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Athens, Texas Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Athens is 12,800, with males comprising 49% and females 51%. The population has grown steadily in recent years, driven by local economic development and its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1850
  • County Affiliated: Henderson County
  • Land Area: 19.2 square miles
  • Population Density: 670 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 903
  • Zip Codes: 75751, 75752

Geography and Location

Athens is located in eastern Texas, approximately 75 miles southeast of Dallas. The town is situated within the Piney Woods region, known for its dense forests, lakes, and gently rolling hills. Athens is often referred to as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World” due to its historical association with agriculture, particularly the cultivation of black-eyed peas. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, typical of East Texas. Athens is near several lakes, including Lake Athens and Cedar Creek Reservoir, which provide ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Its location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s outer region makes it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still having access to the amenities of a major metropolitan area. The local economy is diversified, with a strong presence in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, making Athens a thriving community with a blend of rural and urban influences.

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.7 years
Median household income: $29,372
Median house value: $67,400

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (61.8%)
  • Black (19.2%)
  • Hispanic (17.4%)
  • Other race (6.2%)
  • Two or more races (1.5%)
  • American Indian (0.6%)

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

Ancestries: United States (13.4%), English (8.1%), Irish (8.0%), German (6.3%), Scotch-Irish (1.8%).

Elevation: 492 feet

Land area: 14.6 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 68.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.8%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.4%
  • Unemployed: 8.3%
  • Mean travel time to work: 21.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens city

  • Never married: 23.4%
  • Now married: 53.5%
  • Separated: 2.2%
  • Widowed: 11.3%
  • Divorced: 9.6%

12.3% Foreign born (11.4% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: +305 (+2.8%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Athens:

  • EAST TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER ATHENS (2000 SOUTH PALESTINE)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • TYLER POUNDS RGNL (about 33 miles; TYLER, TX; Abbreviation: TYR)
  • EAST TEXAS RGNL (about 81 miles; LONGVIEW, TX; Abbreviation: GGG)
  • DALLAS LOVE FIELD (about 82 miles; DALLAS, TX; Abbreviation: DAL)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • ATHENS MUNI (about 5 miles; ATHENS, TX; Abbreviation: F44)
  • CANTON-HACKNEY (about 27 miles; CANTON, TX; Abbreviation: 7F5)
  • PALESTINE MUNI (about 32 miles; PALESTINE, TX; Abbreviation: PSN)

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Athens:

  • TRINITY VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 2,858; Location: 100 Cardinal Drive; Public; Website: www.tvcc.cc.tx.us)

Other colleges/universities with over 2000 students near Athens:

  • TYLER JUNIOR COLLEGE (about 38 miles; TYLER, TX; Full-time enrollment: 5,872)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT TYLER (about 40 miles; TYLER, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,433)
  • NAVARRO COLLEGE (about 43 miles; CORSICANA, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,842)
  • KILGORE COLLEGE (about 69 miles; KILGORE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 2,814)
  • EASTFIELD COLLEGE (about 69 miles; MESQUITE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,457)
  • TEXAS A & M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE (about 72 miles; COMMERCE, TX; Full-time enrollment: 4,998)
  • SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY (about 76 miles; DALLAS, TX; Full-time enrollment: 8,231)

Schools

Public high school in Athens:

  • ATHENS H S (Students: 985; Location: 708 E COLLEGE ST; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • SOUTH ATHENS EL (Students: 563; Location: 718 ROBBINS RD; Grades: 02 – 03)
  • BEL AIR EL (Students: 554; Location: 215 WILLOWBROOK DR; Grades: PK – 01)
  • ATHENS MIDDLE (Students: 508; Location: 6800 STATE HWY 19 S; Grades: 07 – 08)
  • ATHENS INT (Students: 473; Location: 307 MADOLE ST; Grades: 04 – 05)
  • R C FISHER CAMPUS (Students: 231; Location: 404 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD; Grades: 06 – 06)
  • ATHENS ANNEX (Students: 186; Location: 610 E COLLEGE; Grades: PK – PK)

Private primary/middle school in Athens:

  • FIRST BAPTIST CHRISTIAN ACADEM (Students: 97; Location: 105 S CARROLL; Grades: KG – 5)

Libraries

Library in Athens:

  • HENDERSON CO./CLINT W. MURCHISON MEMORIAL LIB (Operating income: $149,167; Location: 121 S PRAIRIEVILLE ST; 52,407 books; 1,542 audio materials; 842 video materials; 56 serial subscriptions)

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