RANK #238 / 996 · POP 61,276 · OH
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.8%
Athens County, Ohio, is often first recognized by locals for Ohio University, the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state, which significantly shapes the county's identity. Located in southeastern Ohio, within the Appalachian foothills, Athens County is approximately 78 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport. The community offers a blend of small-town hospitality and cultural sophistication, with a liberal atmosphere, particularly in the city of Athens. The area is characterized by rolling hills and deeply dissected stream valleys, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and access to Wayne National Forest.
Life in Athens County offers a lower cost of living compared to the national average. The presence of Ohio University and Hocking College provides a steady employment base and a pool of skilled graduates. While the county's economy has grown, it has done so at a slower pace than the rest of Ohio. Major employers include Ohio University and OhioHealth. The economy is also seeing development in regional energy sources and advanced services, attracting both young professionals and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. Public transportation, including Athens Public Transit and GoBus, connects residents to various towns within the county and to larger cities like Columbus. The county has several public school districts, including Athens City School District and Nelsonville-York City School District.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Nottingham Solar Farm
Nottingham Solar LLC
|
$100M | Under Construction |
|
U.S. 33 Expansion (Athens and Meigs Counties)
Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Athens County has a Boom Town Index score of 76/100, ranking #238 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.9% and a median household income of $48,750, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Athens County is $161,700 with median rent at $907/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3015, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -2.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.9%. Home values changed +3.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 12.87% of Athens County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.