Median Income
$80,948
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$229,100
19% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
77/100K
80% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.2%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$913
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Ashland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,083
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density2,250/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$80,948
Per Capita$36,257
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$13,671M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$229,100
Rent$913
Ownership67.3%
Zillow$380,152
Housing Units1,377
Rent Burden25.7%
Crime
F
Violent77/100K
Property422/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault77/100K
Burglary115/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured7.3%
Smoking12.2%
Depression17.6%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain32.3 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,090 ft (332 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.2%
High School+94.5%
Graduate+10.6%
School Score6.06
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute26 min
Broadband93.0%
EV Stations6
Libraries7
Is Ashland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashland receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $80,948, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashland is $229,100, 19% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ashland is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 422 per 100,000, 78% below the national average.
Education
30.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ashland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.3 inches, including 22.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Ashland has a population of 3,083 with a density of 2,250 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 1.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Ashland is $80,948, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,257. The average weekly wage is $1,128, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 4,552 business establishments, including 325 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 7.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,948 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,257 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,128 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.402 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 4,552 |
| County GDP | $13,671M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 325 |
| Healthcare | 437 |
| Retail | 432 |
| Manufacturing | 102 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 3.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
The median home value in Ashland is $229,100, 19% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $380,152, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $913 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,377 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $6,845 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $229,100 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $380,152 |
| Median List Price | $950,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $950,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $157 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $913 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.7% |
| Housing Units | 1,377 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,845 |
| 96% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.99% |
In Ashland, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.8% have high blood pressure. 12.2% are current smokers. 24.2% report binge drinking. 21.1% are physically inactive, below the national average. 17.6% report depression. 14.2% experience frequent mental distress. 7.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,015. The dentist ratio is 1:1,384. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.8% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 4.8% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.2% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.1% |
| Depression | 17.6% |
| Mental Distress | 14.2% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 28.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 7.3% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,015 |
| Dentists | 1:1,384 |
| Mental Health | 1:716 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.1% |
| Dental Visits | 67.5% |
| Premature Death | 5,140/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 437 |
Ashland has a violent crime rate of 77 per 100,000 residents, 80% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 76.8 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 422 per 100,000, 78% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 307, burglary at 115, 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 | 76.8/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 76.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 422.4/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| Burglary | 115.2/100K |
| Theft | 307.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 49 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 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 32.3 inches. The area receives 22.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,090 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
76°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,090 ft (332 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,250/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0399°N, 96.3725°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sarpy County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lincoln (LNK)
24 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.3"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.80"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.9 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.9 on Jan 6, 2014.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
83 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
83 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
108 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
134 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
104 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
647 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 15 fatalities, 522 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
18 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
29 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
70 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
87 km |
4 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Ashland has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 23°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and January the driest (0.7").
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) |
$225 ($135-$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180-$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90-$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721-$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68-$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135-$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23-$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45-$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360-$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90-$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54-$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45-$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135-$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604-$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360-$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956-$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451-$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505-$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802-$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721-$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180-$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901-$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27-$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68-$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23-$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45-$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70-$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25-$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25-$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70-$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60-$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54-$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72-$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36-$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27-$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45-$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68-$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081-$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27-$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27-$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14-$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541-$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451-$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180-$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23-$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360-$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505-$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45-$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27-$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18-$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135-$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90-$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,055 |
| Toddler | $979 |
| Preschool | $888 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $650 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashland
What is the population of Ashland?
Ashland has a population of 3,083 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 2,250 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Ashland expensive to live in?
Ashland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,948, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $229,100 (19% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $913 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, 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 77 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 422 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.3 inches, with 22.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Ashland?
Ashland has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,128. There are 4,552 business establishments in the area, including 325 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 7.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland is $229,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $380,152. For renters, the median monthly rent is $913. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,845.
How are the schools in Ashland?
Schools in Ashland score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.2% of adults in Ashland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.5% have completed high school. 10.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashland?
The obesity rate in Ashland is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.2% of adults are smokers. 21.1% are physically inactive. 17.6% of residents report depression. 7.3% lack health insurance. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,015.
What is transportation like in Ashland?
The average commute in Ashland is 26 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, 3.4% use public transit, and 7.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashland is 91.8% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
