| Statistic | Reportedincidents | /100k people | Athens/100k people | Texas/100k people | National/100k people |
| Total crime | 251 | n/a (estimate) | 1,830 | 2,430 | 2,119 |
| Murder | 0 | n/a | 0.0 | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 4 | n/a | 29.2 | 50.0 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 6 | n/a | 43.7 | 63.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 48 | n/a | 349.9 | 270.7 | 256.1 |
| Violent crime | 58 | n/a (estimate) | 423 | 389 | 359 |
| Burglary | 34 | n/a | 247.9 | 284.3 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 152 | n/a | 1,108.0 | 1,425.6 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle theft | 7 | n/a | 51.0 | 330.7 | 258.8 |
| Property crime | 193 | n/a (estimate) | 1,407 | 2,041 | 1,760 |

Looking at the most recent crime report, the crime rate in Athens is 13.7% lower than the national average. These crimes fall into two primary categories: violent and property. Violent crimes encompass murder, rape, robbery and assault, while property crimes involve theft, vehicle theft and burglary. In Athens, there were 58 reported violent crimes, equivalent to 423 per 100,000 individuals, 17.7% higher than the national average. Additionally, there were 193 property crimes, amounting to 1407 per 100,000 residents, 20.1% lower than the U.S. average.
In the latest reported crime year, Athens recorded zero homicides. This statistic potentially positions the city as a paragon of security, radiating a profound sense of safety for its residents. A low number of severe violent crimes instills a deep feeling of well-being among its community but also establishes a lofty benchmark for other locales aspiring to foster equally secure environments.
AreaVibes surveyed 15 local residents in Athens to gauge the safety of the area. Based on the results, 27% of people answered that there was very little crime in Athens and that they felt very comfortable walking alone at night. Another 73% of people responded that there was far too much crime and they would be hesitant to walk the streets alone at night. Keep in mind that the opinions of residents may vary depending on which area they live in.
To determine if Athens is a safe place to live, let's take a look at the overall crime rate of the area, as well as the number of daily crimes. Athens has a total crime rate that is 14% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. This results in a total of 0.69 daily crimes (0.16 violent daily crimes and 0.53 daily property crimes) in Athens.
Year-over-year crime data allows us to analyze short-term trends in crime activity. By comparing crime rates from one year to the next, we can identify patterns and shifts in Athens crime rates. This information can be invaluable for residents looking to make informed decisions on where to live. When comparing the most recent year to the previous year, total crime in Athens has increased by 3.7% year over year. Violent crime has increased by 16% and property crime has increased by 0.5%.
High population density areas are often large urban centers with diverse economic opportunities. These areas can exacerbate income inequality, with pockets of poverty existing alongside affluence. Areas with economic disparities may experience higher property crimes and, in some cases, violent crimes. On the other hand, areas with low population density tend to see lower Athens crime rates. The population density in Athens is 773.6 people per square mile, while the national average is 90.6 people per square mile.
In Athens, the cost of living is 14.26% lower than the national average. A high cost of living can induce economic stress for locals, especially those with limited financial resources. When people grapple with soaring housing expenses, utility bills, healthcare costs, and other essential necessities, they may be driven towards criminal activities, including theft or fraud, as a means of financial survival. Conversely, cities boasting a lower cost of living may mitigate economic pressures and potentially result in reduced crime rates.
In Athens, the median home price stands at $171,841, diverging from the national average of $326,622. Elevated housing costs often induce financial strain among residents. When individuals grapple with the challenges of affording housing, they may find themselves compelled to resort to criminal activities as a means of addressing their financial hardships, including acts like theft or fraud. This predicament is particularly pronounced in areas where housing affordability poses a persistent issue, giving rise to heightened concerns regarding crime. In such instances, some individuals and families may find themselves constrained to reside in cramped or subpar housing conditions, exacerbating stress levels and potentially fostering domestic disputes and associated criminal incidents.
| Item | Athens | Texas | National |
| Law enforcement employees (officers & civilians) | 31 | 46,020 | 558,732 |
| Police officers & civilians /1000 residents | 2.4 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| State | Total offenders | Texas /100K | National /100K |
| Texas | 95,281 | 443 | 266 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Log Cabin, TX | 900 | 119 | 0 | 119 |
| Eustace, TX | 1,375 | 86 | 86 | 172 |
| Brownsboro, TX | 1,605 | 379 | 379 | 758 |
| Star Harbor, TX | 534 | 157 | 824 | 981 |
| Payne Springs, TX | 725 | 0 | 1,194 | 1,194 |
| Malakoff, TX | 2,652 | 214 | 1,122 | 1,336 |
| Poynor, TX | 371 | 346 | 1,812 | 2,158 |
| Athens, TX | 12,992 | 423 | 1,407 | 1,830 |
| City | Population | Violent crime/100k people | Property crime/100k people | Total crime/100k people |
| Fords, NJ | 12,993 | 204 | 1,333 | 1,536 |
| Georgetown, GA | 12,996 | 249 | 1,278 | 1,527 |
| Middleburg, FL | 12,986 | 269 | 1,431 | 1,700 |
| San Anselmo, CA | 13,003 | 185 | 792 | 977 |
| Fernandina Beach, FL | 13,006 | 102 | 541 | 643 |
| Athens, TX | 12,992 | 423 | 1,407 | 1,830 |