Athens, Georgia 
Stats & Facts

Athens is a magnet for camaraderie and adventure. Filled with modern attractions, gorgeous historic districts, acclaimed dining options, and incredible live music bouncing from the rooftops, Athens is the place to stay inspired. Taste your way down the Athens Beer Trail, try one of our acclaimed restaurants or sample a craft cocktail at one of our chic bars and restaurants. Here, we embrace the diversity of those who give Athens its vibrant creative energy, and that energy can be seen in every mural, on very plate and in every music venue. In Athens, we’re always open to new experiences. 
 

Size and Location

Athens-Clarke County is the smallest of Georgia’s 159 counties at 122 square miles, located just over 60 miles northeast of Atlanta via I-85 and Georgia 316.
 

Population

The population of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, is 128,711 (2021 U.S. Census estimate; includes UGA students residing in Athens-Clarke County)

Hotels and Meeting Space

• Athens GA has 26 hotels and 2,637 guest rooms.
• Rivet House Hotel is Athens' newest hotel, opened in summer 2024 as a luxury boutique property in the historic Southern Mill district.
• The Classic Center provides more than 373,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space.
• The new 8,500-seat Akins Ford Arena opened in December 2024.

History

• Clarke County was founded in 1801. Athens was chartered in 1806.  In 1991, Athens-Clarke County became the first unified city-county government  in Georgia.
• Learn more about Athens' history here.