Athens GA vs Pasadena TX — 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%
Pasadena, TX
Texas · Population: 125,983
- Median HH Income$112,470
- Median Home Price$218,978
- Unemployment3.1%
- Bachelor's+47.4%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Athens +
Pasadena
125,983
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Pasadena
36.5
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Pasadena
19.3%
Pasadena +
White
Athens
57.6%
Athens +
Pasadena
45.5%
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Pasadena
18.1%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Pasadena
17.0%
Pasadena +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Pasadena
25.4%
Pasadena +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 125,983 | Athens + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 36.5 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 19.3% | Pasadena + |
| White | 57.6% | 45.5% | Athens + |
| Black | 26.2% | 18.1% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 17.0% | Pasadena + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 25.4% | Pasadena + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Pasadena
$112,470
Pasadena +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Pasadena
$49,845
Pasadena +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Pasadena
$63,758
Pasadena +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Pasadena
3.1%
Pasadena +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Pasadena
4.2%
Pasadena +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Pasadena
47.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $112,470 | Pasadena + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $49,845 | Pasadena + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $63,758 | Pasadena + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 3.1% | Pasadena + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 4.2% | Pasadena + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 47.4% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Pasadena
$218,978
Pasadena +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Pasadena
76.6%
Pasadena +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $218,978 | Pasadena + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 76.6% | Pasadena + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Pasadena
442
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Pasadena
2339
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 442 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2339 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
39.1%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
14.6%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
17.8%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
32.1%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
17.1%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Pasadena
14.6%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 39.1% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.6% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 17.8% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 32.1% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 17.1% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.6% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Pasadena
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Pasadena
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | 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
Pasadena
9.2 µg/m³
Pasadena +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Pasadena
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 9.2 µg/m³ | Pasadena + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Pasadena
36.1 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Pasadena, TX | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 36.1 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Pasadena leads in median household income at $112,470, while pasadena offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $218,978. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 442 in Pasadena. Pasadena has a lower unemployment rate at 3.1%, and Pasadena has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.2 µg/m³).
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