Median Income
$39,429
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$638
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.8%
40% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.6%
56% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.3%
64% higher than US avg
How Ashland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population956
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density46/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 22%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,429
Per Capita$20,985
Unemployment5.6%
Poverty20.3%
County GDP$153M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$638
Ownership23.4%
Zillow$219,986
Housing Units460
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property385/100K
Health
Obesity44.8%
Uninsured15.6%
Smoking29.1%
Depression26.9%
Heart Disease8.5%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI26 (Good)
Rain15.5 in/yr
Sunny Days311/yr
Elevation2,981 ft (909 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+90.6%
Graduate+9.5%
School Score5.85
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 12%
Commute18 min
Broadband61.7%
Libraries1
Is Ashland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashland receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ashland has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashland is $39,429, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 20.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashland is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $638 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Ashland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Ashland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 311 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.5 inches, including 40.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26.
Ashland has a population of 956 with a density of 46 people per square mile, spread across 20.7 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (75.1%), with 22.4% White, 2.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.5% of residents, while 18.5% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 29.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.5%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.5%
38% above US avg
The median household income in Ashland is $39,429, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,985 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,022, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 106 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,429 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,985 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,022 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,101 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.6% |
| 56% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.3% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 106 |
| County GDP | $153M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 94.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.2% |
The median home value in Ashland is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,986, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $638 (45% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,076 for a one-bedroom to $1,336 for a two-bedroom apartment. 23.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 460 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. 21.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $219,986 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $638 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $988 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,076 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,336 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,789 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,113 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 23.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 23.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 76.6% |
| Housing Units | 460 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
In Ashland, 44.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.5% of residents, above the national average. 39.4% have high blood pressure. 29.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.4% report binge drinking. 33.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.8% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.4% |
| Asthma | 15.3% |
| COPD | 11.3% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.1% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.1% |
| Depression | 26.9% |
| Mental Distress | 24.9% |
| Physical Distress | 21.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.8% |
| Uninsured | 15.6% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 68.6% |
| Dental Visits | 43.5% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 385 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ashland receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ashland vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 385.1/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ashland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 311 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 15.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 40.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 26 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 2,981 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.6°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 311 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,981 ft (909 m) |
| Area | 20.7 sq mi (53.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 46/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.5977°N, 106.2975°W |
| Timezone | America/Denver |
| County | Powder River County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sheridan County (SHR)
66 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.5"
59% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 26.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0489 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 2.0 ppb |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 4.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 16.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 2.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Jan 15, 2023.
| Aug 22, 2009 |
20 km SSE of Birney, Montana |
M4.0 |
52 km |
| Feb 25, 1993 |
31 km N of Arvada, Wyoming |
M3.9 |
76 km |
| Jul 6, 2021 |
27 km SSE of Melstone, Montana |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Dec 23, 1991 |
10 km SW of Colstrip, Montana |
M3.6 |
41 km |
| Nov 3, 1999 |
8 km NNW of Broadus, Montana |
M3.5 |
65 km |
| Feb 22, 1992 |
30 km E of Buffalo, Wyoming |
M2.9 |
142 km |
| May 25, 2018 |
45 km W of Biddle, Montana |
M2.9 |
65 km |
| Mar 30, 2018 |
20 km NNE of Sheridan, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
83 km |
| Jan 15, 2023 |
6 km NE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.8 |
8 km |
| Aug 7, 2022 |
38 km N of Arvada, Wyoming |
M2.8 |
70 km |
| May 19, 2017 |
6 km ESE of Birney, Montana |
M2.7 |
36 km |
| Jun 2, 2019 |
14 km WSW of Birney, Montana |
M2.6 |
46 km |
| Apr 22, 2018 |
8 km ENE of Ashland, Montana |
M2.6 |
10 km |
| Mar 31, 2009 |
36 km NNE of Arvada, Wyoming |
M2.6 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
46 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 4 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1975 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 25, 1966 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1964 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1954 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2018 |
EF1 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2013 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2010 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1996 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1990 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1984 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1984 |
EF1 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1980 |
EF1 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1971 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1964 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1961 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 29, 1953 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 31, 2014 |
EF0 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 2013 |
EF0 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ASH CREEK (253,413 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
ASH CREEK |
253,413 |
14 km |
| 2024 |
REMINGTON |
192,577 |
48 km |
| 2021 |
RICHARD SPRING |
168,765 |
22 km |
| 2012 |
CHALKY |
132,680 |
43 km |
| 2017 |
SARTIN DRAW |
91,570 |
36 km |
| 2017 |
DEER CREEK |
90,147 |
72 km |
| 2012 |
SARPY HILLS COMPLEX |
83,942 |
75 km |
| 2021 |
P F |
66,375 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
TAYLOR CREEK |
64,383 |
43 km |
| 2000 |
STAG |
62,381 |
24 km |
| 1994 |
BABY DEAN |
61,955 |
40 km |
| 1996 |
POWDERVILLE |
55,024 |
92 km |
| 2020 |
SARPY |
51,619 |
56 km |
| 2006 |
BUFFALO CREEK |
37,630 |
83 km |
| 2024 |
SHORT DRAW |
33,733 |
80 km |
| 2011 |
DIAMOND COMPLEX |
33,546 |
56 km |
| 2020 |
SNIDER |
33,246 |
28 km |
| 2017 |
WITTEN |
27,938 |
38 km |
| 2003 |
LITTLEHAWK |
27,926 |
50 km |
| 2020 |
WADDLE CREEK |
25,809 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
Ashland has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 22°F in December to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.5").
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) |
$237 ($142–$378) |
| Specialist Visit |
$331 ($189–$520) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$189 ($95–$331) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,081 ($757–$4,730) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$123 ($71–$189) |
| Dental Filling |
$237 ($142–$378) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$114) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$568 ($378–$946) |
| Battery Replacement |
$189 ($95–$331) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$95 ($57–$142) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$378 ($142–$757) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,622 ($3,784–$11,352) |
| Roof Repair |
$946 ($378–$1,892) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,514 ($5,203–$14,190) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,419 ($473–$3,311) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,190 ($4,730–$28,380) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,730 ($1,892–$9,460) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,419 ($757–$2,838) |
| Will Preparation |
$473 ($189–$946) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,365 ($946–$4,730) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$95) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$142 ($71–$237) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$76 ($47–$123) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.88 ($2.84–$5.20) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.31 ($2.37–$4.73) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.59 ($2.37–$5.20) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.26 ($2.84–$6.15) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.20 ($3.78–$7.10) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.95 ($0.57–$1.70) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($76–$237) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$142) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$114) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$95) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$95) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$142) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$189 ($71–$473) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,892 ($1,135–$3,311) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$123) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.57–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$95 ($28–$237) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,135 ($568–$2,365) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$946 ($473–$1,892) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$378 ($189–$662) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$95) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$946 ($378–$2,365) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,825 ($4,730–$28,380) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$95 ($47–$189) |
| Dog Grooming |
$57 ($28–$95) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$284 ($142–$473) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$189 ($95–$378) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $993 |
| Toddler | $1,030 |
| Preschool | $887 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $780 |
| Toddler | $795 |
| Preschool | $795 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashland
What is the population of Ashland?
Ashland has a population of 956 residents and is located in Montana. The population density is 46 people per square mile, spread across 20.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Ashland expensive to live in?
Ashland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,429, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $638 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ashland safe?
Ashland is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 385 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ashland receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ashland?
Ashland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 311 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.5 inches, with 40.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 26.
How is the job market in Ashland?
The unemployment rate in Ashland is 5.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,022. There are 106 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $219,986. For renters, the median monthly rent is $638. Fair market rent is $1,076 for a 1-bedroom and $1,336 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 23.4%.
How are the schools in Ashland?
Schools in Ashland score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Ashland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.6% have completed high school. 9.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashland?
The obesity rate in Ashland is 44.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.1% of adults are smokers. 33.1% are physically inactive. 26.9% of residents report depression. 15.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 54.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ashland?
The average commute in Ashland is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashland is 22.4% White, 0.6% Black or African American, 75.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian. 81.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.5% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 29.0% of residents have a disability. 98.8% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
