| Statistic | Athens | Illinois | National |
| Population | 2,349 | 12,671,821 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,396 | 228 | 91 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 63% | 55% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 47% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 77% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 13% | 13% |
Athens demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Athens population is 2,349 and has a population density of 1,396 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 35.9, 63% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 47% have kids under the age of 18. In Athens, 11% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 20% of households report a median income above $150,000.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in Athens are 93% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 2.1% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of note, 98.5% of households reported speaking English only, while 0.9% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 1.4% of residents were classified as foreign-born. The Athens racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown are essential for comprehending and addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities.
Athens has a population density that is well above-average, which plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Its compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, active transportation modes like walking and cycling and the utilization of public transit, fostering sustainable lifestyles and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the area's dense population contributes to a vibrant social and cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity fuels creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the community's social fabric. Athens has a population density of 1,396 people per square mile, exceeding the national average of 91 and positions itself in a good spot to reap the benefits of densely populated areas.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Athens demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in Athens can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
Education Allocation: Education planning benefits significantly from Athens demographic information, which helps identify student demographics, school enrollment trends, and educational needs. This data assists schools and policymakers in allocating resources effectively and devising impactful educational programs. It serves as a vital tool for recognizing disparities in educational access and outcomes among diverse demographic groups, including racial and ethnic minorities, socio-economic status, and students with disabilities. By disaggregating data based on demographic factors, education planners can pinpoint areas of inequity and implement targeted interventions to improve access, support, and outcomes for marginalized students. Ultimately, Athens demographic data is essential in education for advancing equity, fostering student success, and cultivating inclusive learning environments tailored to meet the needs of all students.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Athens has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
| Race | Athens | Illinois | National |
| White | 93.02% | 72.14% | 73.35% |
| Black | 2.17% | 14.30% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.26% | 5.10% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.23% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 4.26% | 2.34% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.30% | 5.86% | 4.75% |
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