Athens is a city in Tennessee with about 14,250 residents. Athens was founded in 1822 and sits in McMinn County. The median age is 40.8 and the median household income is $53,151. Homes carry a median value of $197,300, and about 58% of residents own where they live. White residents make up the largest share of the population (80.4%). Around 23% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and the typical commute runs about 22 minutes.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (5-year).
Housing
Property report
Median home value
$197,300
Median gross rent
$807/mo
Owner-occupied
58.1%
Median year built
1972
Households
6,031
Avg. household size
2.21
Area-level figures. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS (5-year). Parcel-level records coming next.
Education
Schools
Schools: Below average
Athens has 8 public schools — 6 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high.
Student proficiency · grade 8, 3 schools
Reading29%
Math47%
% of students at or above proficient on state assessments.
McMinn High SchoolHighGrades 9–12
Athens City Middle SchoolMiddleGrades 6–8
City Park ElementaryElementaryGrades -1–2
E K Baker ElementaryElementaryGrades -1–8
Ingleside ElementaryElementaryGrades -1–2
North City ElementaryElementaryGrades 3–5
Rogers Creek ElementaryElementaryGrades -1–8
Westside ElementaryElementaryGrades 3–5
Public schools + grade-8 proficiency. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES directory + EDFacts assessments), via Urban Institute.
Safety
Crime
violent crime5% above national
Athens407
Tennessee646
United States386
↓ 51% lower than 2019
2019–2023
property crime97% above national
Athens3,839
Tennessee2,403
United States1,952
↓ 40% lower than 2019
2019–2023
Rate per 100,000 residents/year, Athens Police Department, 2023. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS (Crime Data Explorer).
Environment
Environmental hazards
Toxic-release sites and regulated facilities in and around Athens.
Data source being added: U.S. EPA — Toxics Release Inventory (public). We show real, sourced figures only — never estimates.
Risk
Natural disaster risk
Relatively Low
Top hazards · McMinn County
LightningRelatively Moderate
Strong windRelatively Moderate
TornadoRelatively Moderate
Cold waveRelatively Low
DroughtRelatively Low
EarthquakeRelatively Low
County-level natural-hazard risk. Source: FEMA National Risk Index.
Context
Neighborhood info
Athens is in McMinn County — see county-wide risk, demographics, and registry.
Athens was founded in 1822 and sits in McMinn County. Elevation ~262 m.
Map of Athens
Athens, TN
Where Athens is
Historic places
8 on the National Register of Historic Places.
Lowry, William, HouseOld CollegeCleage, Samuel, HouseKeith, Alexander H., HouseTurley, John A., HouseBeth Salem Presbyterian ChurchFirst United Presbyterian ChurchTrinity United Methodist Church
Source: Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) and state registries. Public record. This information is provided for public awareness. Using it to harass, threaten, or discriminate against any registrant, or for any purpose prohibited by law, is illegal. Verify against the official registry record before relying on it.
Common questions
Athens — frequently asked
What is the population of Athens, Tennessee?
Athens has a population of about 14,250, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (5-year).
What is the average home value in Athens?
The median home value in Athens is $197,300, and the median gross rent is $807/month (U.S. Census ACS).
Is Athens safe? What is the crime rate?
Athens Police Department reported a violent-crime rate of about 407 per 100,000 residents in 2023 — higher than the U.S. rate of 386. Source: FBI UCR/NIBRS.
What natural-disaster risks does Athens face?
FEMA's National Risk Index rates McMinn County as "Relatively Low" overall, with top hazards including lightning, strong wind, tornado.
How many schools are in Athens?
Athens has 8 public schools (6 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high). Source: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES.
How many registered sex offenders are in Athens?
Public registry data lists 6 registered sex offenders in or near Athens. This is neighborhood-safety information from the public state registry.