The 2020 census found 30,163 people in the township.

[3] Located in the western part of the county, it borders the following townships: Most of the city of Athens, the county seat of Athens County, is located in central and eastern Athens Township, and the census-designated place of The Plains is located in northern Athens Township.

[4] Statewide, the only other Athens Township is located in Harrison County.

[5] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.