Athens Clarke County, Georgia 2025
Athens-Clarke County is a consolidated city–county in U.S. state of Georgia, in the northeastern part of the state. It is located about 70 miles (110 kilometers) northeast of downtown Atlanta. Athens-Clarke County is the 6th largest city in Georgia and the principal city of the Athens-Clarke County, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the larger Atlanta Combined Statistical Area.
1. Population: The population of Athens-Clarke County is approximately 125,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's estimate in 2020.
2. Culture:
Athens-Clarke County has a rich cultural scene, with various museums, galleries, and venues. The Georgia Museum of Art on the UGA campus is one of the largest and most visited art museums in the state. The 40 Watt Club is a popular music venue, hosting local, regional, and national acts. Athens is also home to a variety of festivals, including the Athens Humanitarian Festival, AthFest, and the Twilight Criterium.
3. Special Events:
Some popular events in Athens-Clarke County include:
* AthFest: A 3-day music and arts festival held every June
* Twilight Criterium: An annual criterium bike race held in the summer
* Athens Humanitarian Festival: An annual festival celebrating diversity and humanitarian work
* UGA football games: The University of Georgia football team, the Georgia Bulldogs, plays at Sanford Stadium in Athens
* The Athens Christmas Parade: A holiday parade that takes place in early December
4. Local Attractions:
Some popular local attractions in Athens-Clarke County include:
* The University of Georgia Campus: Including the Georgia Museum of Art, the UGA Main Library, and Sanford Stadium.
* Downtown Athens: Offering a variety of shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
* The State Botanical Garden of Georgia: A 313-acre botanical garden located about 7 miles (11 km) south of the city.
* The Georgia Museum of Natural History: Located on the UGA campus and features exhibits on dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, and wildlife.
* The World of Coca-Cola: Located in downtown Athens and offers a collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia.
* The double-barreled cannon: A historical landmark located in front of City Hall.
5. Food:
Athens-Clarke County is known for its vibrant food scene.
Some popular local dishes include:
* Southern cuisine: Such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and biscuits and gravy.
* Barbecue: Including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.
* Farm-to-table cuisine: Many local restaurants focus on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
6. People:
Athens-Clarke County has a diverse population of students, professionals, artists, and families. 71.5% of the population is White, 22.8% Black or African American, 4.8% Asian, and 0.3% Native American.
7. Climate:
Athens-Clarke County has a humid subtropical climate, with humid summers and mild winters. Summer highs are around 88°F (31°C) in July, while winter lows are around 37°F (3°C) in January.
8. History:
Athens-Clarke County has a rich history dating back to 1801 when the University of Georgia was chartered. During the antebellum era, Athens was a major cotton-producing area, and by the 1850s, it had become one of the wealthiest cities per capita in the United States. After the Civil War, the city became a hub for the railroad and manufacturing industries, leading to prosperity and growth. Today, Athens-Clarke County continues to grow and thrive as a vibrant center of education, culture, and innovation.
Overall, Athens-Clarke County is a vibrant, historic city with a unique mix of culture, local attractions, and delicious food. It offers the perfect combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities, with plenty of things to see, do, and explore.