Community

Why Southern Boone County?

➨ Strategic Location

Perfectly positioned between Columbia and Jefferson City on US Highway 63, with quick access to Interstate 70. You’re 15 minutes from a major university town, 16 minutes from the state capital, and just 2 hours from both St. Louis and Kansas City.

➨ Educated, Engaged Residents

Boone County is Missouri’s most educated county, with nearly 40% of Ashland residents holding at least a college degree. Our community attracts intelligent, enthusiastic people who bring diverse experiences and contribute actively to local life.

➨ Room to Grow

We’re vibrant, dynamic, and on the brink of exciting things. Recent population growth of over 5% since 2020 reflects what people are discovering: Southern Boone County is a great place to call home.

➨ Quality of Life That Works

Top-tier schools with a 95% graduation rate, low unemployment, high homeownership rates, and genuine small-town friendliness. This is a community where your employees will want to live and your customers will feel welcome.

Living in Southern Boone County

The Communities

Ashland (population 4,930) serves as the hub of Southern Boone County, offering shopping, dining, professional services, and the Southern Boone County R-I School District headquarters. The community has grown steadily, adding amenities like a YMCA facility, Ranken Technical College campus, and the Baptist Homes development.

Hartsburg (population 3,370) provides a quieter, more rural setting while maintaining easy access to regional employment and services. With a 90% homeownership rate and median household income of $96,714, Hartsburg attracts residents seeking space and community.

Both communities share the same values.

Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a commitment to sustainable growth that preserves small-town character while welcoming new opportunities.

By the Numbers

Ashland

Median Household Income

Population Growth Since 2020

Homeownership Rate

College-Educated Residents

Hartsburg

Median Household Income

Population Growth Since 2020

Homeownership Rate

Regional

Unemployment Rate (Boone County)

High-Speed Internet Coverage

School Graduation Rate (Southern Boone County R-I School District)

Cost of Living

Southern Boone County offers significant value compared to nearby Columbia while maintaining access to all metropolitan amenities. Median home values of $319K in Ashland and $427K in Hartsburg reflect a stable, appreciating housing market. Property taxes range from 0.91% to 1.27% of assessed value—at or below the national median of 1.02%.

Your employees can afford to live where they work, with household incomes that exceed many Missouri communities and living costs that remain reasonable.

Healthcare

Access to quality healthcare is essential for any thriving community. Southern Boone County residents benefit from proximity to two major hospital systems within 15 miles:

MU Health Care (Columbia) – Major academic medical center
Boone Hospital Center (Columbia) – Full-service community hospital
Capital Region Medical Center (Jefferson City) – Comprehensive care facility
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital (Jefferson City) – Acute care hospital

In addition to these facilities, Ashland and the surrounding area offer family medicine practices, dental care, urgent care services, and specialized medical providers.

Education

Southern Boone County R-I School District serves both Ashland and Hartsburg with a commitment to excellence that shows in the numbers.

Learn More About Education

Housing

Southern Boone County offers diverse housing options, from established neighborhoods to new developments.

Explore Housing Opportunities

Recreation & Parks

Life isn’t all about work. Southern Boone County and the surrounding region offer outstanding recreational opportunities:

Ashland City Park – Community gathering space
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – 2,273 acres just 5 miles from Columbia, featuring caves, trails, and natural beauty
Katy Trail State Park – The nation’s longest rails-to-trails project, with easy access from both Ashland and Hartsburg
Three Creeks Conservation Area – Hunting, hiking, and horseback riding
MKT Trail – Paved trail system connecting communities
Lake of the Ozarks – Major recreational lake just 1 hour away

Sports & Fitness

YMCA facility in Ashland with extensive programming
University of Missouri athletic events
Youth sports leagues and programs through Southern Boone Area YMCA and Ashland Optimist Club

Arts & Culture

Don’t let the small-town setting fool you—Southern Boone County offers surprising cultural richness.

Annual Events

Cattleman Days Rodeo – Celebrating our agricultural heritage
Hartsburg Pumpkin Fest – Fall festival drawing regional visitors
Ashland Fall Festival – Community celebration

Nearby Cultural Attractions

True/False Film Festival (Columbia) – Internationally recognized documentary film festival
Missouri Theatre – Historic concert and performance venue
Museum of Art and Archaeology – University of Missouri museum
Stephens College Theatre – Professional-quality performances
MU Botanic Garden – 39 acres of display gardens
Francis Quadrangle and The Columns – Historic landmarks and event spaces

Live Music & Entertainment

Lakeside Ashland – New development at the Airport Exit featuring outdoor movies, zip lines, live music, and event venue
Cooper’s Landing – Outdoor concert venue on the Missouri River
University of Missouri concerts, theater, and cultural events
Local venues featuring regional and national acts

The proximity to the University of Missouri means access to big-name speakers, athletic events, concerts, and cultural programming that would typically require living in a much larger city.

Safety & Quality of Life

Southern Boone County communities maintain the low crime rates and strong civic engagement that define successful small towns. Residents consistently cite safety as a primary reason for choosing to live here—a stark contrast to nearby larger cities.

Public Safety Services

Community Character

This is a place where people still know their neighbors. Where you’ll see familiar faces at the grocery store and community events. Where residents bring intelligence, enthusiasm, and diverse professional experiences that create a vibrant, engaged community.

Southern Boone County is more than gas stations and pizza places (though we do have great pizza). We’re a community on the rise, attracting families and businesses who recognize the value of small-town quality with big-city access.

Ready to Do Business Here?

Southern Boone County isn’t just a great place to live—it’s a great place to grow your business. Discover why companies are choosing our strategic location, educated workforce, and business-friendly environment.

Explore Business Opportunities