Ashland 72 Excellent
Ashland Livability #373 ranked city in Ohio#6,095 ranked city in the USARanks better than 79% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Ashland

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.

What's it like Living in Ashland?

Ashland is a mid-sized city located in the state of Ohio. The city has a population of 21,043 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Ashland is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ashland will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 20 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Ashland is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in Ohio, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Ashland and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.

Ashland has a livability score of 73/100 and is ranked #310 in Ohio and #5,031 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Ashland has received high marks for crime (A), education (B) and housing (A+). Ashland does not rank well for the following: amenities (D-). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Ashland has a violent crime rate of 172 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Ashland has an unemployment rate of 1.8% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Ashland apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Ashland is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Ashland come in at $196,344, which is 16.4% lower than the Ohio average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Ashland, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 9.7% lower than the Ohio average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ashland

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Compare Ashland, OH Livability

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      Ashland transportation information

      Statistic Ashland Ohio National
      Average one way commute20min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.0%83.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.9%7.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.5%1.7%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.5%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk7.7%2.3%2.8%
      Working from home4.1%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Ashland, OH data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.