Ashland, Missouri is located in Southern Boone County. Its population has increased in the last 10 years from 3,707 persons in 2010 to 4,747 in 2020 while still maintaining a quaint, small-town ambience. This quality, together with Ashland’s convenient location and excellent schools, churches and homes, make the city an attractive place to live. Some of the residents work in Ashland, others commute to Columbia and Jefferson City, both less than 15 minutes away on US 63, a four-lane divided highway.

Ashland, Missouri - Growing Forward

St. Louis and Kansas City, with all they have to offer, are less than two hours away. The Lake of the Ozarks, a major recreational area, is only an hour away.

The Southern Boone County School District, which educates children from Ashland and surrounding areas, has earned a reputation of educational excellence, boasting high school graduation rates eight percentage points above the state average and higher than average M.A.P. scores in all subjects and grade levels. The school district offers numerous student activities, clubs, and sports, including band, choir, performing arts, baseball, softball, football, soccer, volleyball, track, cross country and golf.

Ashland has seven institutions of higher learning within 25 minutes including the University of Missouri-Columbia, Stephens College, Columbia College, Lincoln University, William Woods University, Moberly Area Community College, and Westminster College.

Ashland’s population enjoys many outdoor activities. They enjoy hiking and spelunking at Rock Bridge State Park. They can enjoy hunting, hiking, and horseback riding at Three Creeks State Wildlife Area along with camping at Pine Ridge Campground in the Mark Twain National Forest. The University of Missouri holds large tracts of land that are available for research and certain public uses. They can cycle and walk on the Katy Trail State Park along the scenic Missouri River. There are eight 18-hole golf courses within 20 miles including the Eagle Knoll Golf Club in Hartsburg, rated four stars by Golf Digest that is just 5 miles south of town.