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Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Athens

Affordable Housing in Athens, TN

Athens has 8 affordable and income-based properties offering 926 total units. Of the 6 properties with inspection scores on record, 4 rated excellent and 2 rated good, with none falling into fair or poor -- a strong overall picture for renters seeking quality subsidized housing in this city.

8
Properties
926
Total units
95/100
Avg HUD score

At a glance

🏠 Affordability
$846/mo

Affordability in Athens, TN

Athens has a median household income of $53,929 and a median gross rent of $846 per month, with renters making up 40% of occupied households, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimates (as of 2024). These figures provide context for the 750 income-restricted units available across 6 HUD-assisted properties in the city.

Census ACS 5-Year
🛡️ Safety
622 / 100k · 2024

Safety

According to FBI Crime Data Explorer, the Athens Police Department reported a violent crime rate of 622 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and definitions.

None of the 6 HUD-assisted properties in Athens are located in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone, based on available flood map data.

FBI Crime Data Explorer
🚶 Getting around
Walk Score 46 · Car-Dependent

Getting Around Athens

The area around assisted properties in Athens scores 46 out of 100 (Car-Dependent) for walkability and 25 out of 100 for bikeability, according to Walk Score. Most daily errands will likely require a car. No Transit Score is available for this area.

Walk Score
🎓 Schools
6 schools · 2 districts

Schools

According to NCES Common Core of Data, 6 public schools across 2 districts serve Athens, including 4 elementary, 1 middle, and 1 high school. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address before applying.

NCES Common Core of Data
📊 Cost of living
$53,929 median income

Housing Costs in Athens, TN

The median household income in Athens is $53,929 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year estimates. The median asking rent citywide is $846 per month, also per Census ACS 5-Year data.

HUD-assisted and income-based housing in Athens is designed to keep rent affordable relative to your income -- typically capping your rent at 30% of your gross monthly earnings. The 750 income-restricted units across 6 properties in the city provide an important option for renters whose budgets fall below market rate.

Census ACS 5-Year
🌊 Environment & risk

Environment

All 6 HUD-assisted properties in Athens were mapped for flood zone exposure. None are located in a high-risk flood zone, which is a low environmental concern for renters considering these buildings.

FEMA · EPA AirNow
HUD Inspection Scoresavg 95/100(6 of 8 scored)
90+ (4)70–89 (2)No score (2)

8 properties on the map

Top-rated properties

Browse all 8 affordable apartments in Athens→

Other cities in TN

› Affordable housing in Bristol› Chattanooga income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Clarksville› Cleveland affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Columbia› Affordable housing in Crossville› Dyersburg income-based apartments› Income-restricted rentals in Gallatin› Greeneville affordable apartments› HUD & Section 8 housing in Jackson› Affordable housing in Johnson City› Kingsport income-based apartments

Your rights & resources

› How HUD & Section 8 housing works› Tenant rights in TN› Housing assistance & waitlists› Free legal aid (LawHelp)› Energy bill help (LIHEAP)

Read more

About Affordable Housing in Athens, TN

Athens is a small Tennessee city where 40 percent of residents rent their homes, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. With a citywide median rent of $846 per month and a median household income of $53,929 (Census ACS 5-Year), renters here have a real stake in finding housing that fits their budget.

Lease Lantern tracks 6 HUD-assisted and income-based properties in Athens, covering 750 units total. All 6 properties have been scored, and 4 earned an excellent rating while the remaining 2 rated good -- none fell into fair or poor territory.

On flood risk, none of the 6 mapped properties carry a high-risk designation, which is a reassuring baseline for renters weighing long-term stability.

Getting around Athens leans on having a car. Walk Score rates the city at 46 (Car-Dependent) and assigns a bike score of 25, so proximity to transit and walkable errands is worth factoring into your search.

Athens is served by 6 public schools across 2 districts -- including 4 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school -- according to NCES Common Core of Data.

A Closer Look at Athens Is Coming

Eligibility & how to apply

Tennessee income limits (2026)Tennessee public housing authoritiesSection 8 waitlists in Tennessee

Helpful guides

How Section 8 Vouchers WorkWhat Is Income-Based Housing?How to Apply for Affordable HousingSection 8 vs. LIHTCUnderstanding HUD Inspection ScoresHow Affordable Housing Waitlists Work
Research: what 22,600 HUD inspection scores reveal →