Moving to Ashton, Illinois
The current estimated population of Ashton, Illinois, is 919, with approximately 50% male and 50% female. The population has remained stable, reflecting the town’s small size and rural character.
City Facts
- Year Founded: 1854
- County Affiliated: Lee County
- Land Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population Density: 1,148 people per square mile
- Area Code: 815
- Zip Codes: 61006
Geography and Location
Ashton, Illinois, is located in north-central Illinois, within Lee County, about 85 miles west of Chicago. Ashton experiences a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers, typical of the Midwest. The town is surrounded by flat farmland, with corn and soybeans being the primary crops grown in the region. Ashton’s economy is largely based on agriculture, with local farms and businesses serving the community. The town is located near U.S. Route 30 and is accessible from nearby cities such as Dixon and Rochelle. Ashton’s small size, rural charm, and proximity to larger cities make it a peaceful place to live for those seeking a quiet, agricultural lifestyle.
Demographics
Median resident age: 36.1 years
Median household income: $39,896
Median house value: $79,400
Population by Race
Races in Ashton:
- White Non-Hispanic (96.1%)
- Hispanic (2.4%)
- Black (1.1%)
- Two or more races (0.5%)
Ancestries: German (35.4%), Irish (12.2%), United States (8.8%), English (7.4%), Dutch (3.9%), Swedish (2.6%).
Elevation: 825 feet
Land area: 0.7 square miles
Population by Education
For population 25 years and over in Ashton
- High school or higher: 81.4%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.7%
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.3%
- Unemployed: 7.0%
- Mean travel time to work: 22.4 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Ashton village
- Never married: 24.1%
- Now married: 52.2%
- Separated: 0.9%
- Widowed: 7.4%
- Divorced: 15.4%
1.5% Foreign born
Population change in the 1990s: +103 (+9.9%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Ashton:
- ROCHELLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 12 miles; ROCHELLE, IL)
- ROCHELLE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 12 miles; ROCHELLE, IL)
- KATHERINE SHAW BETHEA HOSPITAL (about 18 miles; DIXON, IL)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Ashton:
- GREATER ROCKFORD (about 24 miles; ROCKFORD, IL; Abbreviation: RFD)
- WHITESIDE CO ARPT-JOS H BITTORF FLD (about 33 miles; STERLING/ROCKFALLS, IL; Abbreviation: SQI)
- ROCK CO (about 54 miles; JANESVILLE, WI; Abbreviation: JVL)
Other public-use airports nearest to Ashton:
- ROCHELLE MUNI AIRPORT-KORITZ FIELD (about 11 miles; ROCHELLE, IL; Abbreviation: RPJ)
- BRESSON (about 12 miles; COMPTON, IL; Abbreviation: C82)
- DIXON MUNI-CHARLES R. WALGREEN FIELD (about 15 miles; DIXON, IL; Abbreviation: C73)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Ashton:
- KISHWAUKEE COLLEGE (about 24 miles; MALTA, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,289)
- NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY (about 34 miles; DeKalb, IL; Full-time enrollment: 19,477)
- ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE (about 34 miles; ROCKFORD, IL; Full-time enrollment: 4,200)
- ILLINOIS VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 42 miles; OGLESBY, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,272)
- WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 54 miles; SUGAR GROVE, IL; Full-time enrollment: 3,834)
- ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 64 miles; ELGIN, IL; Full-time enrollment: 5,077)
- MCHENRY COUNTY COLLEGE (about 69 miles; CRYSTAL LAKE, IL; Full-time enrollment: 2,707)
Schools
Public high school in Ashton:
- ASHTON HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 118; Location: 611 WESTERN AVE; Grades: 09 – 12)
Public primary/middle schools in Ashton:
- ASHTON ELEM SCHOOL (Students: 165; Location: 611 WESTERN AVE; Grades: KG – 06)
- ASHTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 54; Location: 611 WESTERN AVE; Grades: 07 – 08)
Libraries
Library in Ashton:
- MILLS AND PETRIE MEM. LIB. AND GYM. (Operating income: $52,695; Location: 704 NORTH FIRST STREET; 12,539 books; 64 audio materials; 170 video materials; 57 serial subscriptions)