Special Interest
Housing in Athens County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Athens County averages $939/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Ohio median of $1,034 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 41% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Athens County FMR Area are $992 for a studio, $998 for 1‑bedroom, $1,202 for 2‑bedroom, $1,473 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,641 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $263 increase for a 2-bedroom in Athens County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Athens County was 5.2% in 2024, compared to Ohio at 4.3% and the national rate of 4.0%.
