Ashland, Nebraska Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ashland, Nebraska had a total population of 3,071, the 49th largest city in Nebraska, with a median household income of $89,408, which is 17% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.3%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.3% — among the lowest in Nebraska.
- 36.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — top 10% in Nebraska.
Ashland Quick Facts
How Ashland Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,083 | 3,071 | -0.4% |
| Median household income | $80,948 | $89,408 | +10.5% |
| Median home value | $229,100 | $249,700 | +9.0% |
How Ashland Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 41 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ashland Rankings in Nebraska
Explore Nebraska Rankings
Other Cities in Saunders County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahoo | 4,929 | $89,457 | 14.2% | $243,600 |
| Yutan | 1,832 | $103,350 | 0.7% | $198,800 |
| Ceresco | 1,225 | $96,944 | 2.9% | $210,600 |
| Cedar Bluffs | 782 | $92,639 | 9.6% | $167,200 |
| Mead | 607 | $80,272 | 7.9% | $166,400 |
| Valparaiso | 524 | $85,625 | 5.0% | $230,400 |
| Prague | 310 | $74,375 | 5.9% | $98,200 |
| Weston | 256 | $66,250 | 7.0% | $163,300 |
| Ithaca | 183 | $62,083 | 4.9% | $158,500 |
| Leshara | 177 | $70,750 | 4.6% | $162,500 |
Cities Similar to Ashland
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hickman | 3,004 | $104,375 | $311,700 | 43.2% | 2.6% |
| Central City | 3,061 | $73,229 | $165,300 | 20.0% | 4.2% |
| Valley | 3,174 | $110,200 | $528,100 | 51.2% | 5.3% |
| Minden | 3,108 | $68,449 | $208,500 | 28.2% | 4.8% |
| David City | 3,017 | $65,573 | $165,200 | 32.7% | 15.0% |
Population Overview
Ashland is a small community located in Nebraska, within Saunders County. The total population is 3,071. It ranks as the 49th most populous out of 583 Census-designated places in Nebraska.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ashland is 36.1 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 37.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ashland is $89,408. This is 17% higher than the state median of $76,475. It is also 11% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 4.3%. This is 59% lower than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. This is 3% lower than the state rate of 3.0%. The median home value is $249,700. Housing costs are 5% higher than the state median of $238,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.8x, Ashland is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 72.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 66.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ashland is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.4% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 5.9%. The Black or African American population (0.2%) is well below the state average of 4.6%. The Hispanic or Latino population (5.9%) is well below the state average of 12.7%.
Education
36.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This places Ashland in the top 10% of all cities in the state for educational attainment. This is 4% higher than the state rate of 34.6%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 97.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ashland, Nebraska is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Nebraska state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 583 Census-designated places in Nebraska. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ashland, Nebraska?
Ashland, Nebraska has a population of 3,071 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ashland, NE?
The median household income in Ashland is $89,408, which is 11% higher than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ashland, NE?
The poverty rate in Ashland is 4.3%. This means approximately 129 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ashland, Nebraska?
Ashland's population is 84.4% White, 0.2% Black, 5.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 3.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ashland, NE?
The median home value in Ashland is $249,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x.
How educated is Ashland, Nebraska?
36.0% of adults (25+) in Ashland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 14.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.