• Population: 20,085
  • Cost of Living: Above average.
  • Rain: 19 inches
  • Snow: 7 inches
  • January High: 45 – January Low: 30
  • July High: 90 – July Low: 54


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Take A Walking History Tour Of Ashland

Enjoy learning about the history of Ashland on a walking tour with a local expert, such as Peter, from Walk Ashland.

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Ashland, Oregon Details

Ashland has found itself as desirable reputation as a extraordinary place to retire. Encircled on the west and south by the mountains and US Forest Service lands, Ashland has experience controlled, well managed growth. This has allowed the town to retain the charm of striking Victorian houses, bungalows and Craftsman homes on tree shaded streets. The town also has a flourishing downtown core area with verdant Lithia Park as its showpiece. The 100 acre park is easily one of the most beautiful city parks in the United States. A temperate, year round climate and a slower pace of life into the mix, and Ashland’s overall livability is further enhanced.

Culture and climate blend for livability in Oregon’s Rogue River Valley. It is the theater that brings many visitors to Ashland, a small town of 22,000 set below the Siskiyou Mountains in southwest Oregon. Its Oregon Shakespeare Festival was cited in 2003 by Time magazine as one of the best of Americas regional theaters- further evidence that theatre loving Ashland has achieved a national reputation with its festival.

For those who enjoy large cities, San Francisco and Portland are within reach by car or plane. People who choose to give up big city pleasures for natural pursuits find Ashland an outdoor paradise. Residents can enjoy nearby hiking trails, fishing in lakes and rivers, paddling on the Rogue and Klamath Rivers, and cycling or walking on city bikeways or along the Bear Creek trail linking Ashland to the nearby town of Talent. Come winter, there’s cross country skiing alpine skiing and snowshoeing on Mount Ashland, 15 minutes from the snow free heart of town.

Ashland is the home to Southern Oregon University which keeps the town on its toes. If residents want to get away from Ashland for a few days, it’s easy because it’s a 5 hour drive from California’s wine country.

Ashland’s location is ideal for the clean air, low key feel, and sense of community.

Nestled in southwest Oregon’s Rogue River Valley at an elevation of 2000 feet above sea level, Ashland is just off interstate 5. The California border is 15 miles to the south, San Francisco is 365 miles to the south and Portland is 290 miles north of Ashland on 1-5.

Videos of Ashland, Oregon

Sales Tax

Ashland does not have a general sales tax but has a 5% tax on restaurant and take out meals. Only food, not alcohol is taxed.

Income Tax

For single filers, it ranges from 5% of taxable income up to $2650 to $413 plus 9% of the excess over $6650. For married couples filing jointly, it ranges from 5% taxable income up to $5300 to $825 plus 9% of the excess over $13,300.

Income Exemptions

Social Security benefits are exempt, as is all federal pension income based on service performed before Oct 1, 1991. For federal pension income based on service before and after Oct 1, 1991, the pension subtraction is prorated Federal pensions for service after Oct 1, 1991, and state and private pensions are not exempt.

Intangibles

None.

Estate Tax

Applicable to estates of $1 million or more. For estates exceeding $1 million, an Oregon inheritance return must be filed.

Property Tax

The property tax rate in Ashland ranges from $9.07 to $14.51 per $1000 of assessed value, depending on which fire and school district the property is located. Taxes are applied on approximately 67% of real market value on new construction, making taxes on a new $412,000 house about $2504 to $4005. The property tax rate in Jackson County is $9.97 to $17.27 per $1000 of assessed value, depending on location.

Homestead Exemption

The homestead deferral program exempts from property taxes those 62 and older or disabled who meet certain income requirements. There is a 6 percent interest on the deferred amount, payable at death or upon selling the home.

Religion

There are 36 churches in Ashland representing almost the same number of denominations.