Athens GA vs Springfield MO — 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%
Springfield, MO
Missouri · Population: 169,432
- Median HH Income$45,984
- Median Home Price$245,279
- Unemployment4.3%
- Bachelor's+30.3%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Springfield
169,432
Springfield +
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Springfield
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Springfield
33.6
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Springfield
3.8%
White
Athens
57.6%
Springfield
85.2%
Springfield +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Springfield
4.3%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Springfield
1.7%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Athens +
Springfield
5.6%
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Springfield
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 169,432 | Springfield + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 33.6 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 3.8% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 85.2% | Springfield + |
| Black | 26.2% | 4.3% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.7% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 5.6% | Athens + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Athens +
Springfield
$45,984
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Athens +
Springfield
$30,864
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Springfield
$58,527
Springfield +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Springfield
4.3%
Springfield +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Springfield
19.4%
Springfield +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Springfield
30.3%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $45,984 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $30,864 | Athens + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $58,527 | Springfield + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.3% | Springfield + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 19.4% | Springfield + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 30.3% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Springfield
$245,279
Springfield +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Springfield
42.9%
Springfield +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $245,279 | Springfield + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 42.9% | Springfield + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Springfield
501
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Springfield
2418
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 501 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2418 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Springfield
37.7%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Springfield
11.1%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Springfield
20.0%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Springfield
10.0%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Springfield
15.6%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Springfield
17.1%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 37.7% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.1% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 20.0% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 10.0% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 15.6% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 17.1% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Springfield
56.3°F
Springfield +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Springfield
45.6 in
Springfield +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 56.3°F | Springfield + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 45.6 in | Springfield + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Springfield
9.3 µg/m³
Springfield +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Springfield
55.0%
Tie
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 9.3 µg/m³ | Springfield + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 55.0% | Tie |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Springfield
19.5 min
Springfield +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Springfield, MO | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 19.5 min | Springfield + |
Which City is Right for You?
Athens leads in median household income at $51,655, while springfield offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $245,279. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 501 in Springfield. Springfield has a lower unemployment rate at 4.3%, and Springfield has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 9.3 µg/m³).
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