Athens GA vs Hampton VA — 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%
Hampton, VA
Virginia · Population: 137,334
- Median HH Income$67,758
- Median Home Price$278,048
- Unemployment6.3%
- Bachelor's+27.5%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Hampton
137,334
Hampton +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Hampton
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Hampton
36.5
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Hampton
5.2%
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Hampton
37.5%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Hampton
49.0%
Hampton +
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Hampton
2.2%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Athens +
Hampton
6.6%
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Hampton
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 137,334 | Hampton + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 36.5 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 5.2% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 37.5% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 49.0% | Hampton + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 2.2% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 6.6% | Athens + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Hampton
$67,758
Hampton +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Hampton
$36,787
Hampton +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Hampton
$69,581
Hampton +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Hampton
6.3%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Hampton
13.0%
Hampton +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Hampton
27.5%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $67,758 | Hampton + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $36,787 | Hampton + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $69,581 | Hampton + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 6.3% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 13.0% | Hampton + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 27.5% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Hampton
$278,048
Hampton +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Hampton
55.6%
Hampton +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $278,048 | Hampton + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 55.6% | Hampton + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Hampton
240
Hampton +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Hampton
1726
Hampton +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 240 | Hampton + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1726 | Hampton + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Hampton
40.1%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Hampton
15.0%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Hampton
18.4%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Hampton
9.5%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Hampton
13.1%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Hampton
14.3%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 40.1% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.0% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 18.4% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.5% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.1% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.3% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Hampton
61.9°F
Hampton +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Hampton
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 61.9°F | Hampton + |
| 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
Hampton
8.2 µg/m³
Hampton +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Hampton
75.0%
Hampton +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.2 µg/m³ | Hampton + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Hampton + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Hampton
24.0 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Hampton, VA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 24.0 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Hampton leads in median household income at $67,758, while hampton offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $278,048. On public safety, Hampton is safer with a violent crime rate of 240 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Hampton has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.2 µg/m³).
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