Is Ashland City Safe, Pros and cons of living in Ashland City

Ashland City, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to a larger metropolitan area. Nestled in Cheatham County, this community provides a slower pace of life while remaining within easy reach of Nashville’s amenities. It’s a place that appeals to families and retirees seeking a close-knit environment with natural beauty and a friendly atmosphere.

The town’s location provides a balance between rural tranquility and urban accessibility. Residents can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Ashland City while benefiting from the cultural, economic, and entertainment opportunities available in nearby Nashville. This duality makes it an attractive option for those looking for a place to settle down.

Is it Safe to Live in Ashland City?

Ashland City presents a mixed but generally manageable safety profile. The overall crime rate is reported to be higher than the national average, yet comparable to the state average (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Specifically, the total crime rate is approximately 2,970 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is about 28% higher than the national average (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

Violent crime rates in Ashland City are also noted as being higher than the national average, but significantly lower than the state average (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Property crime rates are higher than the U.S. average and slightly above the state average (as reported by Vertex AI Search). While these statistics suggest a need for general caution, such as ensuring doors are locked, the crime is not considered a major issue for the area (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

Further data indicates that Ashland City has a violent crime rate of 104.7 per 100,000 residents, which is considerably lower than the national average (as reported by OpenCrime). OpenCrime also notes that violent crime has seen a significant decrease from the previous year and that the crime trajectory has been improving over the past five years (as reported by OpenCrime). Ashland City is considered safer than 59% of all cities in the OpenCrime database, with a violent-to-property crime ratio below the national average (as reported by OpenCrime).

Demographics and Community Profile

Ashland City is home to approximately 5,424 residents as of recent census data (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The population has experienced growth, increasing by about 13% since 2010 (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The community maintains a fairly rural character, with a population density of around 486 residents per square mile (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

The demographics show a population that is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and individuals identifying with two or more races (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes). The median age in Ashland City is around 37.6 years, with a relatively even distribution across age groups, though a notable portion of residents are over 65 (as reported by Data USA and Point2Homes).

A significant majority of Ashland City residents are U.S. citizens, with the percentage of citizenship being higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA). The foreign-born population is a small fraction of the total residents (as reported by Data USA). The community is largely composed of families and retirees, contributing to its quiet and stable atmosphere (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

Cost of Living and Housing Market

The cost of living in Ashland City is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to the national average. The cost of living index for the Nashville area, which includes Ashland City, is around 95.4, indicating it is about 4.6% less expensive than the rest of the country (as reported by Vertex AI Search). Housing expenses are notably lower, being approximately 59% lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale).

The real estate market in Ashland City is reasonably priced, often more so than in nearby Nashville. The median listing price for homes for sale in Ashland City is around $320,750 (as reported by Redfin). Renters will find options available, with the average rent in Ashland City being approximately $1,490 per month (as reported by Rentcafe). Approximately 64% of Ashland City real estate is owner-occupied, while 36% is occupied by tenants (as reported by Redfin).

More recent data indicates a median sale price of $374,000 in March 2026, showing a slight year-over-year increase (as reported by Redfin). The median rent in Ashland City is around $1,638 as of May 2026, which is lower than the national average rent (as reported by Zumper). Houses for rent in Ashland City average around $1,795 per month (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

The job market in Ashland City is supported by a growing number of working residents, with employment having increased in recent periods (as reported by Data USA). Key employment sectors for residents include Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing (as reported by Data USA). Major job roles in the area span from operations director to machine operator, indicating a diverse range of opportunities (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

The average salary for residents in the broader Nashville area is approximately $71,000 per year (as reported by Payscale). In Ashland City specifically, the median household income is reported to be around $69,974, which is slightly higher than the average for Tennessee (as reported by Vertex AI Search). This median income reflects a positive shift from the previous year (as reported by Point2Homes).

The unemployment rate in Ashland City is reported to be low, often cited as around 1% or 2.5%, which is lower than both the state and national averages (as reported by Niche and City/Town Socio-economic Profile). This suggests a stable employment landscape for those residing in the area.

Climate and Weather

Ashland City experiences a climate characterized by distinct seasons, with hot and muggy summers and cold, wet winters (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Time and Date). Temperatures throughout the year typically range from a low of 26°F to a high of 89°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

The average annual precipitation in Ashland City is around 52 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). May is typically the wettest month, with an average of about 6 inches of precipitation (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Snowfall is minimal, with an average of about 2 inches annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Summers can be uncomfortably humid from June to August (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The hottest month is typically August, with average highs around 88°F and lows around 66°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Winters see the lowest temperatures in January, with average highs of about 47°F and lows of 27°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

Ashland City is served by the Cheatham County School District, which has received a 3-star rating (as reported by SchoolDigger). Public schools in Ashland City generally perform at a level that is considered above average for the town, though some metrics indicate room for improvement when compared to state averages (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger).

For instance, Ashland City public schools have reported math proficiency scores around 29% and reading proficiency scores around 32%, which are below the Tennessee public school averages (as reported by Niche). Ashland City Elementary School, which serves grades PK-4, has shown similar proficiency levels, with a math proficiency of approximately 24% and reading proficiency of 33% in a recent assessment (as reported by SchoolDigger).

Despite spending more per student than the state average, some schools in Ashland City have underperformed on state assessments (as reported by SchoolDigger). However, the overall Niche grade for Ashland City’s public schools is noted as being above average (as reported by Niche).

Pros and Cons of Living in Ashland City

One of the primary advantages of living in Ashland City is its affordability, particularly regarding housing costs, which are significantly lower than the national average (as reported by Payscale and Redfin). The town offers a peaceful, small-town atmosphere that appeals to families and retirees, providing a respite from the hustle and bustle of larger cities (as reported by Vertex AI Search).

Its proximity to Nashville is another major benefit, allowing residents easy access to employment, entertainment, and cultural attractions without the high cost of living associated with a major metropolitan area (as reported by Vertex AI Search). The community is generally considered safe, with a crime rate that, while sometimes higher than the national average, shows improving trends and is often lower than state averages (as reported by OpenCrime).

On the downside, some residents express concerns about the cost of living relative to local wages, suggesting that prices can be high for entry-level job earnings (as reported by Niche). The education system has also faced criticism regarding its effectiveness and focus (as reported by Niche). Additionally, some residents find the town lacks sufficient amenities and activities, often requiring a drive to nearby areas for entertainment or specialized shopping (as reported by Niche).