Median Income
$55,250
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
321/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
22.3%
34% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$815
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.2%
39% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Ashby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population411
Median Age41.7 yrs
Density747/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans12.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,250
Per Capita$31,472
Unemployment2.2%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$3,285M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$815
Ownership67.0%
Zillow$295,092
Housing Units226
Rent Burden27.2%
Crime
F
Violent321/100K
Property3,543/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.5%
Depression27.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.2 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,312 ft (400 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+22.3%
High School+95.9%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score6.36
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute24 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Ashby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashby receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ashby offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashby is $55,250, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.2%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashby is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ashby is below the national average at 321 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,543 per 100,000, 81% above the national average.
Education
22.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ashby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Ashby has a population of 411 with a density of 747 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 41.7 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (95.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 12.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.7yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Ashby is $55,250, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,472 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,000, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,908 business establishments, including 165 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 10.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,250 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,472 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,000 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $71,755 |
| Gini Index | 0.434 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.2% |
| 39% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,908 |
| County GDP | $3,285M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 165 |
| Healthcare | 181 |
| Retail | 250 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.5% |
| Work from Home | 10.6% |
The median home value in Ashby is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,092, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $815 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 226 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $4,298 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $295,092 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $815 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.0% |
| Housing Units | 226 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,298 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.44% |
In Ashby, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 27.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876. The dentist ratio is 1:1,441. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 27.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,876 |
| Dentists | 1:1,441 |
| Mental Health | 1:619 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.9% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,919/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 181 |
Ashby has a violent crime rate of 321 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,543 per 100,000, 81% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ashby receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ashby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 320.7/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,542.7/100K |
| 81% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 390 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 28.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,312 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,312 ft (400 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 747/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0955°N, 95.8192°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Otter Tail County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hector International (FAR)
74 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.2"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 79.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
60 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
25 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
438 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 119 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
9 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2010 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
30 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1982 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1955 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1952 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2022 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROTHSAY (3,015 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
ROTHSAY |
3,015 |
64 km |
| 2024 |
DORAN WMA |
2,455 |
32 km |
| 2012 |
JEEP FIRE |
1,437 |
90 km |
| 2000 |
00 14 |
1,377 |
100 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,153 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,128 |
88 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,060 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
HARTLEBEN WPA |
1,002 |
88 km |
| 1992 |
MEADOWS |
922 |
67 km |
| 2002 |
1000 AC S |
880 |
99 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
770 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
718 |
96 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
63 km |
| 2003 |
JOB CORP |
703 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
00 22 A |
696 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
85 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
88 km |
| 1996 |
96 52 BC |
651 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
HAUGVEDT WPA |
630 |
70 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
65°F (19°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (15°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Ashby has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from 8°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Ashby. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashby
What is the population of Ashby?
Ashby has a population of 411 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 747 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55% female and 45% male.
Is Ashby expensive to live in?
Ashby has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,250, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ashby safe?
Ashby is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 321 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,543 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ashby receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ashby?
Ashby has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Ashby?
The job market in Ashby is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,000. There are 1,908 business establishments in the area, including 165 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 10.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashby?
The median home value in Ashby is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $295,092. For renters, the median monthly rent is $815. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,298.
How are the schools in Ashby?
Schools in Ashby score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 22.3% of adults in Ashby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.9% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashby?
The obesity rate in Ashby is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 27.4% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 50.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,876.
What is transportation like in Ashby?
The average commute in Ashby is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.5% use public transit, and 10.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashby is 95.9% White. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 12.1% of the population are military veterans. 11.3% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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