Where does this demographic data come from?

All demographic data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, which samples about 3.5 million households annually. The 5-year estimates provide the most reliable data for small geographies like municipalities.

What is the difference between Census data and ACS data?

The decennial Census (conducted every 10 years) is a full population count focusing on basic demographics. The ACS is an ongoing survey that collects detailed data on income, education, housing, commute patterns, and more. ACS data is updated annually but represents averages over a 5-year period.

How accurate is this data for small towns?

For smaller municipalities, ACS estimates have wider margins of error because fewer residents are sampled. The 5-year estimates reduce this uncertainty by averaging over a longer period. For towns under 5,000 people, treat specific numbers as approximations rather than precise counts.

Athens, WI Population, Income & Demographics 2026

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Demographics — 2024 ACS 5-Year Estimatesi

Census

Populationi

23,396

Median Agei

21.6

Race & Ethnicityi

White

81.6%19,081

Two or More

7.2%1,687

Hispanic/Latino

4.2%978

Black

3.7%860

Asian

3.2%759

Other

0.1%19

American Indian/Alaska Native

0.1%12

Educational Attainment (Age 25+)i

GED/Alternative

3.2%257

High School Diploma

8.8%718

Some College (<1 yr)

3.7%301

Some College (1+ yr)

8.5%692

Associate's Degree

6.4%523

Bachelor's Degree

27.6%2,239

Master's Degree

23.9%1,944

Professional Degree

1.8%147

Doctorate

10.7%872

HS or Higher

94.7%

BA or Higher

64.1%

Graduate+

36.5%

Housingi

Median Home Valuei

$164,000

Median Renti

$855

Tenure

Owner-Occupied

72.4%645

Renter-Occupied

27.6%246

Total Units

984

Homeownership

72.4%

Vacancy Rate

9.5%

Economyi

Median Household Incomei

$81,192

Mean Household Incomei

$85,341

Per Capita Incomei

$35,387

Poverty Ratei

9.5%

Unemploymenti

5.7%

Labor Forcei

1,179

Household Income Distribution

Under $10K

5.1%45

$10K–$15K

5.7%51

$15K–$20K

2.9%26

$20K–$25K

1%9

$25K–$30K

4.9%44

$30K–$35K

5.1%45

$35K–$40K

3.4%30

$40K–$45K

2.4%21

$45K–$50K

3.4%30

$50K–$60K

6.4%57

$60K–$75K

4.8%43

$75K–$100K

14%125

$100K–$125K

16.3%145

$125K–$150K

10.3%92

$150K–$200K

11%98

$200K+

3.4%30

Federally Subsidized Housingi

HUD

The federal government helps low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities afford housing through several programs. Residents typically pay about 30% of their income toward rent, with the government covering the rest. This data shows how many households in this community receive that assistance.

Subsidized Homesi

Residentsi

112

Avg. Tenant Renti

$483/mo

Programs in this community

Housing Choice Vouchers22 homes68% occupied$641/mo rent

Rental vouchers (Section 8) that help tenants pay for private-market housing

Project Based Section 834 homes75% occupied$380/mo rent

Privately owned apartments with rent subsidies tied to the building

Household Incomei

Based on area median of $81,192/yr

Extremely low incomeUnder $24K/yr

74%

Very low income$24K–$41K/yr

26%

Who Receives This Housing

85.1% of subsidized households are headed by a single mother

5.2% of subsidized households are minority

22.3% of subsidized households include someone with a disability

23.3% of subsidized households include a senior (62+)

Ancestry & Heritage

Self-reported ancestry groups. Residents may report multiple ancestries, so totals may exceed 100%.

Social Characteristicsi

Marital Status (15+)i

Veteransi

110(7.1% of civilian adults)