Athens GA vs Spokane Valley WA — 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%
Spokane Valley, WA
Washington · Population: 105,460
- Median HH Income$70,722
- Median Home Price$414,734
- Unemployment5.9%
- Bachelor's+24.8%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Athens +
Spokane Valley
105,460
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Spokane Valley
37.6
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Spokane Valley
5.1%
White
Athens
57.6%
Spokane Valley
85.1%
Spokane Valley +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Spokane Valley
1.4%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Spokane Valley
1.7%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Athens +
Spokane Valley
7.5%
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 105,460 | Athens + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 37.6 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 5.1% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 85.1% | Spokane Valley + |
| Black | 26.2% | 1.4% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.7% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 7.5% | Athens + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Spokane Valley
$70,722
Spokane Valley +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Spokane Valley
$35,235
Spokane Valley +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Spokane Valley
$76,120
Spokane Valley +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Athens +
Spokane Valley
5.9%
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Spokane Valley
12.9%
Spokane Valley +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Spokane Valley
24.8%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $70,722 | Spokane Valley + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $35,235 | Spokane Valley + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $76,120 | Spokane Valley + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 5.9% | Athens + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 12.9% | Spokane Valley + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 24.8% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Athens +
Spokane Valley
$414,734
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Spokane Valley
57.5%
Spokane Valley +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $414,734 | Athens + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 57.5% | Spokane Valley + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Spokane Valley
383
Spokane Valley +
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Spokane Valley
3409
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 383 | Spokane Valley + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 3409 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
35.1%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
10.5%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
18.1%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
7.7%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
17.2%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Spokane Valley
12.4%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 35.1% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 10.5% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 18.1% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 7.7% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 17.2% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 12.4% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Spokane Valley
N/A
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Spokane Valley
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | 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
Spokane Valley
7.5 µg/m³
Spokane Valley +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Spokane Valley
75.0%
Spokane Valley +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 7.5 µg/m³ | Spokane Valley + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Spokane Valley + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Athens +
Spokane Valley
22.4 min
| Metric | Athens, GA | Spokane Valley, WA | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 22.4 min | Athens + |
Which City is Right for You?
Spokane Valley leads in median household income at $70,722, while athens offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $341,821. On public safety, Spokane Valley is safer with a violent crime rate of 383 per 100,000 residents, compared to 392 in Athens. Athens has a lower unemployment rate at 5.2%, and Spokane Valley has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 7.5 µg/m³).
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