Ashland, OR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
21,259
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$68,028/yr
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,494
-0.0% year-over-year change

Ashland population

How many people live in Ashland

Ashland is home to 21,259 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.2% of Ashland locals are male, and 52.8% are female.

Total population
21,259
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.2%
10,027
Female
52.8%
11,232
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,027 47.2% -2.5%
Female 11,232 52.8% 1.5%
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 Ashland is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 9.9% are children under 15, then 16.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.3% of the population, while another 22.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 29.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
9.9%
15 to 24
16.2%
25 to 44
21.3%
45 to 64
22.8%
Over 65
29.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,096 9.9% 0.6%
15 to 24 3,442 16.2% -6.6%
25 to 44 4,519 21.3% 3.1%
45 to 64 4,840 22.8% -5.0%
Over 65 6,362 29.9% 4.4%
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 Ashland, 91.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 86.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 1.6% have Asian roots. Another 0.6% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
91.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.1%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 19,520 91.8% 0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,290 6.1% -9.3%
Non-citizens 449 2.1% -8.0%
Racial breakdown
White
86.9%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.6%
Asian
1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
9.6%
Other
1%
Value Percent
White 18,482 86.9%
Black or African American 16 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 137 0.6%
Asian 334 1.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 37 0.2%
Two or more races 2,040 9.6%
Other 213 1%

Households in Ashland

A peek inside Ashland households

Ashland has 10,536 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.5% are families, while the remaining 51.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
10,536
2.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
5,424
Family households
5,112
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 5,424 51.5% 7.4%
Family households 5,112 48.5% -1.9%
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 Ashland

The housing landscape of Ashland

Ashland's housing consists of 11,494 units, with 58.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 13.3% 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 1.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,494
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 6,705 58.3%
1 unit, attached 1,526 13.3%
2 units 351 3%
3 or 4 units 653 5.7%
5 to 9 units 783 6.8%
10 to 19 units 345 3%
20 to 49 units 420 3.6%
50 or more units 525 4.6%
Mobile home 128 1.1%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 58 0.5%
Homes built since 2020
222
133.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ashland

In Ashland, the median construction year is 1979. About 12.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,424 12.4% 1.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 672 5.8% -18.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 818 7.1% -3.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,098 9.6% -9.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,831 15.9% 9.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,645 14.3% -1.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,550 13.5% 11.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 1,193 10.4% -16.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,041 9.1% 8.8%
Built in 2020 or later 222 1.9% 133.7%
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.

Ashland occupancy rates

Out of the 10,536 occupied housing units in Ashland, 51.6% are owner-occupied, while 48.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
10,536
2.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,095
Owner occupied
5,441
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,095 48.4% 0.5%
Owner occupied 5,441 51.6% 4.8%
Unoccupied housing units
8.3%
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.

Ashland housing costs

Housing costs in Ashland come to a median of $1,391 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,387.

Median housing costs per month
$1,391/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 Ashland
$1,387/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 Ashland

Ashland education at a glance

About 13.1% of the population in Ashland went to high school, while 22.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 31.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 26% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 217 1.2% 32.3%
High school diploma 2,439 13.1% -11.9%
College diploma 4,115 22.1% -8.5%
Associate degree 1,231 6.6% 22.1%
Bachelor's degree 5,795 31.1% 2.8%
Graduate degree 4,851 26% 2.0%
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 Ashland

How much people earn in Ashland

The average annual household income in Ashland was $102,588 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $68,028, reflecting a -5.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ashland
$102,588/year
2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ashland
$68,028/year
-5.2% year-over-year change

Ashland income by age

In Ashland, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $69,233. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $96,944 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $26,494, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $64,623 in earnings. Overall, 84.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $26,494 9.8%
25 - 44 $69,233 -8.5%
45 - 64 $96,944 -8.9%
Over 65 $64,623 -3.8%
Above poverty level
17,011
Below poverty level
3,027
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,011 84.9% -2.4%
Below poverty level 3,027 15.1% 6.9%

Average renter income in Ashland

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ashland, their median household income was $36,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 45.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$36,250
Rent-to-income ratio
45.9%
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 Ashland

Workforce and job types in Ashland

The job market in Ashland is powered by 10,302 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 89.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.2% run their own businesses, 50% are employed by private companies, and 17.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
10,302
-1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
9,249
Blue collar
1,053
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,249 89.8% -2.9%
Blue collar 1,053 10.2% 7.5%
Employer type
Self employees
16.2%
Private companies
50%
Governmental workers
17.4%
Not for profit companies
16.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,664 16.2% 1.8%
Private companies 5,152 50% -6.7%
Governmental workers 1,794 17.4% -5.3%
Not for profit companies 1,692 16.4% 16.1%
Unemployment rate
6.2%
11.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ashland stands at 6.2%, 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 Ashland

How people get around in Ashland

In Ashland, the average commute time is 17 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 62.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 10.7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
17 min
-0.6% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 6,275 62.8% -5.4%
Bus or trolleybus 39 0.4% -61.8%
Bicycle 434 4.3% 15.1%
Walk 1,069 10.7% 7.8%
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 Ashland by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
97520 26,512 12,701 $67,948 $102,080

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FAQs about Ashland demographics 

What is the total population of Ashland?

Ashland has a total population of 21,259 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ashland?

The gender ratio in Ashland is as follows:
  • 47.2% males (10,027 residents)
  • 52.8% females (11,232 residents)

What is the median age in Ashland?

The median age in Ashland is 47.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ashland?

The age distribution in Ashland is as follows:
  • Under 15: 9.9% (2,096 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.2% (3,442 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.3% (4,519 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.8% (4,840 residents)
  • Over 65: 29.9% (6,362 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ashland?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ashland is as follows:
  • White: 86.9% (18,482 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.6% (137 residents)
  • Asian: 1.6% (334 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (37 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.6% (2,040 residents)
  • Other: 1% (213 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 91.8% of the population in Ashland.

How many housing units are there in Ashland?

There are 11,494 housing units in Ashland, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ashland has a total of 10,536 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ashland?

Ashland has a median household income of $68,028, representing a -5.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.8% in Ashland, with a workforce of 10,302 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 89.8% (9,249 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 10.2% (1,053 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.2% (1,664 residents)
  • Private companies: 50% (5,152 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17.4% (1,794 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.4% (1,692 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