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Athens, Georgia Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Athens is 130,000, with approximately 47% male and 53% female. The city has experienced consistent growth over the past decade, driven by its vibrant university culture and expanding economy.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1801
  • County Affiliated: Clarke County
  • Land Area: 118.2 square miles
  • Population Density: 1,100 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 706
  • Zip Codes: 30601, 30605, 30606, 30607, 30609

Geography and Location

Athens is located in northeastern Georgia, about 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. The city is situated in the Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and dense forests. Athens is best known as the home of the University of Georgia, the state’s flagship university, which has a significant influence on the local culture, economy, and population. The Oconee River runs through Athens, providing a scenic natural feature that enhances the city’s park system and outdoor recreational opportunities. Athens experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city’s location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains gives it a unique blend of urban amenities and access to nature, attracting students, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts. Athens has a rich music and arts scene, with a storied history in alternative music. Its economy is anchored by education, healthcare, and manufacturing, with the University of Georgia playing a central role in research and innovation. The city’s cultural and economic vibrancy, combined with its proximity to Atlanta, makes it an attractive place to live and visit.

Demographics

Median resident age: 25.3 years
Median household income: $28,118
Median house value: $112,000

Population by Race

Races in Athens-Clarke County:

  • White Non-Hispanic (61.8%)
  • Black (27.4%)
  • Hispanic (6.4%)
  • Other race (3.1%)
  • Two or more races (1.4%)
  • Chinese (0.9%)
  • Asian Indian (0.9%)
  • Korean (0.6%)
  • American Indian (0.5%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: English (10.5%), German (9.4%), Irish (8.9%), United States (6.4%), Scotch-Irish (2.8%), Scottish (2.7%).

Land area: 117.8 square miles

Map of Athens, GA

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens-Clarke County

  • High school or higher: 81.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 40.0%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 19.0%
  • Unemployed: 10.3%
  • Mean travel time to work: 18.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens-Clarke County (balance)

  • Never married: 48.4%
  • Now married: 37.6%
  • Separated: 1.9%
  • Widowed: 4.5%
  • Divorced: 7.6%

8.5% Foreign born (4.2% Latin America, 2.4% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: +13,524 (+15.6%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Athens-Clarke County:

  • ATHENS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 1 miles; ATHENS, GA)
  • ST MARYS HOSPITAL OF ATHENS (about 3 miles; ATHENS, GA)
  • BANKS-JACKSON-COMMERCE HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; COMMERCE, GA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens-Clarke County:

  • ATHENS/BEN EPPS (about 5 miles; ATHENS, GA; Abbreviation: AHN)
  • ANDERSON RGNL (about 60 miles; ANDERSON, SC; Abbreviation: AND)
  • THE WILLIAM B HARTSFIELD ATLANTA INTL (about 75 miles; ATLANTA, GA; Abbreviation: ATL)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens-Clarke County:

  • JACKSON COUNTY (about 19 miles; JEFFERSON, GA; Abbreviation: 19A)
  • WINDER-BARROW (about 20 miles; WINDER, GA; Abbreviation: WDR)
  • MONROE-WALTON COUNTY (about 25 miles; MONROE, GA; Abbreviation: D73)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Athens-Clarke County:

  • UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA (about 1 miles; ATHENS, GA; Full-time enrollment: 28,464)
  • GAINESVILLE COLLEGE (about 41 miles; OAKWOOD, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,181)
  • GWINNETT TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 44 miles; LAWRENCEVILLE, GA; Full-time enrollment: 3,215)
  • NORTH GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY (about 58 miles; DAHLONEGA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 3,119)
  • GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY (about 61 miles; MILLEDGEVILLE, GA; Full-time enrollment: 4,028)
  • GEORGIA PERIMETER COLLEGE (about 63 miles; DECATUR, GA; Full-time enrollment: 8,213)
  • TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 64 miles; PENDLETON, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,343)

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