Where is Athens, Alabama, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 28, 2026 | 14:51 ET

Where is Athens Located? - Athens is a city located in the Limestone County of Alabama, United States. Athens lies between 33.6143 Degrees North latitudes and 85.8350 Degrees West longitudes.

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Athens Map, Alabama, USA

Where is Athens?: The Google Map showing the location of Athens in the U.S. state of Alabama.

Where is Athens Located?

Athens is a city located in the Limestone County of Alabama, United States. Athens lies between 33.6143 Degrees North latitudes and 85.8350 Degrees West longitudes. According to 2020 U.S.census, the population of Athens city is 25406 people and the city has a total area of 39.86 sq mi. The city has numerous parks and recreational facilities.

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Athens, Alabama Quick Facts

FactDetails
CityAthens
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
CountryUnited States
RegionNorth Alabama / Tennessee Valley
Latitude34.8029° N
Longitude86.9719° W
Elevation720 ft (219 m)
Land Area41.0 sq mi
Water Area0.3 sq mi
Total Area41.3 sq mi
Population (Census 2020)25,406
Population DensityApproximately 620 per sq mi
ZIP Codes35611, 35612, 35613, 35614
Area Code256, 938
Time Zone StandardCentral Time (UTC-6)
Time Zone DaylightCentral Daylight Time (UTC-5)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code01-02968

Nearby Cities and Communities to Athens, Alabama

  • Madison, Alabama - 15 mi East
  • Decatur, Alabama - 16 mi South
  • Huntsville, Alabama - 25 mi East
  • Tanner, Alabama - 8 mi South
  • Mooresville, Alabama - 10 mi Southeast
  • Ardmore, Alabama - 18 mi North
  • Harvest, Alabama - 18 mi Northeast
  • Hartselle, Alabama - 24 mi South
  • Cullman, Alabama - 50 mi Southeast
  • Florence, Alabama - 60 mi West

Athens, Alabama Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Precipitation (in)
January50315.0
April73495.1
July90694.6
October74503.3
Annual725055.0
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Cfa - Humid Subtropical
Annual PrecipitationApproximately 55 inches
Annual Sunshine DaysApproximately 212 days
Severe Weather RiskThunderstorms, Tornadoes and Flooding
Average SnowfallApproximately 2 inches annually

Driving Distances from Athens, Alabama

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
TannerAlabama810 min
MooresvilleAlabama1015 min
MadisonAlabama1520 min
DecaturAlabama1620 min
ArdmoreAlabama1825 min
HarvestAlabama1825 min
HuntsvilleAlabama2530 min
HartselleAlabama2430 min
CullmanAlabama5055 min
FlorenceAlabama601 hr 10 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Athens, Alabama

Nearest AirportHuntsville International Airport
IATA CodeHSV
Major AirportHuntsville International Airport (HSV)
Major HighwaysInterstate 65, US Highway 72, Alabama State Route 99
Rail ServiceNorfolk Southern Freight Rail
Public TransitRegional Transit Services
  • Athens is the county seat of Limestone County and one of Alabama's oldest incorporated cities.
  • The city is strategically located between Huntsville and Decatur in the rapidly growing Tennessee Valley region.
  • Manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, healthcare and education are major economic sectors.
  • Interstate 65 provides direct connections to Birmingham, Nashville and other major destinations.
  • Athens has experienced significant growth due to its proximity to Huntsville's technology and aerospace industries.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Athens, Alabama

Landmark NameType
Athens State UniversityUniversity Campus
Alabama Veterans MuseumMuseum
Historic Downtown AthensHistoric District
Big Spring Memorial ParkCommunity Park
Houston Memorial Library and MuseumMuseum
Swan Creek GreenwayRecreation Trail
Antebellum Trail HomesHistoric Sites
Limestone County Courthouse SquareHistoric Landmark
Point Mallard ParkNearby Recreation Area
Wheeler National Wildlife RefugeNature Preserve

Colleges and Universities Near Athens, Alabama

Institution NameTypeDistanceNotable For
Athens State UniversityPublic UniversityWithin CityTeacher education and business programs
Calhoun Community CollegeCommunity College12 miTechnical and workforce education
University of Alabama in HuntsvillePublic University25 miEngineering and aerospace research
Alabama A&M UniversityPublic University30 miAgriculture and STEM programs
Oakwood UniversityPrivate University24 miLiberal arts and health sciences

Waterbodies in and Near Athens, Alabama

Elk River, Tennessee River, Wheeler Lake, Swan Creek, Limestone Creek, Piney Creek, Beaverdam Creek, Flint Creek, Wheeler Reservoir, Big Spring Branch

Golf Courses in and Near Athens, Alabama

Canebrake Club, Southern Gayles Golf Club, Point Mallard Golf Course, Cherokee Ridge Country Club, Burningtree Country Club, Sunset Landing Golf Club, Hampton Cove Golf Course, Southern Oaks Golf Club

Athens, Alabama - Key Historical Facts

  • Athens was incorporated in 1818, one year before Alabama became a state.
  • The city was named after Athens, Greece, reflecting the founders' emphasis on education and culture.
  • Athens became an important agricultural and trade center in northern Alabama during the nineteenth century.
  • Many historic homes and buildings survived the Civil War era and remain part of the city's heritage.
  • Athens State University, founded in 1822, is one of Alabama's oldest institutions of higher education.
  • Today, Athens blends historic charm with modern growth driven by nearby aerospace and technology industries.

References

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