Athens GA vs Elizabeth NJ — 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%
Elizabeth, NJ
New Jersey · Population: 135,887
- Median HH Income$63,874
- Median Home Price$531,592
- Unemployment6.9%
- Bachelor's+14.2%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Elizabeth
135,887
Elizabeth +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Elizabeth
35.8
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Elizabeth
50.6%
Elizabeth +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Elizabeth
24.8%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Elizabeth
17.1%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Elizabeth
1.8%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Elizabeth
66.8%
Elizabeth +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 135,887 | Elizabeth + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 35.8 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 50.6% | Elizabeth + |
| White | 57.6% | 24.8% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 17.1% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.8% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 66.8% | Elizabeth + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Elizabeth
$63,874
Elizabeth +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Athens +
Elizabeth
$28,490
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Elizabeth
$77,416
Elizabeth +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Elizabeth
6.9%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Elizabeth
15.3%
Elizabeth +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Elizabeth
14.2%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $63,874 | Elizabeth + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $28,490 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $77,416 | Elizabeth + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 6.9% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 15.3% | Elizabeth + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 14.2% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Elizabeth
$531,592
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Athens +
Elizabeth
25.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $531,592 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 25.4% | Athens + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Elizabeth
218
Elizabeth +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Elizabeth
1426
Elizabeth +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 218 | Elizabeth + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1426 | Elizabeth + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
34.8%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
13.7%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
17.8%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
28.1%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
14.9%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Elizabeth
15.0%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 34.8% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.7% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 17.8% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 28.1% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.9% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.0% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Elizabeth
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Elizabeth
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | 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
Elizabeth
8.7 µg/m³
Elizabeth +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Elizabeth
75.0%
Elizabeth +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.7 µg/m³ | Elizabeth + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Elizabeth + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Elizabeth
29.3 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Elizabeth, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 29.3 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Elizabeth leads in median household income at $63,874, while athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Elizabeth is safer with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Elizabeth has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.7 µg/m³).
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