Ashland, KY
Population 21,405 · Kentucky
About Ashland, KY
Ashland is a mid-sized city located in Kentucky with a population of 21,405 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,199 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ashland features a median home value of $125,300, which is 49% 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 $859, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,782 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (5,607 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (3,749 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 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ashland have an average one-way commute time of 20.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.6% of Ashland residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ashland Ranks in Kentucky
Cost of Living in Ashland, KY
Compared to national averages, Ashland has a median household income of $52,199 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,300, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $859 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kentucky, Ashland's income is 21% below the state average of $66,273, and home values are 31% below the state median of $182,504.
Why Live in Ashland, KY?
Ashland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $859/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,199) 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 21,405 with a median age of 41.1 years. Compare Ashland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kentucky.
Similar Cities Near Ashland
Cities in Kentucky with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radcliff | 22,967 | $60,976 | $163,300 | Compare |
| Erlanger | 19,677 | $78,420 | $189,400 | Compare |
| Madisonville | 19,442 | $56,902 | $152,300 | Compare |
| Winchester | 19,133 | $57,653 | $180,400 | Compare |
| Mount Washington | 18,228 | $93,852 | $253,700 | Compare |
| Burlington | 18,090 | $101,550 | $229,700 | Compare |
| Murray | 17,888 | $40,348 | $193,300 | Compare |
| St. Matthews | 17,491 | $80,716 | $325,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kentucky
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, KY?
The population of Ashland, KY is 21,405 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Kentucky.
What is the median household income in Ashland?
The median household income in Ashland, KY is $52,199 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland, KY is $125,300, which is 49% 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, KY is $859, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ashland?
The unemployment rate in Ashland, KY is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ashland, KY a good place to live?
Ashland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,405 and a median age of 41.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ashland, KY?
24.6% 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, KY: median home value is $125,300 (49% below national), median rent is $859/month, and median household income is $52,199. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ashland?
The poverty rate in Ashland, KY is 22.8%, 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, KY?
Ashland's population is 1.8% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.5% two or more races. 1.6% of residents are foreign-born.