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Moving to Athens, Wisconsin

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The current estimated population of Athens is 1,100, with males making up 51% and females 49%. The population has remained stable over the years, reflecting its rural character and strong sense of community.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1890
  • County Affiliated: Marathon County
  • Land Area: 2.2 square miles
  • Population Density: 500 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 715
  • Zip Codes: 54411

Geography and Location

Athens is a small rural town located in north-central Wisconsin, within Marathon County. The town is surrounded by farmland, forests, and small lakes, typical of the region’s agricultural landscape. Athens is located approximately 30 miles west of Wausau, making it part of the greater Wausau metropolitan area while maintaining a distinct rural identity. The town’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with dairy farming playing a significant role. Athens experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters, typical of the northern Midwest. The town is known for its strong community spirit, with local events such as the annual Athens Fair bringing residents together. Athens is also home to several outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling, thanks to its proximity to state parks and natural areas. The town’s peaceful, rural setting and close-knit community make it an attractive place for families and retirees looking for a quiet, simple way of life.

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.1 years
Median household income: $39,286
Median house value: $78,900

Population by Race

Races in Athens:

  • White Non-Hispanic (97.2%)
  • Hispanic (2.1%)
  • Two or more races (0.6%)
  • Other race (0.5%)

Ancestries: German (65.5%), Polish (17.4%), Irish (5.8%), United States (4.9%), English (3.7%), Norwegian (3.7%).

Elevation: 1410 feet

Land area: 2.4 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Athens

  • High school or higher: 77.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.2%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.3%
  • Unemployed: 2.5%
  • Mean travel time to work: 23.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Athens village

  • Never married: 23.1%
  • Now married: 57.6%
  • Separated: 0.5%
  • Widowed: 11.9%
  • Divorced: 7.0%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +122 (+12.5%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Athens:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Athens:

  • CENTRAL WISCONSIN (about 34 miles; MOSINEE, WI; Abbreviation: CWA)
  • RHINELANDER-ONEIDA COUNTY (about 59 miles; RHINELANDER, WI; Abbreviation: RHI)
  • VOLK FIELD (about 77 miles; CAMP DOUGLAS, WI; Abbreviation: VOK)

Other public-use airports nearest to Athens:

  • TAYLOR COUNTY (about 17 miles; MEDFORD, WI; Abbreviation: MDZ)
  • MERRILL MUNI (about 29 miles; MERRILL, WI; Abbreviation: RRL)
  • MARSHFIELD MUNI (about 29 miles; MARSHFIELD, WI; Abbreviation: MFI)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Athens:

  • NORTHCENTRAL TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 29 miles; WAUSAU, WI; Full-time enrollment: 2,039)
  • UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STEVENS POINT (about 51 miles; STEVENS POINT, WI; Full-time enrollment: 8,083)
  • UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-EAU CLAIRE (about 99 miles; EAU CLAIRE, WI; Full-time enrollment: 9,866)
  • CHIPPEWA VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 99 miles; EAU CLAIRE, WI; Full-time enrollment: 2,601)
  • WESTERN WISCONSIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 109 miles; LA CROSSE, WI; Full-time enrollment: 2,973)
  • UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-LA CROSSE (about 116 miles; LA CROSSE, WI; Full-time enrollment: 8,669)
  • FOX VALLEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE AT APPLETON (about 126 miles; APPLETON, WI; Full-time enrollment: 3,364)

Schools

Public high school in Athens:

  • ATHENS HI (Students: 214; Location: 601 W LIMITS RD; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • ATHENS EL (Students: 235; Location: 209 N SCHLEGEL ST; Grades: PK – 05)
  • ATHENS JR (Students: 98; Location: 601 W LIMITS RD; Grades: 06 – 08)

Private primary/middle schools in Athens:

  • TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Students: 99; Location: PO BOX 100; Grades: PK – 8)
  • ST ANTHONY SCHOOL (Students: 76; Location: P O BOX I 309 MUELLER; Grades: KG – 8)

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