Median Income
$90,628
21% higher than US avg
Home Value
$231,700
18% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
197/100K
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.4%
23% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,188
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.1%
12% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Ashland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,811
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density772/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$90,628
Per Capita$43,519
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty2.8%
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$231,700
Rent$1,188
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$365,453
Housing Units2,169
Rent Burden17.9%
Crime
F
Violent197/100K
Property414/100K
Health
Obesity28.1%
Uninsured0.9%
Smoking11.4%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease4.4%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
Rain41.4 in/yr
Elevation912 ft (278 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.4%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+12.7%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute23 min
Broadband91.7%
EV Stations16
Is Ashland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashland receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Ashland offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashland is $90,628, 21% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashland is $231,700, 18% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,188 per month. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ashland is below the national average at 197 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 414 per 100,000, 79% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 91.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ashland enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow.
Ashland has a population of 4,811 with a density of 772 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 2.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 99.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
4,811
Total Population
2023 Census
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Ashland is $90,628, which is 21% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,519 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,628 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,519 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Ashland is $231,700, 18% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $365,453, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $354,900 with homes selling in an average of 83 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,188 (2% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,169 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2004. 17.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $231,700 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $365,453 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $354,900 |
| Median List Price | $415,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $354,900 |
| Median List Price | $415,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $204 |
| Homes Sold | 19 |
| Days on Market | 83 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 10.3% |
| Inventory | 29 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,188 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 2,169 |
| Median Year Built | 2004 |
Property Tax
In Ashland, 28.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.4% of residents, below the national average. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 11.4% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 20.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 0.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Ashland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.1% |
| 12% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 4.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.4% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.3% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 11.0% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 99.1% |
| Uninsured | 0.9% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.9% |
Food & Exercise
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 residents, 48% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 414 per 100,000, 79% below the U.S. average. Overall, Ashland receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ashland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 197.0/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 413.7/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 1.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashland enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches. The area receives 16.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 912 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 912 ft (278 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 772/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7745°N, 92.2571°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Columbia Regional (COU)
4 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.4"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
4.88"
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2011 |
18 km NNW of Potosi, Missouri |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
41 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
93 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
86 km |
| Jul 8, 2003 |
1 km N of Leasburg, Missouri |
M2.9 |
112 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 7, 2009 |
7 km S of Miramiguoa Park, Missouri |
M2.6 |
123 km |
| Feb 3, 2014 |
18 km NW of Potosi, Missouri |
M2.6 |
140 km |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
1 km S of Old Monroe, Missouri |
M2.6 |
132 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
374 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 211 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2006 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
64 km |
4 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1998 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1995 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
20 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1983 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2023 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 17, 2007 |
EF2 |
85 km |
2 |
| Oct 2, 2007 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WOOLDRIDGE FIRE (1,323 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
27 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,273 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,154 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
KK RANCH ROAD |
1,112 |
54 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
906 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
864 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
790 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
679 |
83 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
644 |
91 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
578 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
56°F (14°C) |
4.9 in |
Wettest |
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
Ashland has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 31°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with April being the wettest month (4.9") and December the driest (2.1").
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) |
$227 ($136-$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182-$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91-$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726-$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68-$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136-$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363-$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91-$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54-$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45-$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136-$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632-$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363-$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994-$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454-$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540-$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816-$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726-$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182-$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908-$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68-$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45-$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72-$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27-$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27-$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72-$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63-$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54-$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73-$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36-$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68-$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090-$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27-$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27-$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545-$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454-$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182-$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363-$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540-$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45-$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136-$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91-$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashland
What is the population of Ashland?
Ashland has a population of 4,811 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 772 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Ashland expensive to live in?
Ashland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $90,628, 21% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $231,700 (18% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,188 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ashland safe?
Ashland is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 197 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 414 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 enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 41.4 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ashland?
The job market in Ashland is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland is $231,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $365,453. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $354,900, with homes typically selling within 83 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,188. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%.
How are the schools in Ashland?
Schools in Ashland score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.4% of adults in Ashland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 12.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashland?
The obesity rate in Ashland is 28.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.4% of adults are smokers. 20.3% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 0.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Ashland?
The average commute in Ashland is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashland is 92.7% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 16.7% of residents have a disability. 99.1% have health insurance coverage.