The former electorate covered an area of approximately 14.6 square kilometres (5.6 sq mi).

The electorate's name derives from the name given by early settler Charles George Everard to his property 'Ashford' in 1838 that was thought to have the best orchard in the colony.

Often redistributed in all directions, particularly north and east, the only constant suburb in Ashford and Hanson has been the western half of Plympton.

Up until its abolition, the seat was held by Labor member Steph Key who defeated Leggett at the 1997 election.

Ashford was replaced by Badcoe at the 2018 election; with a significant increase to the Labor margin in the seat resulting from the 2016 electoral redistribution.