Ashland, OR
Population 21,343 · Oregon
About Ashland, OR
Ashland is a mid-sized city located in Oregon with a population of 21,343 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,782 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 47.7 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 $573,700, which is 134% above the national median of $244,900. This places Ashland in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,367, 18% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 11,499 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (5,193 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (5,071 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 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ashland have an average one-way commute time of 16.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
65.0% of Ashland residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.1% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 5.4% Asian residents, with 7.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ashland Ranks in Oregon
Cost of Living in Ashland, OR
Compared to national averages, Ashland has a median household income of $71,782 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $573,700, which is 134% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,367 is 18% above the US average of $1,163. Within Oregon, Ashland's income is 6% below the state average of $76,196, and home values are 50% above the state median of $382,095.
Why Live in Ashland, OR?
Ashland offers a well-educated community where 65.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 16.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,782) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $573,700. However, Ashland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ashland has a population of 21,343 with a median age of 47.7 years. Compare Ashland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oregon.
Similar Cities Near Ashland
Cities in Oregon with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukie | 21,256 | $82,422 | $477,200 | Compare |
| Klamath Falls | 21,879 | $47,268 | $257,400 | Compare |
| Hayesville | 22,309 | $59,299 | $331,200 | Compare |
| Sherwood | 20,227 | $110,616 | $564,200 | Compare |
| Altamont | 19,844 | $56,236 | $222,600 | Compare |
| Cedar Mill | 19,482 | $167,037 | $839,200 | Compare |
| Hermiston | 19,406 | $67,128 | $244,700 | Compare |
| Central Point | 19,183 | $80,450 | $357,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oregon
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, OR?
The population of Ashland, OR is 21,343 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Oregon.
What is the median household income in Ashland?
The median household income in Ashland, OR is $71,782 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland, OR is $573,700, which is 134% above 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, OR is $1,367, which is 18% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ashland?
The unemployment rate in Ashland, OR is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ashland, OR a good place to live?
Ashland offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 21,343 and a median age of 47.7, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ashland, OR?
65.0% of residents in Ashland aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Ashland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ashland, OR: median home value is $573,700 (134% above national), median rent is $1,367/month, and median household income is $71,782. The home-value-to-income ratio is 8.0x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Ashland?
The poverty rate in Ashland, OR is 14.2%, 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, OR?
Ashland's population is 3.1% White, 3.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 5.4% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 7.8% of residents are foreign-born.