Ashland
Ohio

What stands out

Against every county in America, Ashland County is unusual in one way: winter sunshine is in the bottom 6% of American counties (-1.5 on the USDA scale). Within Ohio it ranks 29th of 88 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Ashland County, Ohio. 52,522 people live here with you. The population grew 0.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +269).

Ohio has a flat 2.75% income tax on income over $26,050 and exempts Social Security. Cities and school districts can add their own income taxes, so the total rate depends on the municipality. Home prices are well below the national average in all three major metros. Ohio has allowed permitless concealed carry since June 2022 and legalized recreational marijuana by ballot in 2023.

Money

The typical household here brings in $62,254 a year, higher than 55% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $48,877. Unemployment runs 3.8%, higher than 65% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

Ohio takes 1.6% of that median income in state income tax, about $996 a year.

Home

The median home costs $246K, pricier than 55% of American counties, about 2.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $772 a month. Property tax is 1.06% of home value, roughly $1,731 a year on that median home, higher than 64% of American counties. 78% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.0 per 1,000 residents, higher than 59% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 14 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 76.0 years, longer than 52% of American counties. There are 50 active physicians in the county, about 9.5 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 4.0 of 5 stars. 9.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.23 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 69% of American counties. 90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 41 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 64% of eligible voters turned out. Under Ohio law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 50°F, highs near 60 and lows near 40, colder than 75% of American counties. About 37 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 44 out of 100, safer than 56% of American counties; the county has had 12 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 241 Mbps down, faster than 70% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery.