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Athens, Tennessee Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Athens is 14,000, with approximately 48% male and 52% female residents. The city has experienced modest growth, supported by its strategic location between Chattanooga and Knoxville.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1822
  • County Affiliated: McMinn County
  • Land Area: 15.5 square miles
  • Population Density: 903 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 423
  • Zip Codes: 37303

Geography and Location

Athens is located in southeastern Tennessee, positioned between the larger cities of Chattanooga and Knoxville along Interstate 75. The city is nestled in the Tennessee Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and farmland, with the Smoky Mountains to the east providing a scenic backdrop. Athens enjoys a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, making it a comfortable place to live and visit year-round. The nearby Hiwassee River offers recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and hiking, contributing to the city’s outdoor appeal. Athens is known for its strong agricultural roots, with a thriving local economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Its central location in the region, combined with its small-town charm, makes it an attractive place for both businesses and residents. Athens is also home to several historical landmarks and cultural events, adding to its vibrant community atmosphere.

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.5 years
Median household income: $29,277
Median house value: $76,500

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (85.1%)
  • Black (9.3%)
  • Hispanic (3.0%)
  • Other race (1.3%)
  • Two or more races (1.3%)
  • American Indian (0.7%)
  • Japanese (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (24.3%), Irish (9.2%), English (8.4%), German (7.4%), Scotch-Irish (3.4%), Scottish (1.7%).

Elevation: 867 feet

Land area: 13.5 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 71.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 16.6%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.2%
  • Unemployed: 7.3%
  • Mean travel time to work: 16.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens city

  • Never married: 19.7%
  • Now married: 56.6%
  • Separated: 2.3%
  • Widowed: 9.0%
  • Divorced: 12.4%

2.2% Foreign born (1.1% Latin America, 0.7% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: +868 (+7.0%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Athens:

  • ATHENS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (1114 WEST MADISON AVENUE)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • MC GHEE TYSON (about 50 miles; KNOXVILLE, TN; Abbreviation: TYS)
  • LOVELL FIELD (about 51 miles; CHATTANOOGA, TN; Abbreviation: CHA)
  • RICHARD B RUSSELL (about 85 miles; ROME, GA; Abbreviation: RMG)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • MCMINN COUNTY (about 6 miles; ATHENS, TN; Abbreviation: MMI)
  • CHILHOWEE (about 16 miles; BENTON, TN; Abbreviation: 92A)
  • MONROE COUNTY (about 18 miles; MADISONVILLE, TN; Abbreviation: MNV)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/Universities in Athens:

  • TENNESSEE WESLEYAN COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 674; Location: PO BOX 40; Private, not-for-profit; Website: www.twcnet.edu)
  • TENNESSEE TECHNOLOGY CENTER AT ATHENS (Full-time enrollment: 212; Location: 1635 VO TECH DR; Public; Website: www.athens.tec.tn.us)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Athens:

  • LEE UNIVERSITY (about 27 miles; CLEVELAND, TN; Full-time enrollment: 3,171)
  • CLEVELAND STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 27 miles; CLEVELAND, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,022)
  • ROANE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 34 miles; HARRIMAN, TN; Full-time enrollment: 3,490)
  • CHATTANOOGA STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 52 miles; CHATTANOOGA, TN; Full-time enrollment: 4,821)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE-CHATTANOOGA (about 56 miles; CHATTANOOGA, TN; Full-time enrollment: 6,914)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE (about 58 miles; KNOXVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 23,333)
  • PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 58 miles; KNOXVILLE, TN; Full-time enrollment: 5,196)

Schools

Public high school in Athens:

  • MCMINN HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 1,409; Location: 2215 CONGRESS PKWY; Grades: 09 – 12)

Private high schools in Athens:

  • FAIRVIEW CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (Students: 147; Location: 261 CO RD 439; Grades: PK – 12)
  • LIBERTY CHRISTIAN (Students: 36; Location: P O BOX 1555; Grades: PK – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • ATHENS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 443; Location: 200 KEITH LA; Grades: 07 – 09)
  • CITY PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 362; Location: 203 KEITH LA; Grades: KG – 03)
  • ROGERS CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 360; Location: 137 COUNTY 82 RD; Grades: KG – 08)
  • INGLESIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 357; Location: 200 GUILLE ST; Grades: KG – 03)
  • E K BAKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 282; Location: 1044 CO 172 RD; Grades: KG – 08)
  • WESTSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 264; Location: 700 WESTSIDE ST; Grades: 04 – 06)
  • NORTH CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 254; Location: 1601 PALOS ST; Grades: 04 – 06)

Private primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH S (Students: 22; Location: 235 DELAY STREET; Grades: 1 – 8)
  • ATHENS PENTECOSTAL CHRISTIAN S (Students: 12; Location: 736 SOUTHERN PARKWAY; Grades: KG – 11)

Libraries

Library in Athens:

  • E.G. FISHER PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $267,027; Location: 1289 INGLESIDE AVENUE; 48,551 books; 923 audio materials; 1,061 video materials; 96 serial subscriptions)

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