Median Income
$62,417
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$104,000
63% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.5%
36% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$575
51% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Ashland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,001
Median Age42.3 yrs
Density1,335/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans8.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,417
Per Capita$36,052
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$884M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$104,000
Rent$575
Ownership85.0%
Zillow$141,723
Housing Units594
Rent Burden11.9%
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking18.3%
Depression26.0%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain36.5 in/yr
Elevation634 ft (193 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.5%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score3.99
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 27%
Commute25 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Ashland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashland receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ashland stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashland is $62,417, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashland is $104,000, 63% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 4/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Ashland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches, including 18.4 inches of snow.
Ashland has a population of 1,001 with a density of 1,335 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 42.3 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (97.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 8.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,001
Total Population
2023 Census
42.3yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Ashland is $62,417, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,052. The average weekly wage is $982, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 266 business establishments, including 27 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,417 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,052 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $982 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,759 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 266 |
| County GDP | $884M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 27 |
| Healthcare | 16 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Ashland is $104,000, 63% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,723, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $575 (51% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 594 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1966. The average annual property tax is $3,200. 11.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $104,000 |
| 63% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $141,723 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $575 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 85.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.0% |
| Housing Units | 594 |
| Median Year Built | 1966 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,200 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.08% |
In Ashland, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 26.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,773. The dentist ratio is 1:1,406. 17.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 26.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:12,773 |
| Dentists | 1:1,406 |
| Mental Health | 1:143 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 57.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,823/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 17.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 16 |
Ashland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.5 inches. The area receives 18.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 634 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 52.0°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 634 ft (193 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,335/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.8885°N, 90.0079°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Cass County County |
| Nearest Airport | General Downing - Peoria International (PIA)
56 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.5"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.32"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 76.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.6 on Sep 19, 2024.
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
136 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Sep 5, 2004 |
3 km WNW of Saint Peter, Illinois |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
690 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 21 fatalities, 838 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1957 |
EF4 |
31 km |
2 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2011 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Dec 31, 2010 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1981 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 26, 1978 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1977 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Ashland has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 26°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Ashland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashland
What is the population of Ashland?
Ashland has a population of 1,001 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,335 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Ashland expensive to live in?
Ashland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $62,417, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $104,000 (63% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $575 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Ashland?
Ashland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.5 inches, with 18.4 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ashland?
The job market in Ashland is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $982. There are 266 business establishments in the area, including 27 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland is $104,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $141,723. For renters, the median monthly rent is $575. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,200.
How are the schools in Ashland?
Schools in Ashland have an average test score of 4 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.5% of adults in Ashland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashland?
The obesity rate in Ashland is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 26.0% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 17.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,773.
What is transportation like in Ashland?
The average commute in Ashland is 25 minutes. 71.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashland is 97.4% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 8.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.