Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ashland, KY
Thinking about making Ashland, KY your home? With a population of just over 20,000, Ashland offers affordable living—median home prices are around $118,000 and average rent is $725. Commute times are short (about 18 minutes), and the city enjoys four distinct seasons with 59% sunny days each year. While crime rates are somewhat higher than the national average, Ashland features strong healthcare access, community-oriented schools, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Explore the cost of living, education, and more to see if Ashland is the right fit for your next move.
Demographics - Ashland, KY
Demographics - Ashland, KY
Ashland, KY is home to about 20,325 residents, with a median age of 42.2 years and a population density of 1,900 per square mile. The city is predominantly White (93.7%), and just 2.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, creating a close-knit, homogenous community.
Population:
20,325
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.2
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
93.7%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
3.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ashland, KY?
Ashland offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $118,000 and average rent around $725. Daily expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation are all below the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$118,000
Gross Rent:
$725
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
5.0%
|
High:
5.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.2
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
51.3
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
83.5
Health Care:
89.4
Miscellaneous:
90.3
Crime
Is Ashland, KY a safe place to live?
The crime rate in Ashland is higher than the national average, with a 1 in 476 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 49 chance of property crime. While residents should be mindful of safety, many neighborhoods remain community-focused and proactive.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,260
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 49
Weather
What is the weather like in Ashland, KY year-round?
Ashland experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and winters dropping to 27°F at night. The area gets about 44.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 59% of the year, making for a generally pleasant climate.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
42°F

Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
86°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Residents of Ashland have a median household income of $42,100, and about 23.5% live below the poverty line. The average commute is a quick 18 minutes, and most people drive, with public transportation usage at just 0.3%.
Median Income:
$26,100
Household Income:
$42,100
Family Income:
$56,700
Per Capita Income:
$24,800
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$32,100
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.5%
Rent:
$725
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
18.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.7%
Bachelors or More:
18.1%
Education
How are the schools in Ashland, KY?
Ashland offers a range of educational options, including public and private schools with manageable class sizes and a local community college. Nearby, larger universities like Marshall University are accessible within a short drive, supporting both K-12 and higher education needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Ashland Middle School
Street:
2800 Kansas St
Phone:
606-327-2731
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Name:
Paul G. Blazer High School
Street:
1500 Blazer Blvd
Phone:
606-327-6040
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.2

Private Schools
Name:
Holy Family School
Street:
932 Winchester Ave
Phone:
606-324-7040
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Ashland Community and Technical College
City:
Ashland
State:
KY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
Marshall University
City:
Huntington
State:
WV
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
11,000
Healthcare
Ashland is served by King's Daughters Medical Center, offering comprehensive general and emergency care. The city has 2.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 92% of people have health insurance, ensuring solid access to medical services.

Major Hospitals
Name:
King's Daughters Medical Center
Address:
2201 Lexington Ave, Ashland, KY 41101
Phone:
(606) 408-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
67.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ashland, KY?
The Ashland housing market is quite affordable, with a median home price of $118,000 and a 62.5% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available with an average two-bedroom rent of $725, and home values have appreciated by 4.2% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$118,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$725
Owner Occupied Rate:
62.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle and driver services in Ashland are managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, with resources and online services available through the state’s Drive Kentucky website. The main office is located in Frankfort, providing support for licensing and registration needs.
State:
Kentucky
Department:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet - Division of Driver Licensing
Address:
601 High St, Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone:
1-502-564-1257
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.