Median Income
$39,519
47% lower than US avg
Home Value
$57,900
79% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
102/100K
73% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$581
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
24.7%
99% higher than US avg
How Ashley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population636
Median Age58.0 yrs
Density994/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans11.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$39,519
Per Capita$29,162
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty24.7%
County GDP$152M
Commute10 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$57,900
Rent$581
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$142,693
Housing Units507
Rent Burden31.5%
Crime
C
Violent102/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity36.4%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking17.3%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain20.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation2,015 ft (614 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+87.1%
Graduate+5.3%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute10 min
Broadband78.5%
Libraries2
Is Ashley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashley receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ashley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashley is $39,519, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 24.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashley is $57,900, 79% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $581 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
Ashley is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ashley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 20.7 inches, including 42.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ashley has a population of 636 with a density of 994 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 58.0 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (90.1%), with 2.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.6% of residents, while 19.4% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.0yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.6%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.4%
45% above US avg
The median household income in Ashley is $39,519, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,162 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $893, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 24.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 141 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $39,519 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,162 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $893 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,394 |
| Gini Index | 0.446 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 24.7% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 141 |
| County GDP | $152M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 89.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Ashley is $57,900, 79% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,693, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $581 (50% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $795 for a one-bedroom to $965 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 507 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1955. 31.5% 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 | $57,900 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $142,693 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $581 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $769 |
| 1 Bedroom | $795 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $965 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,297 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 507 |
| Median Year Built | 1955 |
Property Tax
In Ashley, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 17.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.5% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,257. 69.4% 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 | 36.4% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.3% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,257 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,488 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.2% |
| Dental Visits | 58.8% |
| Premature Death | 10,582/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Ashley has a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents, 73% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ashley receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Ashley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 101.7/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Ashley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 276 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 20.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 2,015 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 41.3°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,015 ft (614 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 994/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.0347°N, 99.3737°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McIntosh County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
20.7"
45% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 35.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 15, 2017.
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
314 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 3 fatalities, 30 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2011 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1983 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Aug 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1966 |
EF3 |
8 km |
2 |
| May 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1955 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Aug 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 10, 2011 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2001 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
11 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TRIBLE (9,718 ac, 2000).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2000 |
TRIBLE |
9,718 |
93 km |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
1804 |
2,778 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
MOUND CITY |
2,755 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
FISCHER |
2,578 |
100 km |
| 2000 |
FTMANUEL |
2,124 |
87 km |
| 2015 |
BIG LAKE FIRE |
1,587 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
JOEL BERTSCH 2 |
1,460 |
16 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,438 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
ALLEN STUECKLE |
1,330 |
30 km |
| 2016 |
SLR 2016 RX MICHELL |
1,242 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Ashley has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.4") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$223 ($134–$356) |
| Specialist Visit |
$312 ($178–$490) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$178 ($89–$312) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,958 ($712–$4,450) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$178) |
| Dental Filling |
$223 ($134–$356) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$534 ($356–$890) |
| Battery Replacement |
$178 ($89–$312) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$356 ($134–$712) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,230 ($3,560–$10,680) |
| Roof Repair |
$890 ($356–$1,780) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,010 ($4,895–$13,350) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,335 ($445–$3,115) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,350 ($4,450–$26,700) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,450 ($1,780–$8,900) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,335 ($712–$2,670) |
| Will Preparation |
$445 ($178–$890) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,225 ($890–$4,450) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$223) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.65 ($2.67–$4.90) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.12 ($2.23–$4.45) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.38 ($2.23–$4.90) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.01 ($2.67–$5.79) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.90 ($3.56–$6.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.60) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($71–$223) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($36–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$178 ($67–$445) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,780 ($1,068–$3,115) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.12–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$223) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,068 ($534–$2,225) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$890 ($445–$1,780) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$356 ($178–$623) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$890 ($356–$2,225) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,125 ($4,450–$26,700) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($45–$178) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$267 ($134–$445) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$178 ($89–$356) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $863 |
| Toddler | $789 |
| Preschool | $731 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $635 |
| Toddler | $600 |
| Preschool | $603 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashley
What is the population of Ashley?
Ashley has a population of 636 residents and is located in North Dakota. The population density is 994 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is Ashley expensive to live in?
Ashley is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $39,519, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $57,900 (79% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $581 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?
Ashley is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 102 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ashley receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ashley?
Ashley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 20.7 inches, with 42.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ashley?
The job market in Ashley is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $893. There are 141 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashley?
The median home value in Ashley is $57,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $142,693. For renters, the median monthly rent is $581. Fair market rent is $795 for a 1-bedroom and $965 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%.
How are the schools in Ashley?
Schools in Ashley score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Ashley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.1% have completed high school. 5.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashley?
The obesity rate in Ashley is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.3% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 69.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,257.
What is transportation like in Ashley?
The average commute in Ashley is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashley is 90.1% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino. 80.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.4% speak Spanish. 11.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 93.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
