Athens GA vs Johnson City TN — 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%
Johnson City, TN
Tennessee · Population: 71,455
- Median HH Income$55,429
- Median Home Price$294,254
- Unemployment5.9%
- Bachelor's+41.8%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Athens +
Johnson City
71,455
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Johnson City
35.1
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Johnson City
4.6%
White
Athens
57.6%
Johnson City
84.0%
Johnson City +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Johnson City
6.3%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Johnson City
2.0%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Athens +
Johnson City
5.6%
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 71,455 | Athens + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 35.1 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 4.6% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 84.0% | Johnson City + |
| Black | 26.2% | 6.3% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 2.0% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 5.6% | Athens + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Johnson City
$55,429
Johnson City +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Johnson City
$36,451
Johnson City +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Johnson City
$59,097
Johnson City +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Johnson City
5.9%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Johnson City
21.1%
Johnson City +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Johnson City
41.8%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $55,429 | Johnson City + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $36,451 | Johnson City + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $59,097 | Johnson City + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.9% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 21.1% | Johnson City + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 41.8% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Johnson City
$294,254
Johnson City +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Johnson City
49.8%
Johnson City +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $294,254 | Johnson City + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 49.8% | Johnson City + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Johnson City
639
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Johnson City
2350
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 639 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2350 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
36.2%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
12.7%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
21.1%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
11.9%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
15.3%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Johnson City
17.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 36.2% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.7% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 21.1% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.9% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.3% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 17.4% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Johnson City
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Johnson City
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | 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
Johnson City
8.9 µg/m³
Johnson City +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Johnson City
75.0%
Johnson City +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.9 µg/m³ | Johnson City + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Johnson City + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Johnson City
20.3 min
Johnson City +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Johnson City, TN | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 20.3 min | Johnson City + |
Which City is Right for You?
Johnson City leads in median household income at $55,429, while johnson City offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $294,254. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 639 in Johnson City. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Johnson City has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.9 µg/m³).
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