Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$56,001$4,667 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Athens County, OH
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Athens County, OH
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Athens County, OH. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $902 | $10,824 | $36,080 | 19.3% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $907 | $10,884 | $36,280 | 19.4% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,092 | $13,104 | $43,680 | 23.4% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,338 | $16,056 | $53,520 | 28.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,491 | $17,892 | $59,640 | 31.9% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Athens County, OH
Based on the local median household income of $56,001/year ($4,667/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Ohio
Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Ohio state income tax based on the local median baseline.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Ohio with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Athens County, OH
What is the median household income in Athens County, OH?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Athens County, OH is $56,001 per year (approximately $4,667 per month).
What is the average rent in Athens County, OH?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Athens County, OH are $902 for a studio, $907 for 1 bedroom, $1,092 for 2 bedrooms, $1,338 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,491 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Athens County, OH compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Athens County, OH is 92.8 (7.2% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Athens County, OH?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,092/month) in Athens County, OH requires a minimum gross household income of $43,680 per year ($3,640 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Athens County, OH?
For a typical household earning the median income of $56,001/year ($4,667/month) in Athens County, OH, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,333/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,400/month to discretionary spending, and $933/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Athens County, OH?
Residential electricity rates in Ohio average 19.2¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $173 per month.