Athens GA vs Chandler AZ — 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%
Chandler, AZ
Arizona · Population: 278,123
- Median HH Income$103,691
- Median Home Price$524,013
- Unemployment3.6%
- Bachelor's+46.8%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Chandler
278,123
Chandler +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Chandler
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Chandler
37.4
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Chandler
15.4%
Chandler +
White
Athens
57.6%
Chandler
62.6%
Chandler +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Chandler
5.2%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Chandler
11.4%
Chandler +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Chandler
21.4%
Chandler +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Chandler
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 278,123 | Chandler + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 37.4 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 15.4% | Chandler + |
| White | 57.6% | 62.6% | Chandler + |
| Black | 26.2% | 5.2% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 11.4% | Chandler + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 21.4% | Chandler + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Chandler
$103,691
Chandler +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Chandler
$51,746
Chandler +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Chandler
$59,120
Chandler +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Chandler
3.6%
Chandler +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Chandler
7.7%
Chandler +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Chandler
46.8%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $103,691 | Chandler + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $51,746 | Chandler + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $59,120 | Chandler + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 3.6% | Chandler + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 7.7% | Chandler + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 46.8% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Chandler
$524,013
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Chandler
65.6%
Chandler +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $524,013 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 65.6% | Chandler + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Chandler
450
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Chandler
2150
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 450 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2150 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chandler
28.2%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chandler
9.1%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Chandler
14.1%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chandler
9.7%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chandler
16.7%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chandler
9.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 28.2% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.1% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 14.1% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.7% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.7% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.4% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Chandler
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Chandler
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | N/A | - |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Chandler
7.1 µg/m³
Chandler +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Chandler
75.0%
Chandler +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 7.1 µg/m³ | Chandler + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Chandler + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Chandler
26.1 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chandler, AZ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 26.1 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Chandler leads in median household income at $103,691, while athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 450 in Chandler. Chandler has a lower unemployment rate at 3.6%, and Chandler has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.1 µg/m³).
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