Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ashland, OR
Considering a move to Ashland, OR? With a welcoming population of about 21,600, Ashland blends small-town charm with a vibrant arts scene and high educational attainment—over 50% hold bachelor’s degrees or higher. The median home price sits at $560,000, and rents average $1,450, reflecting a popular housing market. Crime rates are relatively low, with just 124 violent crimes per 100K, and average commutes are a short 14.5 minutes. Enjoy a mild climate with 58% sunny days, access to quality schools, and the cultural draw of Southern Oregon University.
Demographics - Ashland, OR
Demographics - Ashland, OR
Ashland, Oregon is home to about 21,600 residents with a median age of 43.5, reflecting a mature and diverse community. The city is predominantly White (86%), with a notable percentage of non-English speakers (10.5%), and features a slightly higher female population. Its moderate population density and educational attainment contribute to a welcoming, well-rounded environment.
Population:
21,600
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.5
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
86.4%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
9.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ashland, OR?
Living in Ashland comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index at 121.8, largely driven by housing costs, with the median home value at $560,000 and average rent around $1,450. Utilities and healthcare are closer to national averages, while state taxes range from 4.75% to 9.9%. Residents can expect to pay about $1,920 monthly for a home with a mortgage.
Median House Value:
$560,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,120
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$620
State Taxes:
Low:
4.75%
|
High:
9.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
121.8
Grocery:
109.5
Housing:
154.7
Utilities:
90.3
Transportation:
104.2
Health Care:
98.6
Miscellaneous:
103.2
Crime
Is Ashland, OR a safe place to live?
Ashland experiences relatively low crime rates, with only 124 violent crimes and 2,369 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chances of encountering violent crime are about 1 in 800, making it a generally safe place to live. Property crime is a bit higher but still manageable for a city of this size.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
124
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,369
Crime Index:
2,493
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Ashland, OR year-round?
Ashland offers a mild climate with warm summers (up to 87°F) and cool winters (lows around 32°F), complemented by about 58% sunny days each year. The city receives roughly 20 inches of rainfall annually, making for lush surroundings and pleasant outdoor conditions. Seasonal changes are distinct but generally moderate.

Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
47°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Ashland’s residents enjoy a median household income of $59,100, with a family income averaging $75,300 and a poverty rate of 16.5%. Most neighbors are well-educated, with over 96% holding at least a high school diploma and half holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Commute times are short, averaging just 14.5 minutes, and public transport usage is low.
Median Income:
$39,200
Household Income:
$59,100
Family Income:
$75,300
Per Capita Income:
$34,900
Income Male:
$43,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.9%
Commute Time:
14.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
96.4%
Bachelors or More:
50.1%
Education
How are the schools in Ashland, OR?
Ashland boasts strong educational opportunities, including highly regarded public schools like Ashland High School and Walker Elementary, plus private options such as Ashland Christian School. Southern Oregon University is located within the city, offering higher education to over 5,000 students, while Rogue Community College is just a short drive away. High educational attainment and quality schools make Ashland an appealing choice for families.

Public Schools
Name:
Ashland High School
Street:
201 S Mountain Ave
Phone:
541-482-8771
Students:
965
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
Walker Elementary School
Street:
364 Walker Ave
Phone:
541-482-1516
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
20:1

Private Schools
Name:
Ashland Christian School
Street:
255 Helman St
Phone:
541-482-5790
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Southern Oregon University
City:
Ashland
State:
OR
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
5,200
Name:
Rogue Community College
City:
Medford
State:
OR
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
5,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ashland is easily accessible, with major hospitals like Asante Ashland Community Hospital and high insurance coverage at 95.8%. There are 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and the healthcare index sits at a solid 76.4. Emergency and specialty care are readily available within the city or nearby Medford.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Asante Ashland Community Hospital
Address:
280 Maple St, Ashland, OR 97520
Phone:
(541) 201-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Providence Medford Medical Center
Address:
1111 Crater Lake Ave, Medford, OR 97504
Phone:
(541) 732-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.8%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ashland, OR?
Ashland’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $560,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,450. About 52% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a 6.1% appreciation rate in the past year. Rental vacancies remain low at 3.8%, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$560,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
52.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Ashland residents are served by the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services office in Medford, located at 1101 Riverside Ave. The office provides driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and other DMV services, with details available on the Oregon DMV website or by phone. Access to DMV services is straightforward for local drivers.
State:
Oregon
Department:
Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services
Address:
1101 Riverside Ave, Medford, OR 97501
Phone:
503-945-5000
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.