Ashland, VA
Population 7,667 · Virginia
About Ashland, VA
Ashland is a small town located in Virginia with a population of 7,667 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,000 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ashland features a median home value of $272,600, which is 11% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ashland in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,154, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,063 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,548 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,202 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 4.3%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ashland have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.9% 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 2.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 8.0% Asian residents, with 7.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ashland, VA
Compared to national averages, Ashland has a median household income of $65,000 (14% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $272,600, which is 11% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,154 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Virginia, Ashland's income is 26% below the state average of $87,957, and home values are 17% below the state median of $327,514.
Why Live in Ashland, VA?
Ashland offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,154/month, and a well-educated community where 34.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,000) 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 7,667 with a median age of 30.7 years. Compare Ashland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Virginia.
Similar Cities Near Ashland
Cities in Virginia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collinsville | 7,645 | $50,465 | $123,500 | Compare |
| Farmville | 7,613 | $40,282 | $223,700 | Compare |
| Laurel Hill | 7,551 | $139,803 | $625,900 | Compare |
| Bull Run CDP (Fairfax County), Virginia | 7,513 | $238,500 | $879,000 | Compare |
| North Springfield | 7,511 | $124,118 | $630,300 | Compare |
| Mantua | 7,447 | $197,677 | $947,700 | Compare |
| South Boston | 7,896 | $41,102 | $157,300 | Compare |
| Carrollton | 7,903 | $113,813 | $381,900 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Virginia
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, VA?
The population of Ashland, VA is 7,667 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Virginia.
What is the median household income in Ashland?
The median household income in Ashland, VA is $65,000 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland, VA is $272,600, which is 11% 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, VA is $1,154, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ashland?
The unemployment rate in Ashland, VA is 4.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ashland, VA a good place to live?
Ashland offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,667 and a median age of 30.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ashland, VA?
34.9% 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, VA: median home value is $272,600 (11% above national), median rent is $1,154/month, and median household income is $65,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ashland?
The poverty rate in Ashland, VA is 16.4%, 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, VA?
Ashland's population is 2.8% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 8.0% Asian, and 19.1% two or more races. 7.3% of residents are foreign-born.