KentuckyPop. 21,295Towns
Is Ashland a Good Place to Live? Ashland, Kentucky: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ashland ranks #957 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($125,000, #7 of 231) and high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153), and trails on high unemployment (5.3%, #65 of 67) and high poverty (22.4%, #211 of 234).
Ashland by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ashland's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ashland?
Ashland's cost of living index is 88.4, 12% below the US level of 100 and #145 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $872/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $128,835, 45% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
| Measure | Ashland | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 88.4#145 of 1,308 | 90.2 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $128,835#17 of 1,187 | $232,577 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $125,000#42 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $872/mo#67 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 2.4x#27 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.9%#440 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ashland housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ashland is in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metro.
Kentucky housing market →Is Ashland safe?
Ashland recorded 244 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #447 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #80 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ashland Police Department. Property crime runs 2,025 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ashland | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 244#447 of 1,085 | 212 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 2,025#722 of 1,085 | 1,262 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ashland?
The median household in Ashland earns $52,715, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ashland | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $52,715#1188 of 1,312 | $64,526 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 4.6% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 22.4%#1176 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.7%#1029 of 1,132 | +0.5% | 0% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ashland?
The median resident of Ashland is 40.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ashland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 40.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.8%#977 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 60.4% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ashland's schools and health?
Ashland's 8 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $14,691 spent per pupil. 41.4% of adults are obese and 14.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Ashland | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 92%#222 of 1,063 | 90.1% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 13.6#234 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $14,691#622 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 41.4%#1177 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 14.7%#1147 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.6%#775 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.6%#206 of 1,311 | — | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 3,190 students are enrolled in Ashland's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ashland?
The average commute in Ashland is 20.9 minutes (Kentucky 24.5); 0.2% of workers take transit and 7.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ashland scores 8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 74.8°F and winters 37.2°F, with 45.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ashland | KentuckyKY | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.9 min#415 of 1,312 | 24.5 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 6%#714 of 1,312 | 6.5% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 74% | 76.4% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.6% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 5.6% | 1.9% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.2% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 7.5% | 9.5% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8#1058 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Kentucky is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43.2 | 26.4 | 3.1 |
| Feb | 47.3 | 29.1 | 3.4 |
| Mar | 56.8 | 36.1 | 4.2 |
| Apr | 68.8 | 45.5 | 3.9 |
| May | 76.2 | 54.2 | 4.5 |
| Jun | 83.3 | 62.4 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 86.4 | 66.4 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 85.5 | 64.8 | 4 |
| Sep | 79.6 | 57.7 | 3.2 |
| Oct | 68.6 | 46.1 | 3 |
| Nov | 56.6 | 36.6 | 3.1 |
| Dec | 46.7 | 30.4 | 3.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntington Tri-State Airport.
| Measure | Ashland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 56.5°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 74.8°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 37.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 45.1 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Huntington Tri-State Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ashland?
Boyd County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Boyd County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Ashland | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 39#281 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#749 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Boyd County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Boyd County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.13% | 86% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0012% | 64% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0017% | 45% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0022% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0037% | 32% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ashland compare with similar-size cities?
Ashland is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #172 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 21,295.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #957 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 | 20.9 min |
| Ruston, LAPop. 22,284 | #1231 | 43.6 | $31,120 | $816/mo | 286 | 15.1 min |
| Pascagoula, MSPop. 21,710 | #1207 | 44.7 | $52,222 | $894/mo | 431 | 18.7 min |
| Derry, NHPop. 21,339 | #381 | 60.4 | $91,673 | $1,549/mo | county/metro | 29.3 min |
| Mililani Mauka, HIPop. 21,278 | #119 | 67.8 | $138,942 | $2,350/mo | no data | 29 min |
| Gallup, NMPop. 21,023 | #1301 | 36.6 | $58,303 | $927/mo | 1,291 | 20.5 min |
| Saco, MEPop. 20,819 | #160 | 65.8 | $92,241 | $1,249/mo | 33 | 23.8 min |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #66 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 | 17.7 min |
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #1056 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 | 26.6 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ashland compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Ashland ranks #14 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 18% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 45% below the typical Kentucky home.
| City | Rank in KY | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independence, KYPop. 29,392 | #1 | 64.4 | $102,361 | $1,250/mo | 49 |
| Jeffersontown, KYPop. 29,199 | #2 | 61.1 | $81,506 | $1,320/mo | 65 |
| Florence, KYPop. 32,803 | #3 | 60.5 | $71,003 | $1,329/mo | 199 |
| Georgetown, KYPop. 39,117 | #4 | 60.3 | $80,088 | $1,255/mo | 165 |
| Lexington, KYPop. 323,725 | #5 | 59.9 | $69,479 | $1,164/mo | 228 |
| Erlanger, KYPop. 19,875 | #6 | 58.4 | $75,840 | $970/mo | 69 |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #7 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 |
| Covington, KYPop. 41,110 | #8 | 57.5 | $61,166 | $1,006/mo | 290 |
| Elizabethtown, KYPop. 32,576 | #9 | 57.4 | $60,760 | $909/mo | 110 |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #10 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 |
| Frankfort, KYPop. 28,503 | #11 | 53.8 | $53,073 | $944/mo | 238 |
| Owensboro, KYPop. 60,302 | #12 | 51.6 | $56,357 | $905/mo | 413 |
| Bowling Green, KYPop. 75,388 | #13 | 50.8 | $48,873 | $998/mo | 187 |
| Ashland, KYPop. 21,295 | #14 | 50.8 | $52,715 | $872/mo | 244 |
| Louisville, KYPop. 631,818 | #15 | 50.0 | $66,849 | $1,120/mo | 674 |
| Paducah, KYPop. 26,845 | #16 | 49.8 | $49,915 | $834/mo | 274 |
| Henderson, KYPop. 27,852 | #17 | 49.6 | $48,186 | $771/mo | 278 |
| Madisonville, KYPop. 19,515 | #18 | 46.6 | $53,860 | $838/mo | 149 |
| Hopkinsville, KYPop. 30,906 | #19 | 45.9 | $49,139 | $902/mo | 300 |
| Radcliff, KYPop. 22,864 | #20 | 45.6 | $58,559 | $971/mo | 287 |
All 20 Kentucky cities we track, by overall score. Kentucky statewide: median income $64,526, violent crime 212.1 per 100,000.
How is Ashland's score calculated?
Ashland scores 50.8 out of 100, #957 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Kentucky's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ashland. Similar-size median 41.9.
35.3 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ashland's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
76.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ashland. Similar-size median 56.5.
36.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ashland's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
67.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ashland's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
88.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ashland. Similar-size median 50.8.
21.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ashland. Similar-size median 35.2.
29.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ashland. Similar-size median 48.3.
48.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ashland's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
36.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
53.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ashland's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ashland has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ashland
Is Ashland, KY a good place to live?
Ashland ranks #957 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #172 of 234 towns and #14 of 20 in Kentucky. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($125,000, #7 of 231) and high graduation rates (92%, #27 of 153), and trails on high unemployment (5.3%, #65 of 67) and high poverty (22.4%, #211 of 234).
What is the cost of living in Ashland?
Ashland's cost of living index is 88.4, 12% below the US level of 100 and #145 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $872/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $128,835, 45% below the typical Kentucky home ($232,577).
What is the crime rate in Ashland?
Ashland recorded 244 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 15% above Kentucky's 212. That ranks #447 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #80 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ashland Police Department. Property crime runs 2,025 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ashland?
The median household in Ashland earns $52,715, 37% below the US figure of $83,163 and 18% below Kentucky ($64,526). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 22.4% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.7% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ashland?
Median rent in Ashland is $872/mo (Census), #67 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ashland?
The typical home value in Ashland is $128,835, down 1.4% in a year, against $232,577 for Kentucky and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $125,000.
How are the public schools in Ashland?
Ashland's 8 public schools graduate 92% of students in four years (Kentucky 90.1%), with 13.6 students per teacher and $14,691 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ashland?
The average commute is 20.9 minutes, #415 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.5 minutes across Kentucky. 6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ashland?
Ashland averages 56.5°F over the year, 74.8°F in summer and 37.2°F in winter, with 45.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ashland walkable?
Ashland scores 8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1058 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ashland at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Boyd County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, ice storm, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Ashland?
Boyd County's air had a median air quality index of 39, and 80% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Ashland?
Ashland has 21,295 residents. The median resident of Ashland is 40.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #977 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 60.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ashland compare with the rest of Kentucky?
Ashland ranks #14 of the 20 Kentucky cities we track, with a score of 50.8 against Kentucky's statewide 44.8. Its households earn 18% below the Kentucky median. Violent crime is 15% above the statewide rate. Homes are 45% below the typical Kentucky home.
What cities are similar in size to Ashland?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ashland's population of 21,295 are Ruston, LA (#1231 overall), Pascagoula, MS (#1207 overall), Derry, NH (#381 overall), Mililani Mauka, HI (#119 overall), and Gallup, NM (#1301 overall). Ashland is #957.