Athens, AL

Census Place

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2020 Population

26,686

2.95% 1-year growth

US Senator

Tommy Tuberville

Republican Party

US Senator

Katie Britt

Republican Party

2020 Median Age

41.3

1.72% 1-year increase

2020 Poverty Rate

13.1%

3.59% 1-year decrease

2020 Median Household Income

$53,144

0.0395% 1-year decline

2020 Median Property Value

$171,900

6.51% 1-year growth

2020 Employed Population

12,127

8.61% 1-year growth

About

In 2020, Athens, AL had a population of 26.7k people with a median age of 41.3 and a median household income of $53,144. Between 2019 and 2020 the population of Athens, AL grew from 25,922 to 26,686, a 2.95% increase and its median household income declined from $53,165 to $53,144, a −0.0395% decrease.

The 5 largest ethnic groups in Athens, AL are White (Non-Hispanic) (69.6%), Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (17.5%), White (Hispanic) (3.32%), Other (Hispanic) (2.81%), and Two+ (Non-Hispanic) (2.41%).

None of the households in Athens, AL reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

97.7% of the residents in Athens, AL are U.S. citizens.

The largest universities in Athens, AL are Athens State University (831 degrees awarded in 2021).

In 2020, the median property value in Athens, AL was $171,900, and the homeownership rate was 65.9%.

Most people in Athens, AL drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 23.2 minutes. The average car ownership in Athens, AL was 2 cars per household.

United States Alabama Limestone County, AL Huntsville, AL Huntsville City (Far West & Southwest) PUMA, AL

Population & Diversity

Athens, AL is home to a population of 26.7k people, from which 97.7% are citizens. As of 2020, 4.96% of Athens, AL residents were born outside of the country (1.32k people).

In 2020, there were 3.98 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (18.6k people) in Athens, AL than any other race or ethnicity. There were 4.67k Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 887 White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Population & Diversity

Citizenship

97.7%

2020 Citizenship

97.8%

2019 Citizenship

As of 2020, 97.7% of Athens, AL residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.4%. In 2019, the percentage of US citizens in Athens, AL was 97.8%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Athens, AL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Diversity

Race and Ethnicity

The 3 largest ethnic groups in Athens, AL

White (Non-Hispanic)
18.6k ± 826
Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
4.67k ± 688
White (Hispanic)
887 ± 375

8.51%

Hispanic Population

2.27k people

8.51% of the people in Athens, AL are hispanic (2.27k people).

The following chart shows the 7 races represented in Athens, AL as a share of the total population.

Global Diversity

The PUMS dataset is not available at the Place level, so we are showing data for Alabama.

Most Common Origin

Mexico
47,080 ± 5,301 people
Guatemala
12,910 ± 2,786 people
India
10,249 ± 2,483 people

In 2020, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Alabama was Mexico, the natal country of 47,080 Alabama residents, followed by Guatemala with 12,910 and India with 10,249.

Foreign-Born Population

4.96%

2020 Foreign-Born Population

1.32k people

4.33%

2019 Foreign-Born Population

1.12k people

As of 2020, 4.96% of Athens, AL residents (1.32k people) were born outside of the United States, which is lower than the national average of 13.5%. In 2019, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Athens, AL was 4.33%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Athens, AL compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Military

Veterans

Most Common Service Period

Gulf War (2001-)
432 ± 156
Vietnam
386 ± 131
Gulf War (1990s)
278 ± 120

Athens, AL has a large population of military personnel who served in Gulf War (2001-), 1.12 times greater than any other conflict.

Economy

The economy of Athens, AL employs 12.1k people. The largest industries in Athens, AL are Manufacturing (2,386 people), Retail Trade (1,746 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (1,398 people), and the highest paying industries are Wholesale Trade ($90,341), Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services ($85,724), and Utilities ($79,545).

Males in Alabama have an average income that is 1.44 times higher than the average income of females, which is $44,111. The income inequality in Alabama (measured using the Gini index) is 0.458, which is lower than than the national average.

Employment

Occupations

12.1k

2020 Value

± 1,018

8.61%

1 Year growth

± 10.3%

From 2019 to 2020, employment in Athens, AL grew at a rate of 8.61%, from 11.2k employees to 12.1k employees.

The most common job groups, by number of people living in Athens, AL, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,554 people), Production Occupations (1,301 people), and Sales & Related Occupations (1,167 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Athens, AL.

Unemployment Insurance Claims

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Alabama (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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Industries

Employment by Industries

12.1k

2020 Value

± 1,018

8.61%

1 Year growth

± 10.3%

From 2019 to 2020, employment in Athens, AL grew at a rate of 8.61%, from 11.2k employees to 12.1k employees.

The most common employment sectors for those who live in Athens, AL, are Manufacturing (2,386 people), Retail Trade (1,746 people), and Health Care & Social Assistance (1,398 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Athens, AL, though some of these residents may live in Athens, AL and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

Median Earnings by Industry

$38,011

Median earning men ± $6,256

$30,027

Median earning women ± $4,800

The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2020 are Wholesale Trade ($91,989), Public Administration ($73,482), and Professional, Scientific, & Management, & Administrative & Waste Management Services ($64,545).

The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2020 are Public Administration ($55,500), Construction ($55,433), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($50,513).

Employment by Industry Sector

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

Y-Axis

2.75%

Year-over-year growth

Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

As of February 2023, there are 155M people employed in Alabama. This represents a 2.75% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Alabama.

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Domestic Trade

Domestic Production & Consumption

Domestic production and consumption consists of products and services shipped from Alabama to other states, or from other states to Alabama.

Top Domestic Production in Dollars

In 2020, the top outbound Alabama product (by dollars) was Motorized vehicles with $48.2B, followed by Pharmaceuticals ($20.5B) and Mixed freight ($19.8B).

The following chart shows the share of these products in relation to all outbound Alabama products.

Domestic Trade Growth

Showing data for Alabama.

$267B

2020 Value in Alabama

$540B

Projected 2050 Value in Alabama

102% growth

In 2020, total outbound Alabama trade was $267B. This is expected to increase 102% to $540B by 2050.

The following chart shows how the domestic outbound Alabama trade is projected to change in comparison to its neighboring states.

Interstate Trade

Interstate trade consists of products and services shipped from Alabama to other states, or from other states to Alabama.

Most Common Trade Partners

Georgia
$30.3B
Florida
$20.6B
Tennessee
$13B

In 2020, the top outbound Alabama domestic partner for goods and services (by dollars) was Georgia with $30.3B, followed by Florida with $20.6B and Tennessee and $13B.

The following map shows the amount of trade that Alabama shares with each state (excluding itself).

Civics

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Alabama went to Donald J. Trump with 62% of the vote. The runner-up was Joseph R Biden Jr. (36.6%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (1.08%).

Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are the senators currently representing the state of Alabama. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

Alabama is currently represented by 7 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

Presidential Elections

Presidential Popular Vote Over Time

Voting results are not available for Athens, AL. Showing the available data for Alabama.

2020 Election Results

Donald J. Trump (62%)
Republican Party
Joseph R Biden Jr. (36.6%)
Democratic Party
Jo Jorgensen (1.08%)
Libertarian Party

In the 2020 presidential election, the popular vote in Alabama went to Donald J. Trump with 62% of the vote. The runner-up was Joseph R Biden Jr. (36.6%), followed by Jo Jorgensen (1.08%).

The following chart shows the popular vote results in Alabama for each registered party from 1976 to 2020.

Senator Elections

US Senators from Alabama

Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

Tommy Tuberville

Senator from Alabama

Assumed office on January 3, 2021

Katie Britt

Senator from Alabama

Assumed office on January 3, 2023

Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt are the senators currently representing Alabama.

In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

The following chart shows elected senators in Alabama over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

US Representative Elections

US Representatives from Alabama

Alabama is currently represented by 7 members in the U.S. house.

Members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms, and the following chart shows the how the members for Alabama have changed over time starting in 2008.

Education

In 2021, universities in Athens, AL awarded 831 degrees. The student population of Athens, AL in 2021 is skewed towards women, with 1,726 male students and 3,862 female students.

Most students graduating from Universities in Athens, AL are White (635 and 76.4%), followed by Black or African American (119 and 14.3%), Hispanic or Latino (25 and 3.01%), and Unknown (17 and 2.05%).

The largest universities in Athens, AL by number of degrees awarded are Athens State University (831 and 100%).

The most popular majors in Athens, AL are Elementary Education & Teaching (109 and 13.1%), General Business Administration & Management (90 and 10.8%), and Accounting (75 and 9.03%).

The median tuition cost in Athens, AL for a public four year colleges is $6,750 for in-state students and $13,500 for out-of-state students.

Admissions & Enrollments

Enrollments by Gender and Races

In 2021 there were 5,588 students enrolled in Athens, AL, 30.9% men and 69.1% women.

By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 4,154 records, of which 68.6% were women and 31.4% men.

Completions

Concentrations

Most Common

Elementary Education & Teaching
109 degree-majors awarded
General Business Administration & Management
90 degree-majors awarded
Accounting
73 degree-majors awarded

In 2021, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Athens, AL was Elementary Education & Teaching with 109 degrees awarded.

This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Athens, AL according to their major.

Universities

Gender

Race

Athens State University

Largest Universities by degrees awarded

831 degrees awarded

In 2021, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Athens State University with 831 degrees awarded.

Student Diversity

In 2021, 266 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Athens, AL, which is 0.471 times less than the 565 female students who received degrees in the same year.

In 2021 the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 635 degrees mean that there were 5.34 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 119 degrees awarded.

Awarded Degrees over Time

The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

Tuition

Average Net Price by Sector

Public, 4-year or above ($6,750) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2021.

Public, 4-year or above ($2,310) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2021.

The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

Working Population

Educational Pyramid

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

Measure

In 2020, 0.875% of men over 25 years of age had not completed any academic degree (no schooling), while 0.825% of women were in the same situation.

This visualization shows the gender distribution of the population according to the academic level reached.

Educational Attainment

Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Alabama.

Race

The most common educational levels obtained by the working population in 2020 were High School or Equivalent (1.18M), Some college (900k), and Secondary Education (638k).

This visualization illustrates the percentage distribution of the population according to the highest educational level reached. You can filter the data by race by using the selector above.

Housing & Living

The median property value in Athens, AL was $171,900 in 2020, which is 0.748 times smaller than the national average of $229,800. Between 2019 and 2020 the median property value increased from $161,400 to $171,900, a 6.51% increase. The homeownership rate in Athens, AL is 65.9%, which is approximately the same as the national average of 64.4%.

People in Athens, AL have an average commute time of 23.2 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Athens, AL is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

Median household income in Athens, AL is $53,144. In 2020, the place with the highest median household income in Athens, AL was Census Tract 204.02 with a value of $71,645, followed by Census Tract 209 and Census Tract 201.01, with respective values of $68,446 and $66,949.

Housing

Property

$171,900

Median Property Value 2020

±$10,700

$6,394

Median Property Taxes

±$581

The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Athens, AL the largest share of households pay taxes in the < $800 range.

The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Athens, AL compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

Rent vs Own

65.9%

Homeownership

2020

65.3%

Homeowners with Mortgage

2020

In 2020, 65.9% of the housing units in Athens, AL were occupied by their owner. This percentage declined from the previous year's rate of 66.7%.

This chart shows the percentage of owner in Athens, AL compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

Equity

Income by Location

Use the dropdown to filter by race/ethnicity.

Race/Ethnicity

Highest Median Household Income (Total)

Census Tract 204.02
Census Tract 209
Census Tract 201.01

In 2020, the place with the highest Median Household Income (Total) in Athens, AL was Census Tract 204.02 with a value of $71,645, followed by Census Tract 209 and Census Tract 201.01, with respective values of $68,446 and $66,949.

The following map shows all of the places in Athens, AL colored by their Median Household Income (Total).

Household Income

Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.

$53,144

Median Household Income

± $5,705

9.71k

Number of Households

± 763

In 2020, the median household income of the 9.71k households in Athens, AL declined from $53,144 from the previous year's value of $53,165.

The following chart displays the households in Athens, AL distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

Wage Distribution

The closest comparable wage GINI for Athens, AL is from Alabama.

0.458

2020 Wage GINI in Alabama

0.459

2019 Wage GINI in Alabama

In 2020, the income inequality in Alabama was 0.458 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.32% decline from 2019 to 2020, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Alabama was lower than than the national average of 0.478. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Alabama in comparison to the national average.

This chart shows the number of workers in Alabama across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

Transportation

Commuter Transportation

Most Common Commute in 2020

Drove Alone (89.6%)
Carpooled (7.08%)
Worked At Home (2.51%)

In 2020, 89.6% of workers in Athens, AL drove alone to work, followed by those who carpooled to work (7.08%) and those who worked at home (2.51%).

The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

Commute Time

23.2 minutes

Average Travel Time

Using averages, employees in Athens, AL have a shorter commute time (23.2 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.9 minutes). Additionally, 1.25% of the workforce in Athens, AL have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

The chart below shows how the median household income in Athens, AL compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

Car Ownership

2 cars

Average Number

The following chart displays the households in Athens, AL distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Athens, AL have 2 cars.

Poverty

Poverty & Diversity

13.1% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Athens, AL (3.41k out of 26.1k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.8%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males < 5, followed by Females 6 - 11 and then Females 35 - 44.

The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Athens, AL is White, followed by Black and Hispanic.

The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

Social Needs

Data only available at the state level.

Most prevalent states

California
35,798 individuals
New York
5,087 individuals
Florida
4,915 individuals

In 2017, California had the highest estimated number of chronically homeless individuals in the nation, at 35,798. New York has the second highest (5,087), followed by Florida (4,915).

The following map shows the estimated number of chronically homeless individuals by state over multiple years.

Health

90.8% of the population of Athens, AL has health coverage, with 47.6% on employee plans, 13.8% on Medicaid, 13.6% on Medicare, 13.7% on non-group plans, and 2.13% on military or VA plans.

Per capita personal health care spending in Alabama was $7,281 in 2014. This is a 4.07% increase from the previous year ($6,996).

Primary care physicians in Limestone County, AL see 2748 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (2748 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 3651 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 2004 patients per year.

Coverage

Patient to Clinician Ratios

Data is only available at the country level. Showing data for Limestone County, AL.

2,748 to 1

Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Limestone County, AL

Primary care physicians in Limestone County, AL see an average of 2,748 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (2,748 patients).

The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Limestone County, AL in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

Health Care Diversity

In 2020, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 20.9% under 18 years, 21.9% between 18 and 34 years, 39.3% between 35 and 64 years, and 17.8% over 64 years.

By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 48.2% were men and 51.8% were women.

The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

Uninsured People

9.17%

Uninsured

47.6%

Employer Coverage

13.8%

Medicaid

13.6%

Medicare

13.7%

Non-Group

2.13%

Military or VA

Between 2019 and 2020, the percent of uninsured citizens in Athens, AL declined by 2.62% from 9.41% to 9.17%.

The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Athens, AL changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.