| Statistic | Ashland | Virginia | National |
| Population | 7,819 | 8,535,519 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,086 | 218 | 91 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 37.8 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 32% | 57% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 36% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 87% | 84% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 11% | 7% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Ashland is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Ashland population is 7,819, with a population density of 1,086 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 32.4, and 32% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 36% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Ashland, 21% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 13% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
Recognizing the racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown of Ashland is pivotal for addressing systemic inequities, championing social justice and inclusion and fostering resilient communities. In Ashland, the racial breakdown comprises 67.1% White, 20.4% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.9% American Indian, and 0.4% Native Hawaiian, with 12.3% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. 87.4% of households reported speaking English only, while 10.6% reported speaking Spanish only. Furthermore, 9% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
Ashland could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Ashland population density is 1,086, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Ashland demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Ashland demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Ashland has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
Understanding Populations: Analyzing and interpreting the Ashland demographic data provides us with valuable insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, encompassing age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic variables. This understanding is crucial for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges encountered by various demographic groups within communities. Demographics play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes, and advancing equity, inclusion, and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The Ashland population and demographic data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also nurturing the well-being and resilience of societies.
| Race | Ashland | Virginia | National |
| White | 67.12% | 68.75% | 73.35% |
| Black | 20.39% | 19.21% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 1.23% | 6.05% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.93% | 0.26% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.43% | 0.07% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 4.16% | 3.37% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 5.74% | 2.30% | 4.75% |
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