Athens GA vs Topeka KS — 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%
Topeka, KS
Kansas · Population: 126,103
- Median HH Income$55,902
- Median Home Price$193,522
- Unemployment4.9%
- Bachelor's+29.1%
Detailed Comparison
Demographics
Population
Athens
126,987
Athens +
Topeka
126,103
Pop. Density / sq mi
Lower = more space
Athens
N/A
Topeka
N/A
Median Age
Athens
29.2
Athens +
Topeka
38.2
Foreign Born
Athens
9.8%
Athens +
Topeka
5.3%
White
Athens
57.6%
Topeka
71.0%
Topeka +
Black
Athens
26.2%
Athens +
Topeka
9.7%
Asian
Athens
4.3%
Athens +
Topeka
1.8%
Hispanic
Athens
11.5%
Topeka
16.9%
Topeka +
Spanish at Home
Athens
N/A
Topeka
N/A
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,987 | 126,103 | Athens + |
| Pop. Density / sq miLower = more space | N/A | N/A | - |
| Median Age | 29.2 | 38.2 | Athens + |
| Foreign Born | 9.8% | 5.3% | Athens + |
| White | 57.6% | 71.0% | Topeka + |
| Black | 26.2% | 9.7% | Athens + |
| Asian | 4.3% | 1.8% | Athens + |
| Hispanic | 11.5% | 16.9% | Topeka + |
| Spanish at Home | N/A | N/A | - |
Economy
Median HH Income
Athens
$51,655
Topeka
$55,902
Topeka +
Per Capita Income
Athens
$31,836
Topeka
$33,290
Topeka +
Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)
BEA MSA-level
Athens
$57,405
Topeka
$61,860
Topeka +
Unemployment Rate
Athens
5.2%
Topeka
4.9%
Topeka +
Poverty Rate
Athens
26.3%
Topeka
15.6%
Topeka +
Bachelor's Degree+
Athens
48.7%
Athens +
Topeka
29.1%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median HH Income | $51,655 | $55,902 | Topeka + |
| Per Capita Income | $31,836 | $33,290 | Topeka + |
| Per Capita Personal Income (MSA)BEA MSA-level | $57,405 | $61,860 | Topeka + |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.2% | 4.9% | Topeka + |
| Poverty Rate | 26.3% | 15.6% | Topeka + |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 48.7% | 29.1% | Athens + |
Housing
Median Home Value
Zillow ZHVI / Census ACS
Athens
$341,821
Topeka
$193,522
Topeka +
Homeownership Rate
Athens
40.5%
Topeka
59.2%
Topeka +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home ValueZillow ZHVI / Census ACS | $341,821 | $193,522 | Topeka + |
| Homeownership Rate | 40.5% | 59.2% | Topeka + |
Safety
Violent Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
392
Athens +
Topeka
449
Property Crime / 100K
FBI CDE (state-level est.)
Athens
1752
Athens +
Topeka
2174
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 392 | 449 | Athens + |
| Property Crime / 100KFBI CDE (state-level est.) | 1752 | 2174 | Athens + |
Health
Obesity Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Topeka
39.7%
Diabetes Rate
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Topeka
13.1%
Poor Mental Health
CDC PLACES — 14+ days/month
Athens
N/A
Topeka
16.8%
No Health Insurance
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Topeka
11.4%
Binge Drinking
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Topeka
14.5%
Current Smokers
CDC PLACES
Athens
N/A
Topeka
16.9%
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obesity RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 39.7% | - |
| Diabetes RateCDC PLACES | N/A | 13.1% | - |
| Poor Mental HealthCDC PLACES — 14+ days/month | N/A | 16.8% | - |
| No Health InsuranceCDC PLACES | N/A | 11.4% | - |
| Binge DrinkingCDC PLACES | N/A | 14.5% | - |
| Current SmokersCDC PLACES | N/A | 16.9% | - |
Climate
Avg Annual Temp
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
62.6°F
Topeka
54.5°F
Topeka +
Annual Precipitation
NOAA 1991–2020 normal
Athens
46.3 in
Topeka
39.0 in
Topeka +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual TempNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 62.6°F | 54.5°F | Topeka + |
| Annual PrecipitationNOAA 1991–2020 normal | 46.3 in | 39.0 in | Topeka + |
Air Quality
PM2.5 Annual Avg
EPA AQS (state-level est.)
Athens
9.8 µg/m³
Topeka
8.2 µg/m³
Topeka +
Good Air Days
AQI ≤ 50
Athens
55.0%
Topeka
75.0%
Topeka +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM2.5 Annual AvgEPA AQS (state-level est.) | 9.8 µg/m³ | 8.2 µg/m³ | Topeka + |
| Good Air DaysAQI ≤ 50 | 55.0% | 75.0% | Topeka + |
Commute
Mean Commute Time
Census ACS
Athens
22.3 min
Topeka
18.3 min
Topeka +
| Metric | Athens, GA | Topeka, KS | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Commute TimeCensus ACS | 22.3 min | 18.3 min | Topeka + |
Which City is Right for You?
Topeka leads in median household income at $55,902, while topeka offers more affordable housing with a median home price of $193,522. On public safety, Athens is safer with a violent crime rate of 392 per 100,000 residents, compared to 449 in Topeka. Topeka has a lower unemployment rate at 4.9%, and Topeka has cleaner air (PM2.5 avg 8.2 µg/m³).
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