Median Income
$47,031
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$70,700
75% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
778/100K
105% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.7%
92% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$660
43% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.9%
8% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.7%
67% higher than US avg
How Ashley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population428
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density379/mi²
Male / Female51% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
C+
Median Income$47,031
Per Capita$19,963
Unemployment3.9%
Poverty20.7%
County GDP$1,259M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$70,700
Rent$660
Ownership73.7%
Zillow$131,563
Housing Units222
Rent Burden26.0%
Crime
F
Violent778/100K
Property4,848/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.8%
Depression24.5%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain42.2 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation555 ft (169 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.7%
High School+89.8%
Graduate+0.4%
School Score5.54
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 21%
Commute27 min
Broadband84.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Ashley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashley receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ashley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashley is $47,031, 37% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.9%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashley is $70,700, 75% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $660 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 778 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,848 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Education
2.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ashley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 42.2 inches, including 11.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ashley has a population of 428 with a density of 379 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.5% female and 50.5% male. The city is predominantly White (93%), with 5.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below 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 Ashley is $47,031, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,963 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,162, 19% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 401 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,031 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,963 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,162 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $82,224 |
| Gini Index | 0.404 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.9% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.7% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 401 |
| County GDP | $1,259M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 25 |
| Retail | 58 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,962 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.02% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 95.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ashley is $70,700, 75% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,563, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $660 (43% 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. 73.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 222 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $4,962 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $70,700 |
| 75% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $131,563 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $660 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.3% |
| Housing Units | 222 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,962 |
| 42% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.02% |
In Ashley, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 24.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,827. The dentist ratio is 1:3,411. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 24.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:6,827 |
| Dentists | 1:3,411 |
| Mental Health | 1:645 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,641/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 48.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 25 |
Ashley has a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 residents, 105% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,848 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ashley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ashley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 777.9/100K |
| 105% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,848.0/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 293 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 42.2 inches. The area receives 11.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 555 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 555 ft (169 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 379/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.3283°N, 89.1890°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Washington County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.2"
11% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.37"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 55.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 42.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
89 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
114 km |
| Sep 26, 1990 |
4 km SE of Chaffee, Missouri |
M4.8 |
136 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
116 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
131 km |
| Feb 5, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Dongola, Illinois |
M4.2 |
107 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
141 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
113 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| May 1, 2016 |
5 km SE of New Grand Chain, Illinois |
M3.5 |
125 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
58 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Aug 27, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Olympian Village, Missouri |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
117 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
137 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
80 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
556 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 63 fatalities, 1,020 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
28 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
25 km |
2 |
| Feb 29, 2012 |
EF4 |
85 km |
8 |
| Sep 22, 2006 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
63 km |
1 |
| May 29, 1982 |
EF4 |
59 km |
10 |
| Apr 3, 1981 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
11 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
74 km |
11 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
89 km |
6 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 31, 2013 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 11, 2006 |
EF3 |
91 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
40 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Nov 19, 1991 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RED SHALE UNIT RX (2,123 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
RED SHALE UNIT RX |
2,123 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,493 |
99 km |
| 2024 |
RED SHALE RX |
1,259 |
74 km |
| 2019 |
KINKAID RX |
1,215 |
62 km |
| 2022 |
KINKAID STATE FISH AND WILDLIFE AREA RX |
1,115 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
STATE OF ILLINOIS TRACT RX |
1,011 |
60 km |
| 2024 |
CAVE HILL RX |
999 |
100 km |
| 2021 |
MILL CREEK RX |
898 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON NORTH RX |
807 |
71 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
729 |
62 km |
| 2024 |
HERRIN FLATS RX |
713 |
72 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
687 |
62 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
651 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
HAMPTON RX |
628 |
72 km |
| 2022 |
BLOWDOWN 16 RX |
553 |
66 km |
| 2019 |
PINE HILLS RX |
542 |
91 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
35°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Ashley has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 30°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Ashley. 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 Ashley
What is the population of Ashley?
Ashley has a population of 428 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 379 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.5% female and 50.5% male.
Is Ashley expensive to live in?
Ashley has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $47,031, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $70,700 (75% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $660 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ashley safe?
Public safety is a concern in Ashley, with a violent crime rate of 778 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,848 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ashley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ashley?
Ashley has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 42.2 inches, with 11.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ashley?
Ashley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,162. There are 401 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashley?
The median home value in Ashley is $70,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $131,563. For renters, the median monthly rent is $660. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,962.
How are the schools in Ashley?
Schools in Ashley score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 2.7% of adults in Ashley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.8% have completed high school. 0.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashley?
The obesity rate in Ashley is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 24.5% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 48.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:6,827.
What is transportation like in Ashley?
The average commute in Ashley is 27 minutes. 95.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashley is 93% White, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
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