Athens GA vs Independence MO — 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%
Independence, MO
Missouri · Population: 121,944
- Median HH Income$59,480
- Median Home Price$210,384
- Unemployment6.0%
- Bachelor's+20.9%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Athens +
Independence
121,944
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Independence
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Independence
38.4
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Independence
5.3%
White
Athens
57.6%
Independence
72.2%
Independence +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Independence
10.8%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Independence
1.4%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Independence
12.4%
Independence +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Independence
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 121,944 | Athens + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 38.4 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 5.3% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 72.2% | Independence + |
| Black | 26.2% | 10.8% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.4% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 12.4% | Independence + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Independence
$59,480
Independence +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Athens +
Independence
$31,683
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Independence
$58,527
Independence +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Independence
6.0%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Independence
15.3%
Independence +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Independence
20.9%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $59,480 | Independence + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $31,683 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $58,527 | Independence + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 6.0% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 15.3% | Independence + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 20.9% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Independence
$210,384
Independence +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Independence
61.0%
Independence +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $210,384 | Independence + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 61.0% | Independence + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Independence
501
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Independence
2418
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 501 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2418 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Independence
37.3%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Independence
12.9%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Independence
19.9%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Independence
11.5%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Independence
16.8%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Independence
18.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 37.3% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.9% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 19.9% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.5% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.8% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 18.4% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Independence
54.5°F
Independence +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Independence
43.7 in
Independence +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 54.5°F | Independence + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 43.7 in | Independence + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Independence
9.3 µg/m³
Independence +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Independence
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 9.3 µg/m³ | Independence + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Independence
25.5 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Independence, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 25.5 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Independence leads in median household income at $59,480, while independence offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $210,384. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 501 in Independence. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Independence has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.3 µg/m³).
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