Home Value
$215,400
24% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.3%
64% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$905
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Fort Ashby Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,011
Median Age51.2 yrs
Density305/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
Per Capita$27,594
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$3,542M
Commute25 min
Housing
Home Value$215,400
Rent$905
Ownership82.8%
Zillow$240,276
Housing Units694
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property168/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured6.8%
Smoking15.9%
Depression31.9%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (11°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation689 ft (210 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.3%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.81
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute25 min
Broadband79.9%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Fort Ashby a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Ashby receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Fort Ashby has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Fort Ashby is $215,400, 24% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
Fort Ashby is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 168 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
12.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Fort Ashby experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 29.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Fort Ashby has a population of 1,011 with a density of 305 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age is 51.2 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 58.8% female and 41.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.2yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Ashby vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.5%
59% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Fort Ashby vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $27,594 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $996, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,577 business establishments, including 167 restaurants. The cost of living index is 89.5, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Ashby vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $27,594 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $996 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $57,857 |
| Gini Index | 0.451 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,577 |
| County GDP | $3,542M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 167 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 244 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 89.50 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Fort Ashby is $215,400, 24% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,276, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 102.8% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $905 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $766 for a one-bedroom to $945 for a two-bedroom apartment. 82.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 694 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $3,083. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Home Values
| Census Median | $215,400 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $240,276 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $188 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 102.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $905 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $714 |
| 1 Bedroom | $766 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $945 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,231 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,380 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 82.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.2% |
| Housing Units | 694 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,083 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.43% |
In Fort Ashby, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 33.9% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 18.1% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 31.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881. The dentist ratio is 1:1,294. 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Ashby vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.9% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 31.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.8% |
| Uninsured | 6.8% |
| 21% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,881 |
| Dentists | 1:1,294 |
| Mental Health | 1:246 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.9% |
| Dental Visits | 62.6% |
| Premature Death | 11,358/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Fort Ashby has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 168 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Fort Ashby receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Fort Ashby vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 168.2/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Fort Ashby experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.2 inches. The area receives 29.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 689 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 52.6°F |
| 3% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 689 ft (210 m) |
| Area | 3.6 sq mi (9.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 305/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4924°N, 78.7722°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Allegany County County |
| Nearest Airport | Greater Cumberland Regional (CBE) 9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 58.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.4 on Jun 13, 2019.
| Jul 16, 2010 |
5 km NNW of Barnesville, Maryland |
M3.6 |
120 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Jan 17, 2016 |
3 km NE of Ranson, West Virginia |
M3.0 |
83 km |
| Apr 21, 1998 |
1 km NNW of Free Union, Virginia |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| Jul 27, 1997 |
5 km SSE of Culpeper, Virginia |
M2.5 |
137 km |
| Jun 25, 2001 |
8 km S of Remington, Virginia |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Sep 29, 1997 |
Virginia |
M2.5 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
183 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 2 fatalities, 105 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1967 |
EF3 |
50 km |
1 |
| Aug 25, 2023 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 2019 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2002 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1996 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Nov 16, 1989 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1986 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1977 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 4, 1975 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1971 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WATERFALL MOUNTAIN (9,251 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
WATERFALL MOUNTAIN |
9,251 |
93 km |
| 2024 |
WAITES RUN |
5,496 |
53 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,460 |
90 km |
| 2024 |
CAPON |
2,302 |
81 km |
| 2012 |
NEIGHBOR MTN FIRE |
1,986 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
SMITH RUN FIRE |
1,908 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
NEW CREEK MTN |
1,689 |
68 km |
| 2024 |
DOVE HOLLOW |
1,634 |
66 km |
| 2020 |
UNNAMED |
1,572 |
64 km |
| 2013 |
SMOKE HOLE FIRE |
1,436 |
84 km |
| 2006 |
CARDINAL |
1,345 |
93 km |
| 2019 |
DRY HOLLOW |
1,327 |
87 km |
| 2024 |
GAULEY RIDGE RX |
1,263 |
100 km |
| 2012 |
POINT 2 |
1,126 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
BRAKE RUN SHEN. MT. RD. |
1,055 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
ROCKY BRANCH |
1,018 |
96 km |
| 2018 |
GATE MOUNTAIN |
972 |
98 km |
| 2014 |
BEAR DEN |
945 |
40 km |
| 2024 |
SERENITY RIDGE FIRE |
877 |
88 km |
| 2024 |
SPRING RUN |
847 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
Fort Ashby has a seasonal temperature swing of 43°F / from 31°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Fort Ashby. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$224 ($134–$358) |
| Specialist Visit |
$313 ($179–$492) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$179 ($90–$313) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,969 ($716–$4,475) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$116 ($67–$179) |
| Dental Filling |
$224 ($134–$358) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$67) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$67 ($45–$107) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$537 ($358–$895) |
| Battery Replacement |
$179 ($90–$313) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$134) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$125) |
| HVAC Repair |
$358 ($134–$716) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,265 ($3,580–$10,740) |
| Roof Repair |
$895 ($358–$1,790) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,055 ($4,923–$13,425) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,343 ($448–$3,133) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,425 ($4,475–$26,850) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,475 ($1,790–$8,950) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,343 ($716–$2,685) |
| Will Preparation |
$448 ($179–$895) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,238 ($895–$4,475) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$134 ($67–$224) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$116) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.67 ($2.69–$4.92) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.13 ($2.24–$4.48) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.40 ($2.24–$4.92) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.03 ($2.69–$5.82) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.92 ($3.58–$6.71) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.61) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$125 ($72–$224) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$134) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$107) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$76 ($45–$134) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$179 ($67–$448) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,790 ($1,074–$3,133) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$116) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.16–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$224) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$67) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,074 ($537–$2,238) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$895 ($448–$1,790) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$358 ($179–$627) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($22–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$895 ($358–$2,238) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,188 ($4,475–$26,850) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$179) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$67) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$269 ($134–$448) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$179 ($90–$358) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,030 |
| Toddler | $695 |
| Preschool | $695 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $647 |
| Toddler | $587 |
| Preschool | $587 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Ashby
What is the population of Fort Ashby?
Fort Ashby has a population of 1,011 residents and is located in West Virginia. The population density is 305 people per square mile, spread across 3.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 58.8% female and 41.2% male.
Is Fort Ashby expensive to live in?
Fort Ashby is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 89.5 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $215,400 (24% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $905 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Fort Ashby safe?
Fort Ashby is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 168 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Ashby receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Ashby?
Fort Ashby has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 29.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Fort Ashby?
The job market in Fort Ashby is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $996. There are 1,577 business establishments in the area, including 167 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Ashby?
The median home value in Fort Ashby is $215,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $240,276. For renters, the median monthly rent is $905. Fair market rent is $766 for a 1-bedroom and $945 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,083.
How are the schools in Fort Ashby?
Schools in Fort Ashby have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.3% of adults in Fort Ashby hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Ashby?
The obesity rate in Fort Ashby is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 31.9% of residents report depression. 6.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,881.
What is transportation like in Fort Ashby?
The average commute in Fort Ashby is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Ashby?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Ashby is 98.5% White. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.5% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 89.8% have health insurance coverage.