Ashland, IL
Population 1,001 · Illinois
About Ashland, IL
Ashland is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,001 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,417 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.3 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 $104,000, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ashland one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $575, 51% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 567 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (390 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (69 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ashland shows an unemployment rate of 2.5%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ashland have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
21.5% 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 0.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ashland, IL
Compared to national averages, Ashland has a median household income of $62,417 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,000, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $575 is 51% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Ashland's income is 17% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 37% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Ashland, IL?
Ashland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $575/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.5%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,417) 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 1,001 with a median age of 42.3 years. Compare Ashland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Ashland
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
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, IL?
The population of Ashland, IL is 1,001 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Ashland?
The median household income in Ashland, IL is $62,417 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland, IL is $104,000, which is 58% 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, IL is $575, which is 51% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ashland?
The unemployment rate in Ashland, IL is 2.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ashland, IL a good place to live?
Ashland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,001 and a median age of 42.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ashland, IL?
21.5% 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, IL: median home value is $104,000 (58% below national), median rent is $575/month, and median household income is $62,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ashland?
The poverty rate in Ashland, IL is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ashland, IL?
Ashland's population is 0.6% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.2% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.