Athens County Income Charts

This section shows the Athens County Ohio economy using the most recent economic analysis from the 2019 Census Bureau. Starting with Figure 1 which shows the median earnings per worker, Athens County depicts it has a median earnings per worker of $40,943 which is the second most of all the counties in the local area. The county with the highest median earnings per worker in the area is Hocking County which shows a median earnings of $41,668 ( only slightly larger). Comparing median earnings per worker to the United States average of $47,712, Athens County is about 16.5% smaller. Also, in comparison with the state of Ohio, median earnings per worker of $46,314, Athens County is about 13.1% smaller.

In Figure 2 a more complete view of income is shown which aggregates income from all members in the household and it has a median household income of $37,778 which is the smallest when sorted by median household income of all the other counties in the local area. The county with the highest median household income in the area is Hocking County which shows a median income of $50,000 (32.4% larger). Comparing median household income to the United States average of $60,293, Athens County is approximately three-fourths the size. Also, in contrast to the state of Ohio, median household income of $54,533, Athens County is approximately three-fourths the size.

The next section examines a variety of different income statistics for the Athens County metropolitan area. In Figure 3 we see that it it has the largest proportion of earnings less than $10,000 at 44.8% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has the smallest proportion of earnings between $15,000 and $19,999 at 5.6% of the total. Third, it has the smallest proportion of earnings between $20,000 and $49,999 at 22.2% of the total. Also, it has the smallest proportion of earnings between $50,000 and $74,999 at 12.8% of the total. In addition, it has the smallest proportion of earnings between $75,000 and $99,999 at 3.0% of the total.

Figure 5 has the Average number of hours worked in a typical work week during the year, it has an average hours of 33.4 which is the smallest as measured by average hours of all the other counties in the local area. The county with the highest average hours in the area is Perry County which depicts an average hours of 39.1 (17.1% larger). Dividing median annual worker earnings by the average number of hours worked in a year in Figure 6 shows that it has an average hourly earnings of $23.57 which is the largest of all counties in the greater Athens County region. Comparing average hourly earnings to the United States average of $23.71, Athens County is about the same size. Also, versus the state of Ohio, average hourly earnings of $23.25, Athens County is only slightly larger.

Figure 7 examines the number of self employed people in the Athens County metro area based on the number of people who reported any self employment income. Athens County shows it has a percentage of people self employed of 9.2% which is the third most of all other counties in the local area. The county with the highest percentage of people self employed in the area is Meigs County which shows a percentage self employed of 11.8% (28.0% larger).

Turning our attention to Figure 8, the median household income by age group, has the smallest proportion of median income-under 25 years at $15,766 of the total. Second, it has less than most other counties in the surrounding region in order of median income-25 to 44 years at $48,046 of the total. Third, it has less than most other counties in the greater region in terms of median income-45 to 64 years at $48,607 of the total. Also, it has in the mid range of other counties in the metropolitan area as measured by median income-65 years and over at $36,617 of the total.

Figure 9 breaks down the source of income and Athens County has the smallest proportion of social security at 7.8% of the total.

The next chart (Figure 11) shows the percentage of households that had retirement income over the last 12 months and it has a households with retirement income of 21.4% which is the second smallest when ranked by households with retirement income of all the other counties in the metropolitan area. The county with the highest households with retirement income in the area is Morgan County which shows a households with retirement income of 27.3% (27.2% larger).

In the next chart, Figure 12, the median family income is shown for families broken down by racial group and it has one of the largest proportions of overall family income at $58,308 of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 Wood County ($59,591), and #1 Hocking County ($63,491) are larger. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of white family income at $59,308 of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 Wood County ($60,717), and #1 Hocking County ($63,643) are larger. Third, it has one of the largest proportions of american indian family income at $26,518 of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Wood County with $56,274. Also, it has the largest proportion of asian family income at $61,719 of the total and is ranked #1.

Figure 13 shows the cost of living and other consumer spending categories for a variety of cost components from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Athens County depicts it has the hightest cost of 107.7 for the cost of healthcare grouping.

Athens County Labor Force Charts

The next two charts look at very recent, monthly trended employment related performance using data estimated by economists at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS tracks unemployment statistics for a large number of areas throughout the country on a month to month basis. However, not every location in the U.S. is tracked by the BLS so the chart will only show the closest location available (which may be the same location.) Figure 14 shows the monthly unemployment rate for the area as well as a comparison to the overall national economy measure for the United States. Note that in March to April 2020, the Covid 19 recession or great recession occurred and affects this metric. It depicts that from January 2010 to before the disasterous Covid-19 virus Pandemic the monthly unemployment rate went from 11.0% to 5.9% in March 2020. This represents a decrease in the monthly unemployment rate of 46.4%. Since that time, the monthly unemployment rate has gone to 7.3% This represents an increase in the monthly unemployment rate of 23.7%. In Figure 15 the monthly labor force participation which are people actively looking for work are also defined as unemployed but do not include people who have given up looking for work. It depicts that from January 2010 to before the disasterous COVID-19 Pandemic the monthly labor force participation went from 28,954 to 29,178 in March 2020. This represents an increase in the monthly labor force participation of very little. Since that time, the monthly labor force participation has gone to 26,940 This represents a decrease in the monthly labor force participation of 7.7%.

The next two charts look at the annual unemployment rate/eligible for unemployment benefits and is based on the American Community survey. Figure 16 shows Athens County shows it has an unemployment rate of 4.0% which is in the mid range of other counties in the metro area. The county with the highest unemployment rate in the area is Vinton County which shows a rate of 5.4% (36.6% larger). Figure 17 shows the labor force participation using the estimated percentage of people either working or actively looking for work. Athens County shows it has a participation rate of 52.0% which is the second smallest in order of participation rate of all the other counties in the area.

The Components of Employment Status graph in Figure 18 shows the composition of the labor force broken down by employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force (but 16 years of age or older). Athens County has the smallest proportion of employed at 47.9% of the total.

The percentage of full-time workers are compared to the number of part-time workers in Figure 19. Athens County shows full time employees 37.4% larger as the part time employees.

The next employment related data item is shown in Figure 21 which is the percentage of families with only a single earner in the greater Athens County area. Athens County shows it has a families with a single earner of 29.4% which is the third most families with a single earner of all other counties in the greater Athens County region. The county with the highest families with a single earner in the area is Vinton County which shows a single earners rate of 31.9% (8.4% larger). The percentage of families with no one working is depicted in Figure 22. Athens County shows it has a families with no one working of 23.2% which is in the mid point range of other counties in the greater region. The county with the highest families with no one working in the area is Morgan County which depicts a families with no worker of 27.3% (17.8% larger).

Athens County Poverty Charts

The next section details economy analysis about poverty for residents of the Athens County community. This performance can be enhanced by government programs such as economic opportunity zone to influence manufacturing, job growth, economic opportunity an hopefully lead to economic recovery after the recent Covid 19 recession. In Figure 23 the total number of people earning less than the poverty level are shown. Athens County depicts it has a total people earning less than the poverty level of 17,212 which is is the uppermost of the counties in the surrounding region.

In Figure 24 the percentage of people earning less than the poverty level is shown and compared across the group of places. Athens County depicts it has a percent of people earning less than the poverty level of 30.6% which is the largest of all counties in the greater Athens County region.

In Figure 25 people who are in poverty are broken out by age group. Athens County has the smallest proportion of person in poverty under 12 years at 12% of the total. Second, it has the smallest proportion of person in poverty 12 to 17 years at 6% of the total. Third, it has the largest proportion of person in poverty 18 to 34 years at 54% of the total and is ranked #1. Also, it has the smallest proportion of person in poverty 35 to 54 years at 15% of the total. In addition, it has the smallest proportion of person in poverty 65+ years at 6% of the total.

The next chart, Figure 26, shows the percentage of people in poverty by racial group. Athens County has the largest proportion of white poverty rate at 29% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of black poverty rate at 47% of the total and is ranked #3. Only #2 Hocking County (54%), and #1 Vinton County (70%) are larger. Third, it has the largest proportion of american indian poverty rate at 71% of the total and is ranked #1. Also, it has the largest proportion of asian poverty rate at 45% of the total and is ranked #1. In addition, it has the largest proportion of hawaiian poverty rate at 16% of the total and is ranked #1. Furthermore, it has the largest proportion of hispanicp poverty rate at 57% of the total and is ranked #1.

Figure 27 shows key poverty statistics for groups based on marriage status. Athens County has the largest proportion of unmarried with children and in poverty at 59% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has the largest proportion of unmarried female with children and in poverty at 63% of the total and is ranked #1. Third, it has the largest proportion of unmarried male with children and in poverty at 51% of the total and is ranked #1.

The next chart looks at the percentage of people in poverty based on their education level in Figure 28 marriage status. Athens County has the largest proportion of less than highschool in poverty at 38% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has the largest proportion of highschool graduate and in poverty at 20% of the total and is ranked #1. Third, it has the largest proportion of has some college and in poverty at 23% of the total and is ranked #1. Also, it has one of the largest proportions of college graduate and in poverty at 11% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Morgan County with 11%. Figure 29 looks at only those people who make less than the poverty level of income and breaks down there employment status. Athens County has the largest proportion of people who are in poverty and employed at 26.0% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has the largest proportion of people who are in poverty and not in labor force at 29.1% of the total and is ranked #1. Additionally, Figure 30 looks at the percentage of people who receive some form of public assistance including general assistance, temporary assistance or food stamps (i.e. SNAP.) Athens County depicts it has a households with public assistance of 20.1% which is less than most other counties in the greater region. The county with the highest households with public assistance in the area is Vinton County which shows a households with public assistance of 27.9% (38.3% larger).

Figure 31 shows the "Gini Index of Income Inequality" with a range from zero (perfect equality) to one (perfect inequality). Athens County shows it has a the gini index of 51.0% which is the largest of all counties in the greater Athens County region.

Athens County Work Commute Charts

The following set of charts detail a variety of metrics that have economic impact, economic grow factors and economic development metrics in the Athens County community and has an impact on other factors such as economic growth, population growth, economic recovery, job growth, etc.. Figure 32 shows a high level view of how the population commutes to work (including the percent of people who work from home.) Athens County has the smallest proportion of people who drive a car or motorcycle to work at 80% of the total. Second, it has the largest proportion of people who bicycle or walk to work at 15% of the total and is ranked #1. Figure 33 shows a more detailed view of how the population commutes to work for (for example to downtown Athens County or elsewhere.) Athens County has the smallest proportion of people who drove alone at 72% of the total. Second, it has the largest proportion of people who take the ferry at 0% of the total and is ranked #1. Third, it has the largest proportion of people who bike at 2% of the total and is ranked #1. Also, it has the largest proportion of people who walked at 13% of the total and is ranked #1. In addition, it has the smallest proportion of people who took a taxicab, motorcycle or other at 0% of the total.

In Figure 35 is shown a frequency distribution of the time that people leave for work. Athens County has the smallest proportion of people who leave for work between 12am to 5am at 4% of the total. Second, it has the smallest proportion of people who leave for work between 5am to 530am at 2% of the total. Third, it has the smallest proportion of people who leave for work between 530 am to 6am at 3% of the total. Also, it has the smallest proportion of people who leave for work between 6am to 630am at 7% of the total. In addition, it has the smallest proportion of people who leave for work between 630 am to 7am at 6% of the total. Furthermore, it has the smallest proportion of people who leave for work between 7am to 730am at 10% of the total. Next it has the largest proportion of people who leave for work between 8am to 830am at 11% of the total and is ranked #1. Additionally, it has the largest proportion of people who leave for work between 830 am to 9am at 8% of the total and is ranked #1. And then, it has the largest proportion of people who leave for work between 9am to 10am at 8% of the total and is ranked #1. Also, it has the largest proportion of people who leave for work between 10am to 11am at 4% of the total and is ranked #1. Likewise, it has the largest proportion of people who leave for work between 11am to 12noon at 3% of the total and is ranked #1. Finally, it has the largest proportion of people who leave for work between 12noon to 4pm at 12% of the total and is ranked #1.

The next graph in Figure 36 shows the average number of minutes that it takes for people to commute to work. Athens County has the largest proportion of people with commute time between 5 to 9 minutes at 18% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has the largest proportion of people with commute time between 10 to 14 minutes at 21% of the total and is ranked #1. Third, it has the smallest proportion of people with commute time between 30 to 34 minutes at 7% of the total. Also, it has the smallest proportion of people with commute time between 40 to 44 minutes at 1% of the total. In addition, it has the second smallest as measured by people with commute time of less than 5 minutes of all the other counties in the local area in order of people with commute time between 60 to 89 minutes at 4% of the total. Furthermore, it has the second smallest in terms of people with commute time of less than 5 minutes of all the other counties in the local area when sorted by people with commute time of 90 or more minutesutes at 2% of the total.

The average commute time is shown in Figure 37. Athens County depicts it has an average commute time of 20 which is the second smallest in terms of average commute time of all the other counties in the local area. Figure 38 shows the difference between male versus female commuting time. Athens County depicts average commute time in minutes for men 20.6% larger as the average commute time in minutes for women. Figure 40 shows the total number of vehicles available for transportation and Athens County has the largest proportion of no vehicle available at 4% of the total and is ranked #1. Second, it has one of the largest proportions of 1 vehicle available at 20% of the total and is ranked #2. The only larger county being Wood County with 21%. Third, it has the second smallest as measured by no vehicle available of all the other counties in the local area in order of 3 vehicles available at 22% of the total. Also, it has the second smallest in order of no vehicle available of all the other counties in the local area as measured by 4 vehicles available at 10% of the total. In addition, it has the second smallest in order of no vehicle available of all the other counties in the local area in terms of 5 or more vehicles available at 4% of the total. Figure 41 shows the percentage of people who both work and live in the same city (town or place.) Athens County depicts it has a people who both work and live in the same city of 60% which is the largest of all counties in the greater Athens County region. Comparing people who both work and live in the same city to the United States average of 42%, Athens County is 43.7% larger. Also, measured against the state of Ohio, people who both work and live in the same city of 34%, Athens County is 76.1% larger.

Athens County Jobs Charts

The next to charts break out the median earnings for major job categories for men and women. Figure 46 shows the median earnings of men for the job categories. Athens County depicts it has the hightest median earnings of $64,255 for the earnings-computer, engineering, and science occupations grouping. Similarly, Figure 47 shows the median earnings of women for the job categories and Athens County depicts it has the hightest median earnings of $61,103 for the earnings-natural resources, construction, maintenance occupations aggregate. The table in Figure 48, shows Athens County employment data in terms of job categories and salary data.

Athens County Self Employment Charts

Figure 49 shows economic activity in terms of the number of people who are self employed in incorporated local business by industry. Athens County shows it has the hightest entrepreneurs of 54% for the self employed management, business, science, and arts businesses aggregate.

Similar to the last chart is Figure 50 which shows the number of people who are self employed but in more detailed industry categories such as manufacturing, retail sales, residential real estate, commercial real estate, health care, exports/imports, and advanced industries, etc. Athens County depicts it has the hightest entrepreneurs of 26% for the self employed in arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services category.

In Figure 51 the average annual self employment/entrepreneur income is shown. Athens County depicts it has an average annual self employment income of $21,381 which is the second smallest in order of average annual self employment income of all the other counties in the local area. The county with the highest average annual self employment income in the area is Hocking County which shows an average annual self employment income of $29,965 (40.1% larger). Comparing average annual self employment income to the United States average of $37,819, Athens County is approximately half the size. Also, measured against the state of Ohio, average annual self employment income of $32,827, Athens County is approximately three-fourths the size.

Figure 52 shows the difference between the number of self employed men and self employed women (i.e. entrepreneurs.) Athens County depicts total number of self-employed men 68.7% larger as the total number of self-employed women.