Moving to Athens, Louisiana
The current estimated population of Athens is 300, with males making up 48% and females 52%. The population has been relatively stable, with minor fluctuations due to its rural and agricultural nature.
City Facts
- Year Founded: 1840s
- County Affiliated: Claiborne Parish
- Land Area: 1.6 square miles
- Population Density: 187 people per square mile
- Area Code: 318
- Zip Codes: 71003
Geography and Location
Athens is a small rural town located in northern Louisiana, within Claiborne Parish. The town is situated in a region known for its pine forests, rolling hills, and agricultural lands, with a landscape that reflects the diversity of northern Louisiana’s natural environment. Athens has a strong agricultural base, with farming and timber production being central to the local economy. The town experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Athens is surrounded by a network of creeks and small rivers, which provide opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing and hiking. Despite its small size, Athens offers a strong sense of community, where local events and traditions play a central role in town life. Its location near larger towns such as Homer and Arcadia provides residents with access to broader services and amenities while maintaining the charm and quiet of rural living. The town’s proximity to state parks and national forests also makes it a haven for nature lovers.
Demographics
Median resident age: 37.0 years
Median household income: $18,750
Median house value: $37,500
Population by Race
Races in Athens:
- White Non-Hispanic (72.5%)
- Black (24.0%)
- American Indian (2.3%)
- Two or more races (0.8%)
Ancestries: Irish (15.6%), French (6.9%), English (6.5%), United States (5.3%), German (5.0%), Italian (3.8%).
Elevation: 299 feet
Land area: 2.2 square miles
Population by Education
For population 25 years and over in Athens
- High school or higher: 77.9%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 14.8%
- Graduate or professional degree: 2.0%
- Unemployed: 2.3%
- Mean travel time to work: 28.9 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Athens village
- Never married: 20.6%
- Now married: 50.0%
- Separated: 0.6%
- Widowed: 12.9%
- Divorced: 15.9%
0.8% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: -15 (-5.4%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Athens:
- HOMER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; HOMER, LA)
- LOUISIANA EXTENDED CARE HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; ARCADIA, LA)
- BERNICE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; MINDEN, LA)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:
- BARKSDALE AFB (about 45 miles; BOSSIER CITY, LA; Abbreviation: BAD)
- SHREVEPORT REGIONAL (about 57 miles; SHREVEPORT, LA; Abbreviation: SHV)
- MONROE REGIONAL (about 70 miles; MONROE, LA; Abbreviation: MLU)
Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:
- HOMER MUNICIPAL (about 10 miles; HOMER, LA; Abbreviation: 5F4)
- ARCADIA-BIENVILLE PARISH (about 11 miles; ARCADIA, LA; Abbreviation: 5F0)
- MINDEN-WEBSTER (about 18 miles; MINDEN, LA; Abbreviation: F24)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Athens:
- GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY (about 23 miles; GRAMBLING, LA; Full-time enrollment: 4,299)
- LOUISIANA TECH UNIVERSITY (about 28 miles; RUSTON, LA; Full-time enrollment: 9,013)
- SOUTHERN ARKANSAS UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS (about 44 miles; MAGNOLIA, AR; Full-time enrollment: 2,646)
- LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY-SHREVEPORT (about 47 miles; SHREVEPORT, LA; Full-time enrollment: 3,059)
- BOSSIER PARISH COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 48 miles; BOSSIER CITY, LA; Full-time enrollment: 2,743)
- NORTHWESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA (about 63 miles; NATCHITOCHES, LA; Full-time enrollment: 7,710)
- UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT MONROE (about 67 miles; MONROE, LA; Full-time enrollment: 8,116)
Private high school in Athens:
- MT OLIVE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 361; Location: 15349 HIGHWAY 09; Grades: KG – 12)
Public primary/middle school in Athens:
- ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 260; Location: 15520 HIGHWAY 9; Grades: PK – 12)