Median Income
$63,125
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$40,700
86% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
282/100K
26% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.4%
84% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ashton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population171
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density389/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,125
Per Capita$28,341
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$549M
Commute11 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$40,700
Ownership84.1%
Zillow$157,240
Housing Units67
Rent Burden18.6%
Crime
F
Violent282/100K
Property1,976/100K
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking14.5%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain22.8 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,292 ft (394 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.4%
High School+90.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 29%
Commute11 min
Broadband63.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Ashton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ashton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Ashton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ashton is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ashton is $40,700, 86% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ashton is below the national average at 282 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Ashton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Ashton has a population of 171 with a density of 389 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.6% female and 44.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% 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 $63,125, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,341 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $983, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 272 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 36.8% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,125 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,341 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $983 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,400 |
| Gini Index | 0.458 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 272 |
| County GDP | $549M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 14 |
| Healthcare | 19 |
| Retail | 29 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 10.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 48.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 36.8% |
The median home value in Ashton is $40,700, 86% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,240, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 67 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $2,333 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 18.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $40,700 |
| 86% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $157,240 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.9% |
| Housing Units | 67 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,333 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.73% |
In Ashton, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 28.3% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090. The dentist ratio is 1:1,247. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ashton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.3% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.3% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.7% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,090 |
| Dentists | 1:1,247 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,541 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,813/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 19 |
Ashton has a violent crime rate of 282 per 100,000 residents, 26% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,976 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. Overall, Ashton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ashton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 282.3/100K |
| 26% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,976.2/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ashton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 13°F in January while summers reach 72°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 22.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,292 feet.
Temperature
13°F Jan (-11°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.0°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 13°F (-11°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,292 ft (394 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 389/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.9931°N, 98.4991°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Spink County County |
| Nearest Airport | Aberdeen Regional (ABR)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
22.8"
40% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.19"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 17.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 16, 2022.
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
133 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
74 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
136 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
392 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 56 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2002 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1996 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
29 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1969 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1961 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Jun 9, 1957 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 30, 2020 |
EF2 |
50 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROHRBACH (2,887 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
ROHRBACH |
2,887 |
85 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
TACOMA PARK PLACE |
1,336 |
62 km |
| 2000 |
PHEASANT OPENER |
1,206 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
N HYDE |
1,204 |
80 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Ashton has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 13°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 19.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.2") 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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ashton
What is the population of Ashton?
Ashton has a population of 171 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 389 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 55.6% female and 44.4% male.
Is Ashton expensive to live in?
Ashton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,125, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $40,700 (86% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.6x, 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 282 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,976 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 cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Ashton?
The job market in Ashton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $983. There are 272 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 36.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ashton?
The median home value in Ashton is $40,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $157,240. The homeownership rate is 84.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,333.
How are the schools in Ashton?
Schools in Ashton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.4% of adults in Ashton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ashton?
The obesity rate in Ashton is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 22.3% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 41.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,090.
What is transportation like in Ashton?
The average commute in Ashton is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 48.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 36.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ashton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashton is 98.8% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 6.1% of residents have a disability. 87.7% have health insurance coverage.
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