Athens GA vs Baltimore MD — Cost of Living, Crime & Income Comparison 2026
Updated May 2026 · Source: US Census ACS 5-Year (2023), FBI CDE (2023), BLS OEWS (2024)
Athens, GA
Georgia · Population: 126,987
- Median HH Income$51,655
- Median Home Price$341,821
- Unemployment5.2%
- Bachelor's+48.7%
Baltimore, MD
Maryland · Population: 577,193
- Median HH Income$59,623
- Median Home Price$191,668
- Unemployment6.6%
- Bachelor's+35.4%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Baltimore
577,193
Baltimore +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Baltimore
36.1
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Baltimore
8.8%
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Baltimore
27.4%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Baltimore
60.0%
Baltimore +
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Baltimore
2.5%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Athens +
Baltimore
7.9%
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 577,193 | Baltimore + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 36.1 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 8.8% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 27.4% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 60.0% | Baltimore + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 2.5% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 7.9% | Athens + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Baltimore
$59,623
Baltimore +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Baltimore
$39,195
Baltimore +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Baltimore
$70,886
Baltimore +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Baltimore
6.6%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Baltimore
20.1%
Baltimore +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Baltimore
35.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $59,623 | Baltimore + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $39,195 | Baltimore + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $70,886 | Baltimore + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 6.6% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 20.1% | Baltimore + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 35.4% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Baltimore
$191,668
Baltimore +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Baltimore
47.5%
Baltimore +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $191,668 | Baltimore + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 47.5% | Baltimore + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Baltimore
433
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Baltimore
1724
Baltimore +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 433 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1724 | Baltimore + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
38.1%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
14.4%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
18.6%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
10.4%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
16.0%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Baltimore
16.1%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 38.1% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.4% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 18.6% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 10.4% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.0% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.1% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Baltimore
55.1°F
Baltimore +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Baltimore
41.9 in
Baltimore +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 55.1°F | Baltimore + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 41.9 in | Baltimore + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Baltimore
7.6 µg/m³
Baltimore +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Baltimore
75.0%
Baltimore +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 7.6 µg/m³ | Baltimore + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Baltimore + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Baltimore
31.6 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Baltimore, MD | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 31.6 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Baltimore leads in median household income at $59,623, while baltimore offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $191,668. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 433 in Baltimore. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Baltimore has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.6 µg/m³).
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