Cost of Living in Athens County, Ohio
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Athens County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Athens County ranks #2,441 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Athens County, Ohio
Athens rents demand a third of income
Athens County renters spend 20.1% of their median household income on gross rent—the highest burden among Ohio's counties and well above the state average of 15.6%. A median income of just $53,837 amplifies the impact of $903 monthly rent, straining household budgets significantly.
Athens ranks worst in Ohio
With a 20.1% rent-to-income ratio, Athens County faces Ohio's most severe rental affordability crisis among the 88 counties. The combination of lower-than-average incomes and above-average rents creates an outsized burden unique in the state.
Higher rents, lower wages
Athens County's $903 rent is the highest among southeastern Ohio neighbors like Adams ($700) and Ashtabula ($816), while its median income is the lowest in the region. This double squeeze makes Athens particularly unaffordable relative to surrounding counties.
Renters carry disproportionate load
Renters in Athens County spend $903 monthly (20.1% of income) compared to owners at $790, revealing a significant rent premium that stretches household resources. The $53,837 median income means many renters face genuine affordability crises despite a lower median home value of $173,800.
College town with affordability tradeoffs
Athens County's university presence drives rents to $903/month on a median income of just $53,837, creating the state's worst affordability ratio. If you're relocating here, budget carefully—this county demands more from renters than nearly anywhere else in Ohio.
Cost of Living Advisory: Athens County
Affordability Verdict
Athens County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $903/month representing approximately 20.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 33.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Athens County is $903/month, while owner costs run $790/month. Owning saves approximately $113/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,120/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $33,857/year. With a median household income of $53,837, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 33.0% of renter households in Athens County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Athens County sits 6% more expensive than Marion County ($850/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Athens County
Rent Burden
20.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,256
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.6%
of gross income
The median home in Athens County may be a stretch
Median home value is $173,800. Estimated monthly cost: $1,388 vs. your max of $1,256.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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