Ashtabula, OH demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
17,856
-0.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$44,120/yr
0.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
9,014
4.0% year-over-year change

Ashtabula population

How many people live in Ashtabula

Ashtabula is home to 17,856 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.3% of Ashtabula locals are male, and 51.7% are female.

Total population
17,856
-0.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.3%
8,622
Female
51.7%
9,234
Value Percent YoY change
Male 8,622 48.3% -1.9%
Female 9,234 51.7% 1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ashtabula is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.3% are children under 15, then 12.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.7% of the population, while another 24.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.3%
15 to 24
12.4%
25 to 44
26.7%
45 to 64
24.5%
Over 65
19%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,090 17.3% -5.7%
15 to 24 2,209 12.4% 4.0%
25 to 44 4,775 26.7% -3.5%
45 to 64 4,382 24.5% 1.6%
Over 65 3,400 19% 4.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ashtabula, 93% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 75.2% of locals are Caucasian, 8.8% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
93%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.8%
Non-citizens
3.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 16,615 93% -0.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 684 3.8% -15.6%
Non-citizens 557 3.1% 57.3%
Racial breakdown
White
75.2%
Black or African American
8.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
6%
Value Percent
White 13,431 75.2%
Black or African American 1,575 8.8%
Asian 95 0.5%
Two or more races 1,683 9.4%
Other 1,072 6%

Households in Ashtabula

A peek inside Ashtabula households

Ashtabula has 7,891 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 54.2% are families, while the remaining 45.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
7,891
3.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
3,617
Family households
4,274
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,617 45.8% 10.9%
Family households 4,274 54.2% -1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ashtabula

The housing landscape of Ashtabula

Ashtabula's housing consists of 9,014 units, with 70.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
9,014
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,387 70.9%
1 unit, attached 104 1.2%
2 units 693 7.7%
3 or 4 units 403 4.5%
5 to 9 units 232 2.6%
10 to 19 units 224 2.5%
20 to 49 units 218 2.4%
50 or more units 440 4.9%
Mobile home 313 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
15
-6.2% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ashtabula

In Ashtabula, the median construction year is 1949. About 43.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.2% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3,940 43.7% 5.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 653 7.2% -14.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,370 15.2% -1.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 711 7.9% -11.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,067 11.8% 29.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 604 6.7% 28.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 348 3.9% -14.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 295 3.3% 42.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 11 0.1% -81.4%
Built in 2020 or later 15 0.2% -6.2%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ashtabula occupancy rates

Out of the 7,891 occupied housing units in Ashtabula, 58% are owner-occupied, while 42% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
7,891
3.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
3,310
Owner occupied
4,581
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 3,310 42% -1.5%
Owner occupied 4,581 58% 8.1%
Unoccupied housing units
12.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ashtabula housing costs

Housing costs in Ashtabula come to a median of $750 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $793.

Median housing costs per month
$750/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ashtabula
$793/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ashtabula

Ashtabula education at a glance

About 57.1% of the population in Ashtabula went to high school, while 18.8% pursued college studies. Another 7.8% earned an associate degree and 6.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 817 5.8% 43.3%
High school diploma 8,055 57.1% 0.5%
College diploma 2,645 18.8% -1.1%
Associate degree 1,106 7.8% 8.8%
Bachelor's degree 925 6.6% -14.9%
Graduate degree 551 3.9% 3.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ashtabula

How much people earn in Ashtabula

The average annual household income in Ashtabula was $57,169 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $44,120, reflecting a +0.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ashtabula
$57,169/year
-0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ashtabula
$44,120/year
0.8% year-over-year change

Ashtabula income by age

In Ashtabula, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $41,069. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $45,806 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,907, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $45,776 in earnings. Overall, 70.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,907 28.2%
25 - 44 $41,069 0.7%
45 - 64 $45,806 -3.4%
Over 65 $45,776 0.4%
Above poverty level
12,203
Below poverty level
5,161
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 12,203 70.3% 1.9%
Below poverty level 5,161 29.7% -6.4%

Average renter income in Ashtabula

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ashtabula, their median household income was $19,891 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 47.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,891
Rent-to-income ratio
47.8%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ashtabula

Workforce and job types in Ashtabula

The job market in Ashtabula is powered by 7,539 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 75.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
7,539
-0.9% year-over-year change
White collar
4,559
Blue collar
2,980
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 4,559 60.5% -7.6%
Blue collar 2,980 39.5% 11.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
75.4%
Governmental workers
9.6%
Not for profit companies
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 464 6.2% 9.7%
Private companies 5,685 75.4% -1.6%
Governmental workers 724 9.6% -3.1%
Not for profit companies 666 8.8% 0.6%
Unemployment rate
11.8%
-5.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ashtabula stands at 11.8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ashtabula

How people get around in Ashtabula

In Ashtabula, the average commute time is 21 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
21 min
7.2% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,793 91.7% 0.3%
Bus or trolleybus 90 1.2% 1.1%
Bicycle 68 0.9% 83.8%
Walk 84 1.1% -12.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ashtabula by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
44004 31,114 13,578 $51,034 $65,849

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FAQs about Ashtabula demographics 

What is the total population of Ashtabula?

Ashtabula has a total population of 17,856 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ashtabula?

The gender ratio in Ashtabula is as follows:
  • 48.3% males (8,622 residents)
  • 51.7% females (9,234 residents)

What is the median age in Ashtabula?

The median age in Ashtabula is 41.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ashtabula?

The age distribution in Ashtabula is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.3% (3,090 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.4% (2,209 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.7% (4,775 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.5% (4,382 residents)
  • Over 65: 19% (3,400 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ashtabula?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashtabula is as follows:
  • White: 75.2% (13,431 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.8% (1,575 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (95 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (1,683 residents)
  • Other: 6% (1,072 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ashtabula are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 93% of the population in Ashtabula.

How many housing units are there in Ashtabula?

There are 9,014 housing units in Ashtabula, reflecting a +4.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ashtabula and what is the average household size?

Ashtabula has a total of 7,891 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ashtabula?

Ashtabula has a median household income of $44,120, representing a +0.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ashtabula?

The employment rate is 88.2% in Ashtabula, with a workforce of 7,539 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.5% (4,559 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.5% (2,980 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (464 residents)
  • Private companies: 75.4% (5,685 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.6% (724 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.8% (666 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025