Where is Athens, Texas, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Last Updated On: March 11, 2026

Where is Athens, Texas Located in the United States? - Athens is a city located in the Henderson County of Texas, United States. Athens lies between 32.2049 Degrees North latitudes and -95.8555 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Athens in Henderson County, Texas

Where is Athens, Texas

About Map: The map shows the location of Athens in the state of Texas, United States. Athens is a city in Henderson County, Texas.

Athens Map, Texas, USA

About Athens Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Athens in Texas, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Athens.

About Athens, Henderson County, Texas

Athens is a city located in Henderson County in the U.S. state of Texas, United States. The city was established in 1850 and was named after Athens, Greece, reflecting the classical naming traditions common among early American settlements. Athens developed as an agricultural and commercial center in East Texas and serves as the county seat of Henderson County.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Athens is 12,857 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 730 people per square mile.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Athens covers a total area of approximately 19.2 square miles (about 49.7 square kilometers), including about 18.6 square miles (48.2 square kilometers) of land and about 0.6 square miles (1.5 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Athens is located in eastern Texas and lies within Henderson County between Dallas and Tyler. The city sits within a region known for lakes, forests, and agricultural landscapes and serves as a gateway to several recreational areas in East Texas.

Top Attractions

Athens offers parks, museums, and community events that highlight the heritage and culture of East Texas. The city is also home to Trinity Valley Community College, which contributes to education and workforce development in the region.

Transportation

Athens is served by U.S. Highway 175 and State Highway 19, providing connections to Dallas, Tyler, and other communities across East Texas. The nearest major airport serving the region is Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

Explore more cities and counties across Texas or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.

Most Viewed US Maps

USA Sttae MapUSA Region MapUSA Road Map
USA County MapWhere is USA in World Map?US ZIP Code Map
USA Time Zones MapUS State and Capitals MapUSA Physical Map
Looking for a U.S. City?
Find 4,400+ U.S. Cities by State - Explore Their Locations and Get Detailed Information

Athens, Texas City Facts

CityAthens
StateTexas
CountyHenderson County
CountryUnited States
RegionEast Texas
Incorporated1850
Founded1846
Total AreaApproximately 17.0 sq mi (44.0 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 16.8 sq mi (43.5 km2)
Water AreaApproximately 0.2 sq mi (0.5 km2)
ElevationApproximately 518 ft (158 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 13,500+
Population (2020 Census)12,857
Population DensityApproximately 760 people per sq mi
Time ZoneCentral Time (UTC-6 / UTC-5 DST)
ZIP Codes75751, 75752
Area Code903, 430
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 175, State Highway 19, State Highway 31
Public TransitRegional transportation services
Major AttractionsTexas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Henderson County Historical Museum, nearby Lake Athens
Official Websitehttps://www.athenstx.gov/

Distance from Athens in Henderson County, Texas to Other Cities in Texas

  • Corsicana, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Palestine, TX – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Jacksonville, TX – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Tyler, TX – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Kaufman, TX – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Terrell, TX – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Dallas, TX – 75 miles (121 km)
  • Fort Worth, TX – 95 miles (153 km)
  • Waco, TX – 90 miles (145 km)
  • Longview, TX – 65 miles (105 km)
  • Mount Pleasant, TX – 85 miles (137 km)
  • Nacogdoches, TX – 100 miles (161 km)
  • Lufkin, TX – 115 miles (185 km)
  • College Station, TX – 130 miles (209 km)
  • Houston, TX – 170 miles (274 km)
  • Austin, TX – 200 miles (322 km)
  • San Antonio, TX – 270 miles (435 km)
  • Abilene, TX – 220 miles (354 km)
  • Lubbock, TX – 420 miles (676 km)
  • Amarillo, TX – 480 miles (772 km)

Athens, Texas Climate and Weather Overview

MonthAvg High (°F)Avg Low (°F)Avg Precipitation (in)
January57363.8
April77554.2
July95732.6
October80564.3
Annual785545.0
Climate AttributeDetails
Climate Classification (Köppen)Cfa - Humid Subtropical
Annual PrecipitationApproximately 45 inches
Annual Sunshine DaysApproximately 220 days
Severe Weather RiskThunderstorms, Tornadoes and Occasional Flooding
Average SnowfallLess than 1 inch annually

Driving Distances from Athens, Texas

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
MalakoffTexas1015 min
MurchisonTexas1215 min
EustaceTexas1520 min
Gun Barrel CityTexas1825 min
MabankTexas2230 min
CantonTexas2835 min
TylerTexas3540 min
CorsicanaTexas4050 min
KaufmanTexas4255 min
DallasTexas751 hr 20 min

Transportation and Connectivity in Athens, Texas

Nearest AirportAthens Municipal Airport
IATA CodeATS
Major AirportDallas Love Field (DAL)
Major HighwaysUS Highway 175, State Highway 19, State Highway 31
Rail ServiceFreight Rail Service
Public TransitRural Transit District Services
  • Athens is the county seat of Henderson County and is known as the "Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World."
  • The city serves as a commercial and healthcare center for much of Henderson County.
  • Agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and retail are major contributors to the local economy.
  • Its location along US Highway 175 provides direct access to the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area.
  • Athens is close to several lakes that support tourism, fishing and outdoor recreation.

Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Athens, Texas

Landmark NameType
Texas Freshwater Fisheries CenterAquarium and Educational Center
East Texas ArboretumBotanical Garden
Henderson County CourthouseHistoric Landmark
Cain Center YMCACommunity Recreation Facility
Athens Scuba ParkOutdoor Recreation Area
Lake AthensReservoir
Downtown AthensShopping and Dining District
Central ParkCommunity Park
Athens MuseumMuseum
Purtis Creek State ParkNearby State Park

Colleges and Universities Near Athens, Texas

Institution NameTypeDistanceNotable For
Trinity Valley Community CollegeCommunity CollegeWithin CityAcademic transfer and workforce programs
University of Texas at TylerPublic University38 miResearch and healthcare education
Tyler Junior CollegeCommunity College35 miCareer and transfer programs
Texas A&M University-CommercePublic University50 miBusiness and education programs
Dallas CollegeCommunity College System70 miHigher education and workforce training

Waterbodies in and Near Athens, Texas

Lake Athens, Cedar Creek Reservoir, Purtis Creek Lake, Trinity River, Richland-Chambers Reservoir, Lake Palestine, Kickapoo Creek, Caney Creek, Walnut Creek, Cedar Creek

Golf Courses in and Near Athens, Texas

Athens Country Club, Cedar Creek Country Club, Pinnacle Golf Club, Van Zandt Country Club, Pine Dunes Golf Club, Garden Valley Golf Resort, Emerald Bay Golf Club, Oak Hurst Golf Course

Athens, Texas - Key Historical Facts

  • Athens was established in 1850 and became the county seat of Henderson County.
  • The city was named after Athens, Greece, following a common nineteenth-century naming tradition.
  • Agriculture, especially cotton farming and livestock production, played a major role in the city's early economy.
  • The arrival of rail transportation helped expand commerce and regional trade.
  • Athens became known statewide for black-eyed pea production and continues to celebrate that heritage.
  • Today, Athens is recognized for its lakes, outdoor recreation opportunities and role as a regional service center in East Texas.

References

Texas Maps and Info

Texas County MapMap of Texas CitiesTexas Blank MapTexas River MapTexas Map
Where TexasWhere is LubbockWhere is WacoAirports in TexasTexas Zipcodes
Where is DallasWhere is Fort WorthWhere is ArlingtonWhere is AustinWhere is Corpus Christi
Where is El PasoWhere is GarlandWhere is HoustonWhere is iIrvingWhere is Laredo