Athens
Ohio

What stands out

Against every county in America, Athens County is unusual in three ways: population growth is in the top 3% of American counties (+3.0% a year), homeownership is in the bottom 8% of American counties (61%), and winter sunshine is in the bottom 11% of American counties (-1.1 on the USDA scale). Within Ohio it ranks 2nd of 88 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Athens County, Ohio. 61,276 people live here with you. The population grew 3.0% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +1,645).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $48,750 a year, lower than 81% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $50,117. Unemployment runs 4.8%, higher than 86% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Ohio takes 1.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $624 a year.

Home

The median home costs $188K, cheaper than 68% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $939 a month. Property tax is 1.22% of home value, roughly $1,976 a year on that median home, higher than 74% of American counties. 61% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 69% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 22 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 75.8 years, longer than 50% of American counties. There are 149 active physicians in the county, about 24.3 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 3.0 of 5 stars. 9.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.98 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 68% of American counties. 92% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Democratic by 18 points. 48% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 54°F, highs near 65 and lows near 43, colder than 59% of American counties. About 46 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 43 out of 100, safer than 57% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 161 Mbps down, slower than 66% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 5 breweries, 4 museums.