Home Values in Athens, Georgia — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Balanced Market | +6.5% YoY
The median home value in Athens, Georgia is $255,000 as of March 2026, which is below the national median of $400,000. Home values in Athens have increased by 6.5% over the past year and 37% over the last five years. With a population of 127,064 and a median household income of $38,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 6.7x, making Athens affordable for the average household.
Athens Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Athens | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $255,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +6.5% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +37% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $102 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 35 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 4.9 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 96.5% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 61 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.69% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Athens
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $186,131 five years ago in Athens would have gained approximately $68,869 in equity, representing a 37% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $15,563 in home equity.
Affordability in Athens, GA
With a median household income of $38,250 and a median home price of $255,000, the price-to-income ratio in Athens is 6.7x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $1,935 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $1,407 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.73. In Athens, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Athens
The effective property tax rate in Georgia is 0.92%. On a home valued at $255,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $2,346, or approximately $196/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Athens is 89.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are below the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Athens, GA?
The median home value in Athens, Georgia is $255,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +6.5% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 37%.
Is Athens a buyer's or seller's market?
Athens is currently a balanced market with 4.9 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 35 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 96.5%. Supply and demand are relatively balanced.
Are home values going up in Athens?
Yes, home values in Athens have increased by 6.5% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 37%, meaning a home worth $186,131 five years ago is now worth $255,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Athens?
The average monthly rent in Athens is $1,935, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $1,407. The price-to-rent ratio is 11. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Home Values in Other Georgia Cities
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Athens, Georgia is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.