countyscore
60.8
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 78.7Schools 75.6

County Report Card

About Aleutians East Borough, Alaska

Solid livability above national average

Aleutians East Borough scores 60.7 out of 100, beating the national median of 50.0 by nearly 11 points. This places the county in the upper half of U.S. counties on overall livability, driven by exceptional safety and solid incomes.

Among Alaska's better-performing counties

The borough's 60.7 score ranks it above Alaska's state average of 51.1, positioning it as one of the stronger performers across the state. This reflects a competitive advantage in key dimensions that matter to residents.

Safety and schools lead the way

Aleutians East shines with a 97.5 safety score—nearly perfect—and a 75.6 school score that significantly outperforms many peers. Residents also benefit from strong household incomes averaging $72,692, supported by a 73.2 income score.

Housing costs and health need attention

The county's cost score of 43.9 signals that housing affordability is a genuine challenge, with median home values at $144,300 and gross rent at $1,040/month. Health care access and outcomes appear to be the weakest area, scoring just 23.9—a significant gap that warrants investment.

Best for families prioritizing safety

Aleutians East suits families and professionals who value safe communities and good schools over low housing costs. If you earn a solid income and can manage moderate housing expenses, this borough offers a rare combination of security and educational quality in Alaska.

Score breakdown

TaxComing SoonCost43.9Safety97.5Health23.9Schools75.6Income73.2Risk78.7Water3.4Weather50.8
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤23.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓75.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡78.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱73.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Compare Aleutians East Borough with Dolores County →Share on X

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Nearby counties

Lake and Peninsula Borough
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46.2
Dillingham Census Area
Alaska
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Bristol Bay Borough
Alaska
45.9
Kodiak Island Borough
Alaska
47.5
Bethel Census Area
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Kusilvak Census Area
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Kenai Peninsula Borough
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Anchorage Municipality
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Deep Dives

Aleutians East Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Aleutians East Borough

via TaxByCounty

Tax data limited for this borough

Aleutians East Borough's property tax records are not currently available in standardized national datasets. The median home here is valued at $144,300, well below the national median of $281,900, suggesting lower property tax obligations overall.

Minimal tax burden in Alaska

Without complete tax rate data, Aleutians East Borough's position among Alaska's 29 tax jurisdictions remains unclear. The state average effective rate stands at 0.772%, providing a benchmark for comparison once data becomes available.

Remote region, limited comparables

Aleutians East Borough shares the remote Aleutian chain with Aleutians West Census Area, which charges an effective rate of 0.708% on a higher median home value of $419,100. Direct regional comparisons are difficult due to limited tax reporting in this sparse area.

Estimated taxes on local homes

Applying the state average effective rate of 0.772% to the borough's median home value of $144,300 would yield roughly $1,113 annually—significantly lower than the national median tax of $2,690. Actual tax liability depends on local assessment practices, which are not fully documented here.

Appeal your assessment if overvalued

Many property owners across Alaska discover their assessments are higher than market value. If your home feels overassessed relative to recent sales in the borough, filing an appeal with the assessor's office could lower your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Aleutians East Borough

via CostByCounty

Aleutians East: Below National Strain

Renters here spend just 17.2% of income on housing, well below the national affordability threshold of 30% and slightly better than Alaska's 18.6% state average. Median household income of $72,692 sits just below the national median of $74,755, yet housing costs remain comparatively manageable.

Affordable Among Alaska's Boroughs

Aleutians East ranks among Alaska's most affordable areas for renters, with a 17.2% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average. The median rent of $1,040 per month is $181 cheaper than Alaska's typical rent, making it one of the few Alaskan communities where housing isn't straining household budgets.

Small Borough, Smart Housing Costs

Compared to nearby Aleutians West (rent-to-income of 21.1%), Aleutians East offers substantially cheaper rent at $1,040 versus $1,886 monthly. Home values here average $144,300, the lowest among major Alaskan boroughs, reflecting this region's relatively modest housing market.

Rent Under Control, Ownership Affordable

Renters spend $1,040 monthly on a $72,692 annual income, consuming just 17.2% of earnings for housing. Homeowners face monthly costs of $745, and median home values of $144,300 make purchase prices among Alaska's most accessible for first-time buyers.

Consider Aleutians East for Stability

If housing affordability matters in your relocation calculus, Aleutians East delivers: rents below state average, homeownership within reach, and income-to-housing ratios that don't consume your paycheck. This remote borough rewards those seeking financial breathing room over urban amenities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Aleutians East Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Aleutians East Below National Average

At $72,692, Aleutians East's median household income falls just below the national median of $74,755. This places the borough slightly behind the typical American household, though the difference is modest at less than 3 percent.

Below Alaska's Income Standard

Aleutians East ranks in the lower half of Alaska's county income levels, with a median household income of $72,692 compared to the state average of $79,407. The borough lags its state by about 8 percent, indicating more modest earnings relative to other Alaskan regions.

Modest Income Among Rural Peers

Aleutians East's $72,692 median sits between Bethel Census Area ($70,616) and Copper River Census Area ($75,053), positioning it solidly in Alaska's rural income band. The borough earns notably less than urban centers like Anchorage ($98,152) and coastal fishing hubs like Bristol Bay Borough ($100,625).

Rent-to-Income Ratio Suggests Stability

With a rent-to-income ratio of 17.2 percent, Aleutians East households spend a healthy portion of income on housing—well below the 30 percent affordability threshold. The median home value of $144,300 remains accessible relative to household earnings, supporting overall financial stability.

Build Long-Term Wealth Here

Aleutians East residents earning $72,692 annually have solid ground to invest in retirement accounts and diversified portfolios. With affordable housing and stable rent ratios, directing even 10 percent of household income to savings and investments can compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Aleutians East Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety in Aleutians East

Aleutians East Borough reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 2,385.5. This exceptional figure earns the borough a perfect safety score of 100.0.

Leading the State in Safety

With a perfect safety score, the borough ranks significantly higher than the Alaska state average of 98.6. Its zero reported crime rate is a stark contrast to the state average of 861.7.

Quiet Compared to Regional Neighbors

While neighboring Aleutians West Census Area reports 479.0 crimes per 100,000, Aleutians East shows no reported incidents. This data suggests an extremely quiet environment, even for remote Alaska.

Understanding the Zero Crime Rate

Both violent and property crime rates sit at 0.0, though this data comes from a single reporting agency. In practical terms, formal criminal incidents are nearly non-existent in the official 2022 record.

Maintain Security Even in Safe Zones

Even in areas with no reported crime, basic home security remains a smart habit. Simple measures like installing motion-sensor lighting can provide peace of mind in isolated locations.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Aleutians East Borough

via HealthByCounty

Health snapshot limited by data gaps

While national life expectancy stands at 76.1 years, Aleutians East's data remains incomplete, making direct comparison impossible at this time. What we do know: nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health—above the national average of 17.5%—signaling underlying health challenges in this remote community.

Higher health burden than Alaska average

Aleutians East's 19.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds Alaska's 18.2% average, placing it among the state's struggling health regions. The uninsured rate of 19.6% also outpaces the state average of 15.9%, leaving more residents vulnerable to healthcare gaps.

Mental health access stands out

With 87 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Aleutians East falls below Alaska's regional mental health capacity but matches smaller boroughs' baseline. Isolation and geographic remoteness compound healthcare access challenges across this sparsely populated region.

Nearly 1 in 5 lack health coverage

The 19.6% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 5 people defer care, skip medications, or face medical bills they can't pay. Limited primary care provider data reflects the real barrier: finding consistent, nearby healthcare in Alaska's remote settlements requires planning and travel.

Coverage protects your family

If you're uninsured, investigate Alaska's marketplace plans at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for free enrollment help. Many residents qualify for subsidies that lower premiums—making coverage far cheaper than facing an unexpected medical crisis without protection.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Aleutians East Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

A specialized rural education network

The borough operates four unique schools that serve 211 total students across a single school district. All institutions are classified as 'other' rather than traditional grade-separated schools to accommodate the remote PK-12 populations.

High performance with significant investment

The 90.0% graduation rate outpaces both the Alaska average of 79.0% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. High achievement is backed by a $20,268 per-pupil expenditure, which nearly doubles the national average spending of $13,000.

Aleutians East Borough School District leads

This single district manages all four schools in the region, focusing on a unified educational approach. No charter schools exist in the area, meaning all 211 students learn through the primary district framework.

Small rural schools define student life

Every school in the borough sits in a rural locale with an average size of just 53 students. Sand Point School is the largest campus with 98 students, while False Pass School provides an intimate setting for only 9 pupils.

Invest in a high-performing rural community

Families looking for exceptional graduation rates and high per-pupil funding should explore homes in this borough. Proximity to well-funded schools like King Cove or Sand Point is a major benefit for local home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Aleutians East Borough

via RiskByCounty

Among safest counties nationwide

Aleutians East Borough scores 21.34 on composite risk—well below the national average and nearly 40% lower than Alaska's 35.22 state average. This Very Low rating means residents face significantly less overall natural disaster exposure than most Americans.

Ranks among state's lowest-risk areas

Of Alaska's 29 counties and census areas, Aleutians East Borough ranks among the safest with its Very Low risk designation. Only a handful of Alaskan communities enjoy comparable protection from natural hazards.

Safer than nearby Aleutians West

Aleutians East Borough's score of 21.34 is significantly lower than neighboring Aleutians West Census Area at 67.30, though both regions face similar seismic activity. Aleutians East residents benefit from lower overall compounded risk despite the shared earthquake exposure.

Earthquake is primary concern here

Earthquake risk dominates at 74.55, making seismic activity the principal natural hazard despite the borough's overall low composite score. Other hazards—flood, wildfire, and tornado—register as minimal threats with scores near zero.

Earthquake coverage is essential

Standard homeowners insurance excludes earthquake damage, yet this region's 74.55 earthquake risk score demands dedicated coverage. Consider earthquake insurance and seismic home reinforcement to protect against Alaska's most significant natural threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Aleutians East Borough

via WeatherByCounty

Maritime Mildness in the Far North

Aleutians East Borough maintains an annual average temperature of 39.3°F, significantly lower than the national median but mild for Alaska. The region's subpolar oceanic climate is moderated by the surrounding Pacific waters, preventing the extreme temperature swings seen in the continental U.S.

Warmer Than the Alaska Average

While much of the state faces brutal arctic conditions, this borough averages 39.3°F, nearly 4 degrees warmer than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. It stands as one of the state's more temperate regions due to its maritime influence.

Milder Winters Than Mainland Neighbors

Compared to the Bristol Bay Borough to the east, Aleutians East enjoys much warmer winters with a December-February average of 29.8°F. It also records 67.3 inches of annual snowfall, which is significantly higher than the 47.4 inches seen in Bristol Bay.

Cool Summers and Snowy Winters

Summer highs are modest, with July temperatures averaging just 51.5°F and zero days reaching 90°F. Winter remains consistently chilly but rarely extreme, averaging 28.4°F in January while supporting 67.3 inches of annual snow.

Prepare for Wind and Constant Moisture

Residents must account for 42.7 inches of annual precipitation and heavy maritime winds. High-quality waterproof gear and wind-resistant home construction are more critical here than traditional cooling systems.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Aleutians East Borough

via LawnByCounty

Maritime Ease in Aleutians East

Aleutians East Borough earns a lawn difficulty score of 73.6, making it much easier to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. Although hardiness zone data is limited, the mild maritime air makes for a less stressful growing environment compared to the Alaska state average of 57.8. You will find that grass thrives here with significantly less effort than in the more rugged interior.

Ample Rainfall and Cool Summers

Your lawn enjoys 42.7 inches of annual precipitation, falling perfectly within the ideal range of 30-50 inches for healthy grass. With zero extreme heat days and just 195 growing degree days, growth is slow and steady rather than aggressive. Mowing schedules remain manageable between the last spring frost on May 25 and the first fall frost on October 4.

Preparing Your Remote Soil

Local soil data is currently unavailable, so testing your specific site for pH and drainage is a vital first step. Most Alaskan soils benefit from added organic matter to improve the balance of nutrients and moisture retention. Aim for a target pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your grass can access the minerals it needs.

Stable Moisture All Year

Drought is currently non-existent in the borough, with 0% of the area facing abnormally dry conditions. You have experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, ensuring consistent natural hydration for your lawn. Even in this stable environment, using rain barrels can help you conserve water for the few dry spells that may occur.

Starting Your Coastal Lawn

Cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue are best suited for this climate's low heat and steady moisture. Plan to seed or sod shortly after the final frost on May 25 to take full advantage of the summer light. With zero heat days to worry about, your main goal is ensuring good drainage before the October frosts arrive.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aleutians East Borough's county score?
Aleutians East Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 60.8 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Aleutians East Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Aleutians East Borough ranks #6 among all counties in Alaska on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What is the median household income in Aleutians East Borough?
The median household income in Aleutians East Borough, Alaska is $72,692 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Aleutians East Borough earns an income score of 73.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Aleutians East Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Aleutians East Borough scores 60.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Aleutians East Borough is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Aleutians East Borough with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.