Ashland city, Wisconsin Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Ashland city, Wisconsin has a total population of 7,884, the 121st largest city in Wisconsin, with a median household income of $49,258, which is 35% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.1%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 35% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Ashland city Quick Facts
How Ashland city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 36 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ashland city Rankings in Wisconsin
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Other Cities in Bayfield County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn city | 1,858 | $60,288 | 7.8% | $174,100 |
| Bayfield city | 590 | $63,750 | 9.7% | $304,800 |
| Mason village | 89 | $66,250 | 14.6% | $110,700 |
Cities Similar to Ashland city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antigo city | 8,058 | $46,791 | $94,700 | 13.6% | 16.9% |
| Rhinelander city | 8,248 | $53,561 | $123,300 | 21.7% | 12.8% |
| Ripon city | 7,803 | $59,063 | $161,500 | 24.6% | 10.4% |
| New London city | 7,492 | $61,447 | $162,800 | 16.7% | 17.5% |
| Pewaukee village | 8,240 | $62,380 | $266,300 | 42.4% | 8.4% |
Population Overview
Ashland city is a small city located in Wisconsin, within Bayfield County. The total population is 7,884. It ranks as the 121st most populous out of 807 cities and towns in Wisconsin.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ashland city is 40.2 years. This is about average than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ashland city is $49,258. This is 35% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 37% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.1%. This is 127% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 43% higher than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $162,200. Housing costs are 34% lower than the state median of $247,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x. 60.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 67.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ashland city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 84.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 3.2%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 6.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (3.2%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.
Education
25.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 21% lower than the state rate of 32.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ashland city, Wisconsin is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Wisconsin state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 807 Census-designated places in Wisconsin. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ashland city, Wisconsin?
Ashland city, Wisconsin has a population of 7,884 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ashland city, WI?
The median household income in Ashland city is $49,258, which is 37% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Ashland city, WI?
The poverty rate in Ashland city is 24.1%. This means approximately 1,760 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ashland city, Wisconsin?
Ashland city's population is 84.0% White, 0.9% Black, 3.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ashland city, WI?
The median home value in Ashland city is $162,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x.
How educated is Ashland city, Wisconsin?
25.9% of adults (25+) in Ashland city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.