Ashton, IA
Population 518 · Iowa
About Ashton, IA
Ashton is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 518 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,156 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ashton features a median home value of $85,400, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ashton one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $892, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 230 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (185 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (30 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ashton shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ashton have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.8% of Ashton 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, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ashton, IA
Compared to national averages, Ashton has a median household income of $60,156 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,400, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $892 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ashton's income is 11% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 35% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ashton, IA?
Ashton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $892/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,156) that falls below the national average. However, Ashton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ashton has a population of 518 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Ashton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ashton
What is the population of Ashton, IA?
The population of Ashton, IA is 518 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ashton?
The median household income in Ashton, IA is $60,156 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ashton?
The median home value in Ashton, IA is $85,400, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ashton?
The median monthly rent in Ashton, IA is $892, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ashton?
The unemployment rate in Ashton, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ashton, IA a good place to live?
Ashton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 518 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ashton, IA?
9.8% of residents in Ashton 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 Ashton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ashton, IA: median home value is $85,400 (65% below national), median rent is $892/month, and median household income is $60,156. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ashton?
The poverty rate in Ashton, IA is 5.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ashton, IA?
Ashton's population is 0.6% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.