Cost of Living in Ashland, NE

Population 3,083 · Nebraska · Data vintage 2023

73
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Ashland a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $229,000.

Ashland sits roughly 25 miles northeast of Lincoln — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Lincoln's $248,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 75
Rent 69

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

About the Cost of Living in Ashland

The median home value in Ashland is $229,100 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $913/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $80,948/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Nebraska's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Ashland has a cost of living index of 73 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$229,100
25% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$220,313
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$913/mo
31% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$622
1 BR
$703
2 BR
$907
3 BR
$1,155
4 BR
$1,220
Owner-occupied 67.3%
Renter-occupied 32.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$913
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,527/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
27.6 min
2% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.1%
Carpooled
2.9%
Public transit
3.4%
Walked
5.4%
Work from home
7.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 5.5%
Avg local rate 1.4%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$80,948
9% above avg
Per Capita Income
$36,257
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
2% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Labor Force Participation
68.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.0%
Graduate degree 12.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.6
Male median age 36.3
Female median age 36.7

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,005
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Ashland, NE?

Ashland has a cost index of 73 (100 = national average). It is 27% below the national average.

What is average rent in Ashland, NE?

The median gross rent in Ashland is $913 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Ashland?

The median home value in Ashland is $229,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Ashland?

The median household income in Ashland is $80,948 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Ashland, NE?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ashland is 6.9%. The Nebraska state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Ashland, NE affordable?

Yes, Ashland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 73 — about 27% below the US national average of 100.

Ashland at a Glance

Population
3,083
Median Income
$80,948
Home Value
$229,100
Median Rent
$913/mo
Unemployment
4.9%
Sales Tax
6.9%
View all cities in Nebraska →
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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