable place to live year-round. The nearby Wayne National Forest offers residents and visitors access to hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities, enhancing the city’s appeal for nature enthusiasts. Athens’ blend of natural beauty, academic influence, and small-town charm has made it a dynamic community that attracts students, professionals, and retirees alike. The local economy is driven by education, healthcare, and tourism, with Ohio University being a key employer and cultural hub in the region.

Demographics

Median resident age: 21.5 years
Median household income: $17,122
Median house value: $113,800

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (88.4%)
  • Black (3.8%)
  • Two or more races (1.7%)
  • Chinese (1.7%)
  • Hispanic (1.4%)
  • Asian Indian (1.0%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)
  • Japanese (0.6%)
  • Other race (0.6%)
  • Other Asian (0.5%)

Ancestries: German (28.1%), Irish (17.1%), English (10.6%), Italian (8.3%), Polish (5.2%), Scottish (2.8%).

Elevation: 723 feet

Land area: 8.3 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 93.5%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 63.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 38.3%
  • Unemployed: 16.4%
  • Mean travel time to work: 11.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens city

  • Never married: 70.0%
  • Now married: 24.0%
  • Separated: 0.6%
  • Widowed: 2.3%
  • Divorced: 3.1%

6.3% Foreign born (4.4% Asia, 1.1% Europe).

Population change in the 1990s: +40 (+0.2%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers in Athens:

  • ATHENS CAMPUS (100 HOSPITAL DR)
  • O BLENESS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (HOSPITAL DRIVE)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • MID-OHIO VALLEY REGIONAL (about 46 miles; PARKERSBURG, WV; Abbreviation: PKB)
  • RICKENBACKER INTERNATIONAL (about 66 miles; COLUMBUS, OH; Abbreviation: LCK)
  • PORT COLUMBUS INTL (about 71 miles; COLUMBUS, OH; Abbreviation: CMH)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • OHIO UNIVERSITY SNYDER FIELD (about 13 miles; ATHENS/ALBANY, OH; Abbreviation: UNI)
  • VINTON COUNTY (about 24 miles; MC ARTHUR, OH; Abbreviation: 22I)
  • PERRY COUNTY (about 26 miles; NEW LEXINGTON, OH; Abbreviation: I86)

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Athens:

  • OHIO UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (Full-time enrollment: 18,721; Public; Website: www.ohiou.edu; Offers Doctor’s degree)

Other colleges/universities with over 2000 students near Athens:

  • HOCKING TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 13 miles; NELSONVILLE, OH; Full-time enrollment: 4,050)
  • WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY AT PARKERSBURG (about 39 miles; PARKERSBURG, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,306)
  • DENISON UNIVERSITY (about 59 miles; GRANVILLE, OH; Full-time enrollment: 2,101)
  • MARSHALL UNIVERSITY (about 67 miles; HUNTINGTON, WV; Full-time enrollment: 12,361)
  • SHAWNEE STATE UNIVERSITY (about 71 miles; PORTSMOUTH, OH; Full-time enrollment: 2,849)
  • CAPITAL UNIVERSITY (about 72 miles; COLUMBUS, OH; Full-time enrollment: 3,187)
  • DEVRY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (about 72 miles; COLUMBUS, OH; Full-time enrollment: 2,999)

Public primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 436; Location: 51 W STATE ST – 55; Grades: 07 – 08)
  • MORRISON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 368; Location: 793 W UNION ST; Grades: KG – 06)
  • EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 305; Location: 3 WALLACE DR; Grades: KG – 06)
  • WEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 275; Location: 41 CENTRAL AVE; Grades: PK – 06)

Private primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • GRACE ACADEMY (Students: 113; Location: 37 OHIO AVE; Grades: PK – 8)
  • RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL (Students: 84; Location: 8075 STATE RT. 56; Grades: PK – 6)

Related Posts: