Athens GA vs Chicago IL — 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%
Chicago, IL
Illinois · Population: 2,707,648
- Median HH Income$75,134
- Median Home Price$324,183
- Unemployment7.9%
- Bachelor's+43.3%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Chicago
2,707,648
Chicago +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Chicago
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Chicago
35.7
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Chicago
20.7%
Chicago +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Chicago
39.1%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Chicago
28.4%
Chicago +
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Chicago
7.1%
Chicago +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Chicago
29.6%
Chicago +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Chicago
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 2,707,648 | Chicago + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 35.7 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 20.7% | Chicago + |
| White | 57.6% | 39.1% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 28.4% | Chicago + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 7.1% | Chicago + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 29.6% | Chicago + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Chicago
$75,134
Chicago +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Chicago
$48,148
Chicago +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Chicago
$68,110
Chicago +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Chicago
7.9%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Chicago
16.8%
Chicago +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Chicago
43.3%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $75,134 | Chicago + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $48,148 | Chicago + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $68,110 | Chicago + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 7.9% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 16.8% | Chicago + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 43.3% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Chicago
$324,183
Chicago +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Chicago
45.5%
Chicago +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $324,183 | Chicago + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 45.5% | Chicago + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Chicago
344
Chicago +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Chicago
1842
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 344 | Chicago + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1842 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chicago
32.6%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chicago
12.0%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Chicago
16.0%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chicago
13.6%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chicago
19.0%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Chicago
11.9%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 32.6% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.0% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 16.0% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.6% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 19.0% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.9% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Chicago
49.2°F
Chicago +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Chicago
37.8 in
Chicago +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 49.2°F | Chicago + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 37.8 in | Chicago + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Chicago
9.4 µg/m³
Chicago +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Chicago
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 9.4 µg/m³ | Chicago + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Chicago
36.5 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Chicago, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 36.5 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Chicago leads in median household income at $75,134, while chicago offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $324,183. On public safety, Chicago is safer with a violent crime rate of 344 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Chicago has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.4 µg/m³).
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