Ashland, AL
Population 1,779 · Alabama
About Ashland, AL
Ashland is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,779 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,875 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ashland features a median home value of $173,900, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ashland in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $352, 70% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 899 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (438 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (350 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ashland shows an unemployment rate of 0.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 29.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ashland have an average one-way commute time of 24.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.8% of Ashland residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ashland Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Ashland, AL
Compared to national averages, Ashland has a median household income of $41,875 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $173,900, which is 29% below the national median. Monthly rent at $352 is 70% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Ashland's income is 28% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 9% above the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Ashland, AL?
Ashland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $173,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $352/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.4%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,875) that falls below the national average. However, Ashland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ashland has a population of 1,779 with a median age of 43.5 years. Compare Ashland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Ashland
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlisle-Rockledge | 1,791 | $59,246 | $152,000 | Compare |
| Blountsville | 1,757 | $46,555 | $120,300 | Compare |
| Midland City | 1,803 | $35,638 | $153,400 | Compare |
| Sardis City | 1,805 | $59,632 | $207,300 | Compare |
| Vernon | 1,819 | $27,174 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Vance | 1,822 | $76,654 | $208,600 | Compare |
| Collinsville | 1,835 | $31,411 | $0 | Compare |
| Cordova | 1,723 | $38,190 | $62,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ashland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashland
What is the population of Ashland, AL?
The population of Ashland, AL is 1,779 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Ashland?
The median household income in Ashland, AL is $41,875 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland, AL is $173,900, which is 29% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ashland?
The median monthly rent in Ashland, AL is $352, which is 70% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ashland?
The unemployment rate in Ashland, AL is 0.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ashland, AL a good place to live?
Ashland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,779 and a median age of 43.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ashland, AL?
18.8% of residents in Ashland aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ashland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ashland, AL: median home value is $173,900 (29% below national), median rent is $352/month, and median household income is $41,875. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ashland?
The poverty rate in Ashland, AL is 29.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ashland, AL?
Ashland's population is 0.1% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 18.2% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.