Home Value
$136,300
52% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
166/100K
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.2%
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.0%
28% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Ashland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population676
Median Age49.4 yrs
Density152/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans14.0%
Economy
Per Capita$30,620
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$3,670M
Commute20 min
Housing
Home Value$136,300
Ownership55.7%
Zillow$231,970
Housing Units411
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent166/100K
Property166/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault166/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity41.0%
Uninsured10.8%
Smoking20.8%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain38.1 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation727 ft (222 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.2%
High School+96.6%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.53
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 36%
Commute20 min
Broadband56.6%
EV Stations7
Libraries15
Is Ashland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashland receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Ashland faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashland is $136,300, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ashland is below the national average at 166 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 166 per 100,000, 92% below the national average.
Education
18.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ashland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches, including 97.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Ashland has a population of 676 with a density of 152 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age is 49.4 years, 27% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 14.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.4yrs
Median Age
27% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
Per capita income is $30,620 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,396 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.1, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $30,620 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,858 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,396 |
| County GDP | $3,670M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 145 |
| Healthcare | 228 |
| Retail | 314 |
| Manufacturing | 75 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Ashland is $136,300, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,970, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,186 for a one-bedroom to $1,497 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 411 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $3,828. 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $136,300 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $231,970 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,108 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,186 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,497 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,951 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,190 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.3% |
| Housing Units | 411 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,828 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.81% |
In Ashland, 41.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 35.7% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:891. The dentist ratio is 1:1,564. 56.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.0% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.7% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.8% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:891 |
| Dentists | 1:1,564 |
| Mental Health | 1:152 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 54.5% |
| Premature Death | 10,576/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 56.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 228 |
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 166 per 100,000 residents, 56% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 165.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 166 per 100,000, 92% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 166, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ashland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ashland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 165.8/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 165.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 165.8/100K |
| 92% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 165.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.1 inches. The area receives 97.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. The city sits at an elevation of 727 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 727 ft (222 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 152/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.6169°N, 68.3928°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Aroostook County County |
| Nearest Airport | Presque Isle International (PQI) 17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.1"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0325 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.0 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.05 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.19 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 5.7 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 51.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
40 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.5 on Feb 17, 2025.
| Jul 15, 1998 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M4.0 |
143 km |
| May 6, 1995 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jul 14, 2006 |
13 km SW of Winterville, Maine |
M3.9 |
37 km |
| Jul 14, 1994 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Jan 5, 2005 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.7 |
145 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
7 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 1, 2006 |
19 km NE of Florenceville-Bristol, Canada |
M3.6 |
72 km |
| Aug 27, 2015 |
27 km N of Noonan, Canada |
M3.6 |
145 km |
| Dec 12, 1990 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Oct 18, 2003 |
48 km ESE of Hamlin, Maine |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Mar 30, 1990 |
6 km WSW of Grand Isle, Maine |
M3.5 |
75 km |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
81 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Feb 9, 2016 |
7 km NE of Vanceboro, Maine |
M3.3 |
138 km |
| Apr 23, 1991 |
83 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.3 |
143 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Sep 16, 1994 |
9 km SE of Lee, Maine |
M3.3 |
147 km |
| Aug 28, 2013 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Jul 18, 2010 |
84 km W of Miramichi, Canada |
M2.9 |
141 km |
| Jul 10, 2014 |
73 km ENE of Hamlin, Maine |
M2.8 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
36 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 1 fatality, 5 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 30, 1971 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1958 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1957 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 1954 |
EF2 |
53 km |
1 |
| Aug 5, 2017 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2013 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2009 |
EF1 |
31 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2009 |
EF1 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2002 |
EF1 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 1993 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 1971 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1971 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Sep 21, 1965 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1963 |
EF1 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1961 |
EF1 |
62 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| February |
11°F (-12°C) |
2.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-0°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Ashland has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 11°F in February to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (2.0").
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) |
$243 ($146–$388) |
| Specialist Visit |
$340 ($194–$534) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$194 ($97–$340) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,136 ($777–$4,855) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$126 ($73–$194) |
| Dental Filling |
$243 ($146–$388) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$583 ($388–$971) |
| Battery Replacement |
$194 ($97–$340) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$97 ($58–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($49–$136) |
| HVAC Repair |
$388 ($146–$777) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,797 ($3,884–$11,652) |
| Roof Repair |
$971 ($388–$1,942) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,739 ($5,341–$14,565) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,457 ($486–$3,399) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,565 ($4,855–$29,130) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,855 ($1,942–$9,710) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,457 ($777–$2,913) |
| Will Preparation |
$486 ($194–$971) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,428 ($971–$4,855) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$97) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$243) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$126) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.98 ($2.91–$5.34) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.40 ($2.43–$4.86) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.69 ($2.43–$5.34) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.37 ($2.91–$6.31) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.34 ($3.88–$7.28) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.97 ($0.58–$1.75) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$136 ($78–$243) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$97) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$97) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$194 ($73–$486) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,942 ($1,165–$3,399) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$126) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.77–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$97 ($29–$243) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,165 ($583–$2,428) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$971 ($486–$1,942) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$388 ($194–$680) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$97) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$971 ($388–$2,428) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,138 ($4,855–$29,130) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$97 ($49–$194) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$97) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$291 ($146–$486) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$194 ($97–$388) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $837 |
| Toddler | $682 |
| Preschool | $613 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $491 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashland
What is the population of Ashland?
Ashland has a population of 676 residents and is located in Maine. The population density is 152 people per square mile, spread across 4.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Ashland expensive to live in?
Ashland has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.1 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $136,300 (52% below the U.S. median).
Is Ashland safe?
Ashland is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 166 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 166 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ashland receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ashland?
Ashland has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches, with 97.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Ashland?
The job market in Ashland is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $984. There are 2,396 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland is $136,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $231,970. The homeownership rate is 55.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,828.
How are the schools in Ashland?
Schools in Ashland score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.2% of adults in Ashland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.6% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashland?
The obesity rate in Ashland is 41.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 10.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 56.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:891.
What is transportation like in Ashland?
The average commute in Ashland is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashland is 96.7% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 14.0% of the population are military veterans. 25.0% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.