Athens GA vs Reno NV — 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%
Reno, NV
Nevada · Population: 268,959
- Median HH Income$78,448
- Median Home Price$570,934
- Unemployment5.0%
- Bachelor's+35.7%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Reno
268,959
Reno +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Reno
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Reno
37.3
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Reno
16.1%
Reno +
White
Athens
57.6%
Reno
63.5%
Reno +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Reno
3.2%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Reno
7.0%
Reno +
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Reno
24.6%
Reno +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Reno
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 268,959 | Reno + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 37.3 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 16.1% | Reno + |
| White | 57.6% | 63.5% | Reno + |
| Black | 26.2% | 3.2% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 7.0% | Reno + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 24.6% | Reno + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Reno
$78,448
Reno +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Reno
$45,180
Reno +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Reno
$62,696
Reno +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Reno
5.0%
Reno +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Reno
12.5%
Reno +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Reno
35.7%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $78,448 | Reno + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $45,180 | Reno + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $62,696 | Reno + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.0% | Reno + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 12.5% | Reno + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 35.7% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Reno
$570,934
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Reno
49.4%
Reno +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $570,934 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 49.4% | Reno + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Reno
460
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Reno
2417
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 460 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2417 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Reno
28.4%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Reno
9.5%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Reno
18.5%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Reno
13.0%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Reno
18.9%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Reno
12.8%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 28.4% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 9.5% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 18.5% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.0% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 18.9% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.8% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Reno
53.0°F
Reno +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Reno
8.3 in
Reno +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 53.0°F | Reno + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 8.3 in | Reno + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Reno
5.2 µg/m³
Reno +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Reno
75.0%
Reno +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 5.2 µg/m³ | Reno + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Reno + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Reno
22.3 min
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Reno, NV | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 22.3 min | Tie |
Which City is Right for You?
Reno leads in median household income at $78,448, 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 460 in Reno. Reno has a lower unemployment rate at 5.0%, and Reno has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 5.2 µg/m³).
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