Median Income
$57,750
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,000
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
257/100K
32% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.2%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Ashton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population213
Median Age37.8 yrs
Density361/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,750
Per Capita$29,256
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty3.4%
County GDP$158M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,000
Rent$850
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$90,764
Housing Units135
Rent Burden13.2%
Crime
F
Violent257/100K
Property4,359/100K
Health
Obesity42.2%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking16.5%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation2,036 ft (621 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+91.8%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 19%
Commute19 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Ashton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashton 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 below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ashton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashton is $57,750, 23% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.4% 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 Ashton is $72,000, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ashton is below the national average at 257 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ashton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches, including 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Ashton has a population of 213 with a density of 361 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 37.8 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.9% female and 53.1% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.8yrs
Median Age
3% 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 Ashton is $57,750, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,256 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $748, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 110 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,750 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,256 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $748 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,532 |
| Gini Index | 0.385 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 110 |
| County GDP | $158M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Ashton is $72,000, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,764, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 135 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 13.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,000 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $90,764 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 135 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Ashton, 42.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 30.2% have high blood pressure. 16.5% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.8% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% of residents lack health insurance. 50.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.2% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.2% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.5% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.2% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:2,983 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 5,618/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 50.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Ashton has a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 residents, 32% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,359 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ashton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ashton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 256.9/100K |
| 32% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,358.9/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 308 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 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.7 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 2,036 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,036 ft (621 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 361/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2477°N, 98.7951°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Sherman County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 22.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 32.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
28 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Jun 17, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
10 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
111 km |
| Aug 19, 2015 |
13 km S of Halsey, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
136 km |
| Jan 4, 2016 |
11 km NW of Westerville, Nebraska |
M3.5 |
62 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
125 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
147 km |
| Apr 19, 2018 |
9 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| Apr 9, 2018 |
10 km SSE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
32 km |
| Apr 10, 2018 |
3 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Apr 16, 2018 |
8 km SE of Arnold, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
112 km |
| Sep 26, 2010 |
11 km S of Oconto, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
32 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Jan 1, 2020 |
2 km E of Chambers, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
107 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
122 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
125 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
654 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 27 fatalities, 404 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
85 km |
4 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
55 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
45 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1961 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1956 |
EF4 |
40 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1953 |
EF4 |
29 km |
11 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2001 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1993 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 1990 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOWERY (4,881 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
LOWERY |
4,881 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,883 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
3,688 |
85 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
2,911 |
91 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,456 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
51°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ashton has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 25°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 25.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.9") and January the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ashton. 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 | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashton
What is the population of Ashton?
Ashton has a population of 213 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 361 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.8 years. The population is 46.9% female and 53.1% male.
Is Ashton expensive to live in?
Ashton 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 $57,750, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,000 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ashton safe?
Ashton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 257 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,359 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ashton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ashton?
Ashton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches, with 30.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Ashton?
Ashton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $748. There are 110 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashton?
The median home value in Ashton is $72,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $90,764. For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 75.7%.
How are the schools in Ashton?
Schools in Ashton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.8% of adults in Ashton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.8% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashton?
The obesity rate in Ashton is 42.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.5% of adults are smokers. 27.2% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 9.3% lack health insurance. 50.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ashton?
The average commute in Ashton is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashton is 96.7% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.
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