Athens GA vs Salem OR — 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%
Salem, OR
Oregon · Population: 176,666
- Median HH Income$71,900
- Median Home Price$438,754
- Unemployment5.3%
- Bachelor's+31.4%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Salem
176,666
Salem +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Salem
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Salem
35.7
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Salem
12.2%
Salem +
White
Athens
57.6%
Salem
69.8%
Salem +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Salem
1.6%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Salem
3.5%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Salem
23.4%
Salem +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Salem
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 176,666 | Salem + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 35.7 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 12.2% | Salem + |
| White | 57.6% | 69.8% | Salem + |
| Black | 26.2% | 1.6% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 3.5% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 23.4% | Salem + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Salem
$71,900
Salem +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Salem
$36,477
Salem +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Salem
$63,691
Salem +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Salem
5.3%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Salem
14.7%
Salem +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Salem
31.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $71,900 | Salem + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $36,477 | Salem + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $63,691 | Salem + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.3% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 14.7% | Salem + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 31.4% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Salem
$438,754
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Salem
55.7%
Salem +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $438,754 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 55.7% | Salem + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Salem
355
Salem +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Salem
3001
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 355 | Salem + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 3001 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salem
41.4%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salem
11.7%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Salem
18.8%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salem
11.6%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salem
16.2%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Salem
12.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 41.4% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.7% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 18.8% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.6% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.2% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.4% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Salem
53.0°F
Salem +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Salem
39.7 in
Salem +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 53.0°F | Salem + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 39.7 in | Salem + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Salem
9.0 µg/m³
Salem +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Salem
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 9.0 µg/m³ | Salem + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Salem
24.5 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Salem, OR | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 24.5 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Salem leads in median household income at $71,900, while athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Salem is safer with a violent crime rate of 355 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Salem has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.0 µg/m³).
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