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
Part of Kentucky
Metro areas in Kentucky
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).
Where to stay in Ashland
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.