Athens GA vs Newark NJ — 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%
Newark, NJ
New Jersey · Population: 307,188
- Median HH Income$48,416
- Median Home Price$482,675
- Unemployment10.9%
- Bachelor's+17.4%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Newark
307,188
Newark +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Newark
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Newark
34.8
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Newark
34.9%
Newark +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Newark
16.5%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Newark
46.7%
Newark +
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Newark
1.9%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Newark
37.2%
Newark +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Newark
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 307,188 | Newark + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 34.8 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 34.9% | Newark + |
| White | 57.6% | 16.5% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 46.7% | Newark + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.9% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 37.2% | Newark + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Athens +
Newark
$48,416
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Athens +
Newark
$25,509
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Newark
$77,416
Newark +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Newark
10.9%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Newark
24.7%
Newark +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Newark
17.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $48,416 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $25,509 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $77,416 | Newark + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 10.9% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 24.7% | Newark + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 17.4% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Newark
$482,675
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Athens +
Newark
24.1%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $482,675 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 24.1% | Athens + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Newark
218
Newark +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Newark
1426
Newark +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 218 | Newark + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1426 | Newark + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Newark
35.9%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Newark
14.6%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Newark
20.0%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Newark
23.4%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Newark
14.3%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Newark
18.2%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 35.9% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.6% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 20.0% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 23.4% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.3% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 18.2% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Newark
54.9°F
Newark +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Newark
46.3 in
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 54.9°F | Newark + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 46.3 in | Tie |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Newark
8.7 µg/m³
Newark +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Newark
75.0%
Newark +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.7 µg/m³ | Newark + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Newark + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Newark
35.9 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Newark, NJ | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 35.9 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Athens leads in median household income at $51,655, while athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Newark is safer with a violent crime rate of 218 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Newark has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.7 µg/m³).
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