Athens City Center, Athens, OH

Is Athens, OH (City Center) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide

Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Athens, Ohio - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.

Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.

Hoodscore
95

Crime Summary:

Crime Overview (last 12 months)

Severe8
Medium2
Low3
Other3

23 Registered Offenders Nearby

Rape2
Child involved8
Assault0
Other13

Crime Details:

Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.

Crime dateCrime descriptionAddressCrime category
Jul 14, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews were dispatched to a reported fire alarm at a hotel on East State Street in Athens. Hotel management then reported it was a false alarm and responders were advised not to continue to the scene.E State St, Athens, OH 45701Fire
Jul 10, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers received a report of a brown or gold Honda SUV or hatchback driving in the median on US 33 near the Wayne National Forest building, reportedly emitting white smoke. Fire personnel were notified to check the possible vehicle hazard along the eastbound lanes.US-33, Nelsonville, OH 45764Traffic
Jul 10, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency crews were dispatched to a possible traffic accident at the intersection of North Penn Street and Elm Street in The Plains after an automated severe crash detection alert, with no signs of distress reported.Elm St, The Plains, OH 45780Traffic
Jun 24, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were advised of a possible shoplifting at a convenience store on West Union Street, with the subject reported to have left the area.W Union St, Athens, OH 45701Theft
Jun 24, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, officers conducted a traffic stop on a blue Honda station wagon near South Street and 1st Street in Athens, Ohio. The vehicle’s registration was checked, and the registered owner appeared to be valid with noted driving restrictions and a prior speeding conviction.1st St, Athens, OH 45701Traffic
Jun 20, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a possible medical emergency involving a 64-year-old woman who fell near South William Street in Athens Township. The caller reports that the woman has blurry vision.South St, The Plains, OH 45780Medical Emergency
Jun 18, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, units are responding to a possible fire alarm activation at a building on North Court Street in Athens, involving a smoke detector alarm panel.N Court St, Athens, OH 45701Fire & Arson
Jun 6, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers discuss a possible gas-related incident near Woodshire Court in Athens, where gas service has been shut off and personnel are waiting for the gas company to arrive.Woodshire Ct, Athens, OH 45701Other Non-Crime
Jun 6, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, fire crews in Athens were dispatched to a residence on Woodshire Court for a possible carbon monoxide check.Woodshire Ct, Athens, OH 45701Fire & Arson
Jun 2, 2026As discussed during the dispatch call, a deputy on State Route 682 near Chauncey contacted a driver who reported nearly hitting a dog by the roadside and requested assistance from the animal shelter.State Rte 682, Chauncey, OHAnimal Incident

For all crime details - View Safety Report

Median Home Price
$311,703
Average Rent
$1,312
Vacancy Rate
14.7%

Neighborhood Overview

Athens City Center is a densely urban neighborhood in Athens, Ohio, with a median home price of $311,703 and average rent of $1,312.

The area is dominated by renter-occupied small to medium apartment buildings, with many residents attending college, making it highly college-focused and walkable.

Child poverty is very high at 87.7%, and the neighborhood has a low per capita income compared to most U.S. neighborhoods.

UrbanCollege TownHigh Renter OccupancyWalkable

Quick Facts

Renter Occupied Rate88.9%

Housing market and real estate character

Housing in Athens City Center is primarily renter occupied, consisting mostly of small to medium apartment buildings built mainly between 1970 and 1999.

Housing TypeSmall to medium apartment complexes and buildings
Housing AgeMany built 1970-1999, some 1940-1969

What buyers will notice right away

Dominated by renter occupancy, not typical for owner-occupants.
Most housing built between 1970 and 1999.
Vacancy rate suggests either weak demand or new unoccupied units.

Families & Lifestyle

Athens City Center is a college-focused neighborhood with a large student population and high child poverty rates.

The neighborhood is ideal for college students due to its walkability and safety.
High child poverty reflects economic challenges despite the college presence.
College Student Hub — High concentration of college students shapes the neighborhood's character.
Walkable Urban Living — 40.6% walk to work, one of the highest rates nationally.
College Enrollment68.3%
Child Poverty Rate87.7%
Sales & Service Employment43.7%
Executive & Professional Employment30.9%

Demographics

College Enrollment68.3%
Child Poverty Rate87.7%
Per Capita Income
English Speakers94.3%
Polish Speakers2.6%
Belgian Ancestry0.8%
Top Ancestries["German (21.8%)","Irish (12.4%)","English (11.9%)","Polish (7.0%)","Italian (6.7%)"]

Commute

Many residents enjoy short commutes, with a large share walking to work.

Athens City Center offers exceptional walkability with many residents walking to work, complemented by moderate driving rates.

Short Commutes — Most residents commute under 15 minutes.
Walkability — High walking rate to work reflects urban, pedestrian-friendly environment.
Main Commute TimeUnder 15 minutes
Walk to Work Rate40.6%
Drive Alone Rate39.3%

Homes for sale near 45719

For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the housing market like in Athens City Center?

The neighborhood is dominated by renter-occupied small to medium apartments with a high vacancy rate of 14.7%.

Is Athens City Center a good place for college students?

Yes, 68.3% of residents are enrolled in college, making it highly college-focused and walkable.

What are the poverty levels?

Child poverty is very high at 87.7%, higher than 99.7% of U.S. neighborhoods.

Experience Athens City Center

Explore rental options in this vibrant, walkable college neighborhood with a unique urban character.

Find Rentals