Athens GA vs Peoria IL — 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%
Peoria, IL
Illinois · Population: 11,626
- Median HH Income$83,102
- Median Home Price$132,671
- Unemployment4.8%
- Bachelor's+27.6%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Athens +
Peoria
11,626
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Peoria
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Peoria
33.1
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Peoria
12.6%
Peoria +
White
Athens
57.6%
Peoria
59.6%
Peoria +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Peoria
4.7%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Peoria
1.6%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Peoria
37.0%
Peoria +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Peoria
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 11,626 | Athens + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 33.1 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 12.6% | Peoria + |
| White | 57.6% | 59.6% | Peoria + |
| Black | 26.2% | 4.7% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.6% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 37.0% | Peoria + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Peoria
$83,102
Peoria +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Peoria
$33,805
Peoria +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Peoria
$68,110
Peoria +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Peoria
4.8%
Peoria +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Peoria
8.2%
Peoria +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Peoria
27.6%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $83,102 | Peoria + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $33,805 | Peoria + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $68,110 | Peoria + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.8% | Peoria + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 8.2% | Peoria + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 27.6% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Peoria
$132,671
Peoria +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Peoria
73.5%
Peoria +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $132,671 | Peoria + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 73.5% | Peoria + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Peoria
344
Peoria +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Peoria
1842
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 344 | Peoria + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 1842 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Peoria
36.2%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Peoria
13.5%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Peoria
17.8%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Peoria
9.3%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Peoria
16.2%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Peoria
15.1%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 36.2% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.5% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 17.8% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.3% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.2% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.1% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Peoria
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Peoria
38.0 in
Peoria +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | N/A | - |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 38.0 in | Peoria + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Peoria
9.4 µg/m³
Peoria +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Peoria
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 9.4 µg/m³ | Peoria + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Peoria
34.4 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Peoria, IL | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 34.4 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Peoria leads in median household income at $83,102, while peoria offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $132,671. On public safety, Peoria is safer with a violent crime rate of 344 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Peoria has a lower unemployment rate at 4.8%, and Peoria has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.4 µg/m³).
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