IncomeBy County

Athens County, Ohio

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-21% vs. Ohio average
$53,837
Median Household Income
$29,474
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$53,837
-21% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$29,474
-25% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.0%
income as % of home value
Rank in Ohio
#83 / 88
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Athens County Compares

Athens County$53,837
Ohio Average$68,101
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$53,837
Median Household Income
$29,474
Per Capita Income
$173,800
Median Home Value
31.0%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Athens County

Income Verdict

Athens County has a median household income of $53,837 and per capita income of $29,474 — a gap of $24,363, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $903/month and a median household income of $53,837, rent consumes approximately 20.1% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $53,837, residents of Athens County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $29,474 suggests below-average individual earnings, which may reflect local employment mix or industrial composition.

Neighbor Context

Athens County earns approximately 20.9% below the Ohio state median household income of $68,101.

Data Story

About Household Income in Athens County, Ohio

Athens County well below national average

At $53,837, Athens County's median household income trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by 28%. The gap reflects the economic challenges facing Appalachian college towns dependent on education and service sectors.

Among Ohio's lowest-earning counties

Athens County's $53,837 falls $14,264 short of Ohio's $68,101 state average, placing it in the bottom quartile statewide. The county faces income pressures deeper than most Ohio neighbors.

Income pressures exceed most peers

Athens County's $53,837 trails Ashland ($64,991), Brown ($69,990), and Ashtabula ($55,507), landing near the bottom of the regional income ladder. Only Adams County earns less among this group.

Rent burden reaches concerning levels

At 20.1% of income, rent consumes a notably high share—closer to stress levels than comfort. Combined with other living costs, this leaves households with limited flexibility for savings or emergencies.

Prioritize emergency savings first

With tighter margins, focus on building a modest emergency fund before investing—even $1,000–$2,000 prevents debt spirals. Once a safety net exists, even small retirement contributions provide real long-term security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Athens County, Ohio?
The median household income in Athens County, Ohio is $53,837, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Athens County?
The per capita income in Athens County is $29,474, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $53,837.
How does Athens County compare to the Ohio average?
Athens County's median household income of $53,837 is lower than the Ohio state average of $68,101. The per capita income is $29,474, compared to the state average of $35,642.
What is the per capita income in Athens County, Ohio?
The per capita income in Athens County, Ohio is $29,474, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Athens County a low-income area in Ohio?
Athens County's median household income of $53,837 is below the Ohio average of $68,101. The per capita income of $29,474 is also lower than the state average of $35,642. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Athens County rank for income in Ohio?
Athens County ranks #83 out of 88 counties in Ohio by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $53,837 and per capita income of $29,474, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Athens County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Athens County median

County median: $53,837 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-21%

vs. National Median

-28%

vs. Athens County MedianAbout equal
vs. Ohio Average▼ 21% below
vs. National Median▼ 28% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.0x

Your monthly income ($4,486) vs. median rent ($903/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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$53,851
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Vinton County
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$53,805
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Live Oak County
Texas
$53,869
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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