Median Income
$56,667
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,600
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
537/100K
41% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$711
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.7%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.3%
92% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Ashley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,174
Median Age36.8 yrs
Density618/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,667
Per Capita$26,168
Unemployment0.3%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$1,959M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,600
Rent$711
Ownership66.2%
Zillow$182,560
Housing Units474
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent537/100K
Property3,043/100K
Health
Obesity40.7%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking16.6%
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.8 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation985 ft (300 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+90.7%
Graduate+1.6%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute19 min
Broadband74.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Ashley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashley receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ashley has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashley is $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.3%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashley is $117,600, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $711 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 537 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,043 per 100,000, 55% above the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ashley experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.8 inches, including 38.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Ashley has a population of 1,174 with a density of 618 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 36.8 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.4% female and 56.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.8%), with 3.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.8yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
The median household income in Ashley is $56,667, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,168 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $942, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 93 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,667 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,168 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $942 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,323 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.3% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $1,959M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 93 |
| Healthcare | 82 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 87 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,910 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 82.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Ashley is $117,600, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,560, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $711 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $882 for a one-bedroom to $1,096 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 474 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $3,910. 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,600 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $182,560 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $711 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $882 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,096 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,391 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,590 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 66.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.8% |
| Housing Units | 474 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,910 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.32% |
In Ashley, 40.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 27.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,463. The dentist ratio is 1:2,170. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,463 |
| Dentists | 1:2,170 |
| Mental Health | 1:919 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.5% |
| Dental Visits | 61.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,642/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 82 |
Ashley has a violent crime rate of 537 per 100,000 residents, 41% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,043 per 100,000, 55% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 536.9/100K |
| 41% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,042.5/100K |
| 55% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashley experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 72°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 38.8 inches. The area receives 38.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 985 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 985 ft (300 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 618/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5215°N, 85.0614°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Steuben County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA) 38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.8"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
13 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
85 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
147 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
70 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
36 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
119 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
120 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
68 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
101 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
453 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 131 fatalities, 1,561 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
86 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
36 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
25 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
31 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
84 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
54 km |
5 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
1 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
36 km |
5 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1961 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Ashley has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 23°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashley
What is the population of Ashley?
Ashley has a population of 1,174 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 618 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.8 years. The population is 43.4% female and 56.6% male.
Is Ashley expensive to live in?
Ashley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,667, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,600 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $711 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ashley safe?
The violent crime rate in Ashley is 537 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,043 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 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.8 inches, with 38.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Ashley?
The job market in Ashley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $942. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 93 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashley?
The median home value in Ashley is $117,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,560. For renters, the median monthly rent is $711. Fair market rent is $882 for a 1-bedroom and $1,096 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,910.
How are the schools in Ashley?
Schools in Ashley score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in Ashley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.7% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashley?
The obesity rate in Ashley is 40.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 27.5% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 53.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,463.
What is transportation like in Ashley?
The average commute in Ashley is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 82.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashley is 82.8% White, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.