Ashland, Illinois Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

The current estimated population of Ashland is 1,200, with a gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female. The population has remained stable, reflecting its role as a small, rural community in central Illinois.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1857
  • County: Cass County
  • Land area: 0.7 square miles
  • Population density: 1,714 people per square mile
  • Area code: 217
  • Zip code: 62612

Geography and Location

Ashland is located in central Illinois, within Cass County, about 20 miles west of Springfield. The town is surrounded by flat farmland, typical of the Midwest, with agriculture playing a key role in the local economy. Corn, soybeans, and livestock are common agricultural products in the region. Ashland has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The town is accessible via Illinois Route 125, which connects it to Springfield and other nearby towns. The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, small businesses, and services for the surrounding rural area. Ashland’s rural setting and small-town atmosphere make it a peaceful place to live, with easy access to the amenities of Springfield.

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.1 years
Median household income: $43,125
Median house value: $72,400

Population by Race

Races in Ashland:

  • White Non-Hispanic (98.4%)
  • American Indian (1.0%)
  • Two or more races (0.8%)

Ancestries: German (29.1%), Irish (14.5%), English (13.7%), United States (12.2%), Scottish (2.4%), Dutch (2.1%).

Elevation: 633 feet

Land area: 0.7 square miles

Map of Ashland, IL

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Ashland

  • High school or higher: 84.7%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 17.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.1%
  • Unemployed: 4.9%
  • Mean travel time to work: 27.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Ashland village

  • Never married: 20.2%
  • Now married: 62.6%
  • Separated: 0.2%
  • Widowed: 7.5%
  • Divorced: 9.4%

0.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +104 (+8.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Ashland:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Ashland:

  • CAPITAL (about 24 miles; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Abbreviation: SPI)
  • GREATER PEORIA REGIONAL (about 57 miles; PEORIA, IL; Abbreviation: PIA)
  • ST LOUIS REGIONAL (about 70 miles; ALTON/ST LOUIS, IL; Abbreviation: ALN)

Other public-use airports nearest to Ashland:

  • JACKSONVILLE MUNI (about 18 miles; JACKSONVILLE, IL; Abbreviation: IJX)
  • HAVANA REGIONAL (about 23 miles; HAVANA, IL; Abbreviation: 9I0)
  • GREATER BEARDSTOWN (about 28 miles; BEARDSTOWN, IL; Abbreviation: K06)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Ashland:

  • LINCOLN LAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 30 miles; SPRINGFIELD, IL; Full-time enrollment: 3,756)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD (about 30 miles; Springfield, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,357)
  • WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (about 61 miles; MACOMB, IL; Full-time enrollment: 11,096)
  • BRADLEY UNIVERSITY (about 62 miles; PEORIA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 5,262)
  • ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE (about 63 miles; EAST PEORIA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 6,404)
  • LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 67 miles; GODFREY, IL; Full-time enrollment: 3,451)
  • MILLIKIN UNIVERSITY (about 70 miles; DECATUR, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,274)

Schools

Public high school in Ashland:

  • A-C CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 150; Location: PO BOX 260; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Ashland:

  • A-C CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 203; Location: PO BOX 260; Grades: KG – 05)

Libraries

Library in Ashland:

  • ASHLAND P.L.D. (Operating income: $478,532; Location: 125 W. EDITOR; 20,121 books; 620 audio materials; 1,058 video materials; 69 serial subscriptions)