Ashtabula, OH
Population 17,919 · Ohio
About Ashtabula, OH
Ashtabula is a mid-sized city located in Ohio with a population of 17,919 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,782 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ashtabula features a median home value of $99,200, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ashtabula one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $790, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,666 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (4,239 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (3,359 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ashtabula shows an unemployment rate of 12.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ashtabula have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.8% of Ashtabula 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 4.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ashtabula, OH
Compared to national averages, Ashtabula has a median household income of $43,782 (42% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $99,200, which is 59% below the national median. Monthly rent at $790 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Ashtabula's income is 39% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 43% below the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Ashtabula, OH?
Ashtabula offers affordable housing with a median home value of $99,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $790/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,782) that falls below the national average. However, Ashtabula’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ashtabula has a population of 17,919 with a median age of 40.1 years. Compare Ashtabula with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Ashtabula
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portsmouth | 17,919 | $35,319 | $95,000 | Compare |
| Tiffin | 17,814 | $55,700 | $129,200 | Compare |
| Pataskala | 18,049 | $90,513 | $277,600 | Compare |
| North Canton | 17,746 | $72,193 | $194,200 | Compare |
| Steubenville | 18,144 | $47,057 | $128,000 | Compare |
| New Philadelphia | 17,563 | $60,932 | $164,600 | Compare |
| Eastlake | 17,538 | $62,510 | $168,300 | Compare |
| Niles | 18,301 | $49,987 | $108,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ashtabula With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ashtabula
What is the population of Ashtabula, OH?
The population of Ashtabula, OH is 17,919 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Ashtabula?
The median household income in Ashtabula, OH is $43,782 per year, which is 42% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ashtabula?
The median home value in Ashtabula, OH is $99,200, which is 59% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ashtabula?
The median monthly rent in Ashtabula, OH is $790, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ashtabula?
The unemployment rate in Ashtabula, OH is 12.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ashtabula, OH a good place to live?
Ashtabula offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,919 and a median age of 40.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ashtabula, OH?
12.8% of residents in Ashtabula 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 Ashtabula?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ashtabula, OH: median home value is $99,200 (59% below national), median rent is $790/month, and median household income is $43,782. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ashtabula?
The poverty rate in Ashtabula, OH is 31.6%, 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 Ashtabula, OH?
Ashtabula's population is 4.6% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.3% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 8.0% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.