Athens GA vs Glendale CA — 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%
Glendale, CA
California · Population: 192,270
- Median HH Income$84,262
- Median Home Price$1,205,826
- Unemployment8.2%
- Bachelor's+45.5%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Glendale
192,270
Glendale +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Glendale
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Glendale
41.4
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Glendale
51.0%
Glendale +
White
Athens
57.6%
Glendale
67.4%
Glendale +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Glendale
1.7%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Glendale
13.3%
Glendale +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Glendale
18.5%
Glendale +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Glendale
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 192,270 | Glendale + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 41.4 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 51.0% | Glendale + |
| White | 57.6% | 67.4% | Glendale + |
| Black | 26.2% | 1.7% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 13.3% | Glendale + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 18.5% | Glendale + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Glendale
$84,262
Glendale +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Glendale
$46,597
Glendale +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Glendale
$77,230
Glendale +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Glendale
8.2%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Glendale
13.4%
Glendale +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Glendale
45.5%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $84,262 | Glendale + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $46,597 | Glendale + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $77,230 | Glendale + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 8.2% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 13.4% | Glendale + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 45.5% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Glendale
$1,205,826
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Athens +
Glendale
35.3%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $1,205,826 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 35.3% | Athens + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Glendale
503
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Glendale
2388
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 503 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2388 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Glendale
24.5%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Glendale
10.9%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Glendale
16.4%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Glendale
6.8%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Glendale
15.6%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Glendale
11.5%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 24.5% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 10.9% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 16.4% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 6.8% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.6% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.5% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Athens +
Glendale
64.1°F
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Glendale
17.3 in
Glendale +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 64.1°F | Athens + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 17.3 in | Glendale + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Glendale
7.9 µg/m³
Glendale +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Glendale
75.0%
Glendale +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 7.9 µg/m³ | Glendale + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Glendale + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Glendale
30.2 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Glendale, CA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 30.2 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Glendale leads in median household income at $84,262, 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 503 in Glendale. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Glendale has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.9 µg/m³).
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