Athens GA vs Lakewood CO — 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%
Lakewood, CO
Colorado · Population: 156,309
- Median HH Income$85,789
- Median Home Price$575,076
- Unemployment4.5%
- Bachelor's+45.3%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Lakewood
156,309
Lakewood +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Lakewood
38.0
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Lakewood
8.5%
White
Athens
57.6%
Lakewood
76.0%
Lakewood +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Lakewood
1.4%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Lakewood
4.1%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Lakewood
22.4%
Lakewood +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 156,309 | Lakewood + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 38.0 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 8.5% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 76.0% | Lakewood + |
| Black | 26.2% | 1.4% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 4.1% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 22.4% | Lakewood + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Lakewood
$85,789
Lakewood +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Lakewood
$51,218
Lakewood +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Lakewood
$76,653
Lakewood +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Lakewood
4.5%
Lakewood +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Lakewood
9.1%
Lakewood +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Lakewood
45.3%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $85,789 | Lakewood + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $51,218 | Lakewood + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $76,653 | Lakewood + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.5% | Lakewood + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 9.1% | Lakewood + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 45.3% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Lakewood
$575,076
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Lakewood
58.1%
Lakewood +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $575,076 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 58.1% | Lakewood + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Lakewood
512
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Lakewood
3234
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 512 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 3234 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
23.8%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
8.7%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
15.8%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
10.6%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
19.7%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Lakewood
10.7%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 23.8% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 8.7% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 15.8% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 10.6% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 19.7% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 10.7% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Lakewood
51.4°F
Lakewood +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Lakewood
17.3 in
Lakewood +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 51.4°F | Lakewood + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 17.3 in | Lakewood + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Lakewood
6.2 µg/m³
Lakewood +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Lakewood
75.0%
Lakewood +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 6.2 µg/m³ | Lakewood + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Lakewood + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Lakewood
28.6 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Lakewood, CO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 28.6 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Lakewood leads in median household income at $85,789, 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 512 in Lakewood. Lakewood has a lower unemployment rate at 4.5%, and Lakewood has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 6.2 µg/m³).
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