Cost of Living in Ashland, MO

Population 4,811 · Missouri · Data vintage 2023

82
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Ashland sits on the smaller end of the Missouri city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.2% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Ashland sits roughly 10 miles southeast of Columbia — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% lower than Columbia's $268,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 76
Rent 90

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Ashland

The median home value in Ashland is $231,700 — 24% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,188/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,628/year is 22% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.2%, below the national average of 4.8%. Missouri's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.4%. The climate averages highs of 65.9°F and lows of 46.1°F, with about 16.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Ashland has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$231,700
24% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$186,753
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,188/mo
10% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.3x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.0%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$623
1 BR
$668
2 BR
$826
3 BR
$1,142
4 BR
$1,311
Owner-occupied 66.1%
Renter-occupied 33.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,188
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,802/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
24.1 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.9%
Carpooled
14.9%
Work from home
6.3%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.0%
Total Sales Tax 8.4%
State rate 4.2%
Avg local rate 4.1%
Property Tax 1.0%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$90,628
22% above avg
Per Capita Income
$43,519
Unemployment Rate
1.2%
75% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.0%
Labor Force Participation
73.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 25.5%
Graduate degree 15.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.8
Male median age 39.7
Female median age 35.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
65.9°F
Avg Low
46.1°F
Annual Precip
41.4"
Annual Snowfall
16.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404556677685898880685544
Low °F 232636465665696758473627
Precip" 2.122.122.974.884.774.234.134.143.833.472.682.09
Snow" 6.04.61.50.20.00.00.00.00.00.00.83.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
79.9%
Good air days/yr
143
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
244
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.6:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,806
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ashland, MO?

Ashland has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ashland, MO?

The median gross rent in Ashland is $1,188 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ashland?

The median home value in Ashland is $231,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ashland?

The median household income in Ashland is $90,628 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ashland, MO?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ashland is 8.4%. The Missouri state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Ashland, MO affordable?

Yes, Ashland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Ashland?

Ashland has average high temperatures of 65.9°F and average lows of 46.1°F. Annual precipitation is 41.4". Average annual snowfall is 16.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Ashland at a Glance

Population
4,811
Median Income
$90,628
Home Value
$231,700
Median Rent
$1,188/mo
Unemployment
1.2%
Avg High Temp
65.9°F
Sales Tax
8.4%
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