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Athens, West Virginia Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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The current estimated population of Athens is 1,100, with males comprising 48% and females 52%. The population has remained relatively stable, bolstered by the presence of Concord University and a close-knit community atmosphere.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1905
  • County Affiliated: Mercer County
  • Land Area: 1.39 square miles
  • Population Density: 791 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 304
  • Zip Codes: 24712

Geography and Location

Athens is located in southern West Virginia, near the border with Virginia. The town is situated in the Appalachian Mountains, giving it a scenic, mountainous backdrop that is typical of the region. Athens is home to Concord University, a major educational institution that significantly influences the town’s culture and economy. The university’s presence brings a dynamic, youthful energy to Athens while maintaining the charm of a small, rural community. Athens experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area offers numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing in nearby state parks and national forests. Athens’ location along U.S. Route 20 provides easy access to larger cities such as Princeton and Beckley, while its small size fosters a close-knit, supportive community. The town’s educational and cultural offerings, combined with its natural beauty, make Athens an attractive place for students, families, and retirees alike.

Demographics

Median resident age: 23.8 years
Median household income: $27,260
Median house value: $71,700

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (91.7%)
  • Black (4.8%)
  • Two or more races (1.1%)
  • Hispanic (0.9%)
  • Asian Indian (0.7%)

Ancestries: English (16.2%), Irish (12.7%), German (12.0%), United States (6.5%), Scottish (2.4%), Italian (2.2%).

Elevation: 2597 feet

Land area: 0.4 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 84.4%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 32.9%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 17.3%
  • Unemployed: 33.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 22.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens town

  • Never married: 33.1%
  • Now married: 46.2%
  • Separated: 9.7%
  • Widowed: 5.8%
  • Divorced: 5.3%

0.3% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +359 (+48.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

  • HEALTHSOUTH SOUTHERN HILLS REHAB HOS (about 6 miles; PRINCETON, WV)
  • PRINCETON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 6 miles; PRINCETON, WV)
  • BLUEFIELD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 18 miles; BLUEFIELD, WV)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • RALEIGH COUNTY MEMORIAL (about 26 miles; BECKLEY, WV; Abbreviation: BKW)
  • GREENBRIER VALLEY (about 53 miles; LEWISBURG, WV; Abbreviation: LWB)
  • ROANOKE REGIONAL/WOODRUM FIELD (about 73 miles; ROANOKE, VA; Abbreviation: ROA)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • MERCER COUNTY (about 17 miles; BLUEFIELD, WV; Abbreviation: BLF)
  • NEW RIVER VALLEY (about 32 miles; DUBLIN, VA; Abbreviation: PSK)
  • WELCH MUNI (about 35 miles; WELCH, WV; Abbreviation: I25)

Amtrak station near Athens:

  • 20 miles: HINTON (FRONT ST.). Services: enclosed waiting area, free short-term parking, free long-term parking.

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Athens:

  • CONCORD COLLEGE (Full-time enrollment: 2,723; Location: PO BOX 1000; Public; Website: www.concord.edu)

Other colleges/universities with over 2000 students near Athens:

  • BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE (about 18 miles; BLUEFIELD, WV; Full-time enrollment: 2,096)
  • NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 33 miles; DUBLIN, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,262)
  • RADFORD UNIVERSITY (about 38 miles; RADFORD, VA; Full-time enrollment: 8,034)
  • VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIV (about 49 miles; BLACKSBURG, VA; Full-time enrollment: 25,754)
  • SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 60 miles; RICHLANDS, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,412)
  • NATIONAL BUSINESS COLLEGE (about 66 miles; SALEM, VA; Full-time enrollment: 2,382)
  • WEST VIRGINIA STATE COLLEGE (about 71 miles; INSTITUTE, WV; Full-time enrollment: 3,688)

Public primary/middle school in Athens:

  • ATHENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 482; Location: ROUTE 20 STATE STREET; Grades: PK – 08)

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