Ashland, Kentucky Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Ashland, Kentucky is 21,405 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest city in Kentucky. The median household income is $52,199, the median home value is $125,300, and the median age is 41.1.
The population has declined 3.0% since 2010 (21,712 → 21,066).
21,405
Population
1994
People / sq mi
$52,199
Median Income
$125,300
Median Home Value
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Ashland covers 10.7 sq mi of land at 1994 people per square mile.
About Ashland, KY
Housing cost is the defining feature of Ashland: the median home is valued at $125,300. Ashland is a city in Kentucky with a population of 21,405. It ranks #18 among cities in Kentucky by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $52,199, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 14.7%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $125,300, with typical rent around $859.
College attainment is 24.6%, below the national 35.0%. Just 7.0% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Ashland city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Ashland city had a population of 21,712 in 2010 and 21,066 in 2024, a -3.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,712 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.20%.
21,066
Population (2024)
21,712
Population (2010)
21,712
Peak (2010)
-0.20%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,712 |
| 2011 | 21,617 |
| 2012 | 21,494 |
| 2013 | 21,305 |
| 2014 | 21,232 |
| 2015 | 21,047 |
| 2016 | 20,897 |
| 2017 | 20,618 |
| 2018 | 20,428 |
| 2019 | 20,146 |
| 2020 | 21,589 |
| 2021 | 21,392 |
| 2022 | 21,305 |
| 2023 | 21,127 |
| 2024 | 21,066 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$52,199
Median Household Income
$30,936
Per Capita Income
14.7%
Poverty Rate
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$125,300
Median Home Value
$859
Median Rent
59.9%
Owner-Occupied
Education
91.0%
High School+
24.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.3%
Drive Alone
74.2%
Public Transit
7.0%
Work From Home
20.8 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
35.1%
Foreign Born
96.8%
Non-English at Home
8.0%
Veterans
24.0%
With Disability
93.9%
Health Insurance
94.0%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 31.9% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 12.1% |
| Manufacturing | 6.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 6.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.4% |
| Public Administration | 5.2% |
| Information | 4.6% |
| Construction | 3.9% |
| Retail Trade | 3.7% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.2% |
Largest cities in Kentucky
Largest counties in Kentucky
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ashland, Kentucky has a population of 21,405 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest city in Kentucky.
The median household income in Ashland, Kentucky is $52,199, with 14.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Ashland, Kentucky is $125,300, with median monthly rent at $859 and a homeownership rate of 59.9%.
The median age in Ashland, Kentucky is 41.1 years. The population is 47.5% male and 52.5% female.
The population has declined 3.0% since 2010 (21,712 → 21,066).
Ashland city, KY Climate
Ashland city, KY has an average annual temperature of 12.4°C (54°F) and receives about 1085 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.4°C
Avg Temp
1085
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0° / 31° | 76 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 76 mm |
| March | 7° / 44° | 94 mm |
| April | 12° / 54° | 88 mm |
| May | 17° / 63° | 110 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 100 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 121 mm |
| August | 23° / 74° | 99 mm |
| September | 20° / 68° | 75 mm |
| October | 13° / 56° | 73 mm |
| November | 8° / 46° | 85 mm |
| December | 2° / 36° | 88 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Ashland city, KY
The most comfortable months to visit Ashland city, KY are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 31°C high). The coldest is January (near -6°C low). July is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ashland
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Kentucky
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.