Athens ZIP Code List — Mercer County, WV

There is one unique ZIP code in Athens, West Virginia and it is 24712. Area code: 304.

ZIP codes

11.85

sq mi land

0.01

sq mi water

304

area code

Athens, WV ZIP code map

About Athens, WV

Athens is a charming city located in West Virginia, nestled within Mercer County. This quaint town is known for its close-knit community and picturesque landscapes. With a rich cultural history, Athens provides a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and visitors alike.

Location & geography

Athens, WV is situated approximately 20 miles from the Virginia border and about 10 miles from the larger city of Princeton. The city covers a total land area of 11.85 square miles, with a minuscule water area of 0.01 square miles. The terrain around Athens typically features rolling hills and lush greenery, making it an attractive location for outdoor activities.

Community & economy

The character of Athens is that of a tight-knit, friendly community where neighbors know each other. The local economy primarily revolves around education and small businesses, promoting a lively atmosphere filled with various events and gatherings. Daily life in Athens is centered around community engagement, local schools such as Concord University, and a variety of recreational opportunities.

Transportation

Major transportation routes include U.S. Route 460 and West Virginia Route 20, which connect Athens to nearby cities and surrounding areas. The nearest airport is the Mercer County Airport, located approximately 15 miles away, providing connections to larger regional air travel options. Public transportation options are limited, but the area's walkability adds to its charm.

History

Athens was founded in the mid-19th century and has historical roots deeply embedded in the development of education, largely due to the establishment of Concord University. Key industries have included agriculture and education, with a noteworthy presence of local businesses that contribute to the community's economy. Notable events in the city's history include the annual Concord University Homecoming, which draws alumni and visitors alike.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Athens is that it has the only university in the state located entirely within the town’s limits, Concord University. Additionally, the city takes pride in its historical landmarks that reflect its rich educational heritage.

ZIP codes for Athens, WV (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
24712	Athens	Mercer	View map

Demographics & statistics

2,721

Population

22.5

Median age

$59,181

Median household income

$17,626

Per capita income

$175,300

Median home value

$880

Median monthly rent

81.4%

Home ownership

9.6%

Poverty rate

5.5%

Unemployment

759

Housing units

25.2%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

102

134

10–14

139

200

15–19

208

235

20–24

245

131

25–34

136

148

35–44

155

45–54

55–59

60–64

65–74

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	630	23.2%
18 and over	2,091	76.8%
65 and over	383	14.1%
Median age	22.5 years

Race & ethnicity

White 92.7%

Black or African American 3.6%

Two or more races 1%

Hispanic or Latino 0.9%

Other race 0.7%

Asian 0.7%

American Indian / Alaska Native 0.5%

Group	Count	%
White	2,544	92.7%
Black or African American	98	3.6%
Two or more races	27	1%
Hispanic or Latino	24	0.9%
Other race	20	0.7%
Asian	18	0.7%
American Indian / Alaska Native	14	0.5%

Household income

Under $10k 7.9%

$10k–$15k 7.9%

$15k–$25k 3.1%

$25k–$35k 4.9%

$35k–$50k 11.7%

$50k–$75k 29.0%

$75k–$100k 13.9%

$100k–$150k 17.2%

$150k–$200k 3.0%

$200k+ 1.6%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	7.9%
$10k–$15k	7.9%
$15k–$25k	3.1%
$25k–$35k	4.9%
$35k–$50k	11.7%
$50k–$75k	29.0%
$75k–$100k	13.9%
$100k–$150k	17.2%
$150k–$200k	3.0%
$200k+	1.6%
Median income	$59,181

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 21.1%

$50k–$100k 7.0%

$100k–$150k 19.7%

$150k–$200k 11.0%

$200k–$300k 30.9%

$300k–$500k 7.7%

$500k–$1M 1.2%

$1M+ 1.4%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$175,300
Median rent / month	$880
Owner occupied	81.4%
Renter occupied	18.6%
Vacant	27.6%
Single-family detached	62.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	27.4%
Median rooms	5.8
Avg household size (owned)	2.79

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	0.0%
2000–2009	14.4%
1990–1999	21.1%
1980–1989	12.8%
1970–1979	14.1%
1960–1969	5.1%
1950–1959	7.8%
1940–1949	6.5%
1939 or earlier	18.2%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	6.3%
1 bedroom	0.7%
2 bedrooms	11.4%
3 bedrooms	58.8%
4 bedrooms	15.4%
5+ bedrooms	7.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.9%
1 vehicle	41.3%
2 vehicles	23.9%
3 or more	32.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	17.8%
Electricity	75.1%
Propane / LP gas	0.6%
Fuel oil	4.3%
Wood	1.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	268	42.2%
Cohabiting couple	44	6.9%
Male householder, no spouse	205	32.3%
Female householder, no spouse	118	18.6%
Households with children under 18	206	32.4%
Households with seniors (65+)	274	43.1%
Average household size	3.11

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	48.1%	55.9%
Married	34.1%	27.1%
Separated	2.5%	0.0%
Widowed	4.4%	9.1%
Divorced	10.8%	7.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 3.7%

Some HS, no diploma 4.7%

HS graduate 36.1%

Some college, no degree 17.5%

Associate's degree 12.8%

Bachelor's degree 13.4%

Graduate / professional 11.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	91.5%
Bachelor's or higher	25.2%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	410	28.5%
High school	150	10.4%
College / grad school	881	61.1%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 37.6%

Public administration 14.3%

Arts, food & hospitality 14.2%

Manufacturing 12.0%

Retail trade 10.4%

Transportation & utilities 6.9%

Other services 2.1%

Wholesale trade 1.3%

Professional & management 0.5%

Agriculture & mining 0.4%

Finance & real estate 0.4%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	30.2%
Service	31.2%
Sales & office	19.3%
Natural resources & construction	2.6%
Production & transportation	16.7%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	61.7%
Government	36.0%
Self-employed	2.4%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	68.3%
Carpool	3.0%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	17.6%
Other means	1.1%
Avg commute (minutes)	24.4

Poverty

All people 9.6%

Under 18 years 4.3%

18 and over 11.8%

Married-couple families 2.2%

Female-led households 20.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	56.1%
Retirement income	31.2%
Supplemental Security	18.7%
Cash public assistance	0.8%
Food stamps / SNAP	27.6%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	28.7%
High cholesterol	30.7%
Heart disease	5.5%
Stroke	2.3%
Asthma	12.1%
Arthritis	23.2%
Kidney disease	2.3%
Pulmonary disease	7.8%
Cancer	4.8%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	15.1%
No physical activity	23.8%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	36.5%
Fair or poor health	16.2%
Poor mental health	20.3%
Poor physical health	10.9%
No health insurance	10.6%
Visited doctor (checkup)	80.2%
Visited dentist	60.2%
Cholesterol screening	83.0%
Teeth loss	17.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	81	3.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	21.8%
Under 18	10.8%
18–64 years	21.3%
65 and over	42.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	61.2%
Public insurance	49.4%
Uninsured under 19	0.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	2,650	97.4%
Spanish	35	1.3%
Other Indo-European	20	0.8%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	6	0.2%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	2,641	97.1%
Born in same state	2,631	96.7%
Born in different state	1,928	70.9%
Foreign born	10	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	80	2.9%
Not a US citizen	8	10.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
French	743	27.3%
Italian	242	8.9%
Arab	109	4%

Ancestry	Count	%
English	31	1.1%
Irish	2	0.1%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	23.3%
Internet access	86.0%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ZIP code for Athens, WV?

Athens, WV has one ZIP code: 24712.

What is the main ZIP code for Athens, WV?

The primary ZIP code for Athens, WV is 24712. The city uses area code 304 for phone service.

What county is Athens, WV in?

Athens is located in Mercer County, West Virginia.

How many ZIP codes are in Athens, WV?

Athens, WV has 1 ZIP code.

What ZIP code should I use when mailing something to Concord University in Athens, WV?

Concord University, located in downtown Athens, uses the ZIP code 24712 for all mailing addresses on campus.

What is the ZIP code for Athens downtown and the main business district?

The downtown Athens area and its central business district are served by ZIP code 24712, which covers the city's core commercial and civic areas.