Demographics & Housing data 

Population: In the 2017-2021 American Community 5-Year Survey, Ashland had a total estimated population of 21,348 – 10,237 (48 percent) males and 11,111 (52 percent) females. 

Ashland boasts many historic homes and several new homes built to reflect that style with numerous Craftsman features. Ashland has a distinct Urban Growth Boundary created to avoid sprawl. Everywhere you look there is the feeling of open space. The use of natural materials indoors and out has created a palette that displays the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. As more and more people can live anywhere and do business remotely, communities like Ashland with a high quality of life are in high demand. 

Over the past decade, Ashland, Oregon, like many other regions across the nation and the West Coast, has experienced a significant increase in housing costs. As a popular visitor destination renowned for its natural beauty, small town charm, livability and cultural attractions, Ashland has seen a surge in demand for housing, which has put upward pressure on prices. This trend has presented challenges for both residents and aspiring homeowners, as the rising cost of housing has outpaced income growth, leading to affordability concerns and a need for innovative solutions to ensure that housing remains accessible to all members of the community.

Housing Demographic Changes

Ashland has experienced significant demographic changes that have shaped the housing needs of the community. The population has been gradually aging, resulting in a growing demand for housing options that cater to seniors. With an increasing number of retirees, there is a need for accessible and age-friendly housing that allows older adults to age in place comfortably.

Another trend in Ashland is the decrease in home sizes. Many residents, particularly younger individuals and small families are opting for smaller living spaces that require less maintenance and offer affordability. This shift in household sizes has increased the demand for compact housing options, such as studio apartments, one-bedroom units, and smaller dwellings like ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and cottage housing. These smaller living spaces provide an opportunity for more affordable housing choices that align with the needs of a changing demographic. Furthermore, Ashland's economy has primarily relied on the service sector, which has influenced the housing needs of the community creating a need for rental housing options that are affordable for individuals in these occupations. To address these changing demographics and housing needs, Ashland has been proactive in promoting the construction of small dwellings and rental housing. 

Affordability/workforce housing

The City of Ashland has implemented a range of initiatives to make housing more affordable and accessible by waiving certain development fees for projects that meet affordability criteria. To further promote housing that is affordable to households earning up to 120% the area median income, Ashland has adopted inclusionary zoning policies that apply when properties are annexed into the City, or a zone change is proposed. These policies require developers to include a portion of affordable housing units in new residential projects. 

Through these multifaceted efforts, Ashland demonstrates its commitment to addressing the housing needs of its residents. By waiving development fees, implementing inclusionary zoning policies, promoting the construction of ADUs and cottage housing, and facilitating affordable rental developments, Ashland fosters an inclusive community where individuals from diverse backgrounds can find affordable and suitable housing options.

CDBG:  The City of Ashland is an entitlement jurisdiction for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, receiving an annual allocation of just under $200,000 a year.  The CDBG Entitlement Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons, as well as seniors and people with disabilities. 

The City of Ashland supports a full continuum of housing options from standing up emergency sheltering resources in times of inclement weather to providing funding to non-profit partners to purchase land on which to develop permanent supportive housing units.  

Tourist accommodations in single-family residential neighborhoods

Ashland takes measures to prioritize housing availability for full-time residents and prevent displacement caused by the seasonal demand for tourist accommodations. As part of these efforts, the City has implemented regulations that restrict travelers' accommodations, including short-term rentals such as Airbnb, in single-family neighborhoods. By enforcing these restrictions, Ashland aims to maintain the integrity of residential areas, preserve the housing supply for permanent residents, and mitigate the potential negative impacts of excessive tourist accommodations on the community's sense of stability and cohesion. These measures help ensure that housing remains accessible and affordable for Ashland's residents while promoting a balanced and sustainable housing market.

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Property Taxes (for tax year 2021-22) 

Property taxes for Ashland residents are calculated by assessed value derived from Jackson County tax records. The increase in maximum assessed value is regulated by previous state-wide ballot measures and cannot increase more than 3% per year, unless there are changes to the property such as additions, remodeling or other construction. Additionally, a voter approved levy or bond measure can increase the tax rate. Consequently, slight variations may occur in property taxes assessed depending upon election results. Due to Oregon tax laws, a property’s assessed value and its percentage of market value can fluctuate greatly, even for neighboring properties. The following explains the elements that make up the Ashland tax bill based on a house that was assessed for $250,000, for tax year 2021-22. 

Education Total: $6.3153 per $1,000 assessed value 

Ashland School District, Ashland School District Local Levy, Education Service District, Rogue Community College 

General Government Total: $7.2591 per $1,000 assessed value 

City of Ashland, Jackson County, Jackson County Agricultural Extension, Jackson County Library District, Jackson County Soil and Water District, Jackson County Vector Control, Rogue Valley Transit District, Rogue Valley Transit District Levy 

Bonds Total: $2.2256 per $1,000 assessed value 

Ashland School District Bonds, City of Ashland Bonds, Jackson County Bonds, Rogue Community College Bonds 

Total: $15.5800 per $1,000 assessed value 

Example: For a house with a value of $500,000 which is assessed at $250,000: multiply $250 by $15.5800 = $3,950 in taxes 

Note: These rates are before any Measure 5 compression; therefore, they may not apply to every property. 

For additional property tax information, please contact the Jackson County Assessor’s office at (541) 774-6059.