Athens GA vs Greensboro NC — 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%
Greensboro, NC
North Carolina · Population: 298,564
- Median HH Income$58,884
- Median Home Price$265,214
- Unemployment5.1%
- Bachelor's+39.9%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Greensboro
298,564
Greensboro +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Greensboro
34.1
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Greensboro
12.7%
Greensboro +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Greensboro
40.4%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Greensboro
42.2%
Greensboro +
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Greensboro
5.0%
Greensboro +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Athens +
Greensboro
10.4%
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 298,564 | Greensboro + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 34.1 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 12.7% | Greensboro + |
| White | 57.6% | 40.4% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 42.2% | Greensboro + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 5.0% | Greensboro + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 10.4% | Athens + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Greensboro
$58,884
Greensboro +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Greensboro
$35,858
Greensboro +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Greensboro
$59,120
Greensboro +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Greensboro
5.1%
Greensboro +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Greensboro
18.4%
Greensboro +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Greensboro
39.9%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $58,884 | Greensboro + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $35,858 | Greensboro + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $59,120 | Greensboro + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.1% | Greensboro + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 18.4% | Greensboro + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 39.9% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Greensboro
$265,214
Greensboro +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Greensboro
50.3%
Greensboro +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $265,214 | Greensboro + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 50.3% | Greensboro + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Greensboro
398
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Greensboro
1999
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 398 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1999 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
39.1%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
12.2%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
18.0%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
11.5%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
13.6%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Greensboro
13.5%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 39.1% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.2% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 18.0% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.5% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.6% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.5% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Greensboro
59.1°F
Greensboro +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Greensboro
42.2 in
Greensboro +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 59.1°F | Greensboro + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 42.2 in | Greensboro + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Greensboro
8.7 µg/m³
Greensboro +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Greensboro
75.0%
Greensboro +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.7 µg/m³ | Greensboro + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Greensboro + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Greensboro
23.4 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Greensboro, NC | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 23.4 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Greensboro leads in median household income at $58,884, while greensboro offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $265,214. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 398 in Greensboro. Greensboro has a lower unemployment rate at 5.1%, and Greensboro has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.7 µg/m³).
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