Cost of Living in Ashland, KY
Population 21,405 · Kentucky · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Ashland is a smaller Kentucky community of around 21000 residents, where median household incomes of $52,199 and housing costs ($125,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Ashland lies roughly 105 miles east of the nearest major metro, Lexington-Fayette urban county — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 54% lower than Lexington-Fayette urban county's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ashland
The median home value in Ashland is $125,300 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $859/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,199/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Kentucky's top state income tax rate is 4.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 66.6°F and lows of 46.3°F, with about 19.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Ashland has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 47 | 57 | 69 | 76 | 83 | 86 | 86 | 80 | 69 | 57 | 47 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 36 | 46 | 54 | 62 | 66 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 37 | 30 |
| Precip" | 3.10 | 3.37 | 4.16 | 3.91 | 4.51 | 4.20 | 5.08 | 3.95 | 3.16 | 3.02 | 3.07 | 3.57 |
| Snow" | 6.0 | 5.8 | 4.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 2.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ashland, KY?
Ashland has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ashland, KY?
The median gross rent in Ashland is $859 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ashland?
The median home value in Ashland is $125,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ashland?
The median household income in Ashland is $52,199 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ashland, KY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ashland is 6.0%. The Kentucky state income tax top rate is 4.0%.
Is Ashland, KY affordable?
Yes, Ashland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Ashland?
Ashland has average high temperatures of 66.6°F and average lows of 46.3°F. Annual precipitation is 45.1". Average annual snowfall is 19.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ashland at a Glance
- Population
- 21,405
- Median Income
- $52,199
- Home Value
- $125,300
- Median Rent
- $859/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 66.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Kentucky Rankings
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