Aleutians West scores 59.4 out of 100, substantially above the national median of 50.0 and within the upper-middle range. While it trails Alaska's average of 67.6, it demonstrates meaningful strengths that elevate it above typical U.S. counties.
2 / 5
Below Alaska average but competitive
This census area ranks in the lower-middle tier of Alaska counties, scoring 59.4 versus the state average of 67.6. It faces more challenges than many Alaskan peers but retains solid fundamentals in specific areas.
3 / 5
Low taxes and strong health outcomes
The census area boasts the highest tax score (82.3) with an effective rate of just 0.708%, and health scores at 71.9. Residents also earn a median household income of $107,344—among the highest in the state.
4 / 5
Severe affordability and risk concerns
Cost is critical weakness at 41.0, with median home values reaching $419,100 and rent at $1,886/month—the priciest in this dataset. Risk scores just 32.7, the lowest here, signaling vulnerability to hazards and economic disruption.
5 / 5
For high earners willing to pay premium prices
Aleutians West suits affluent professionals who earn well above $100K and can absorb steep housing costs in exchange for low taxes. This is a premium location, not for budget-conscious families, but attractive to those seeking tax efficiency and strong healthcare.
Aleutians West scores 59.4 out of 100, substantially above the national median of 50.0 and within the upper-middle range. While it trails Alaska's average of 67.6, it demonstrates meaningful strengths that elevate it above typical U.S. counties.
Below Alaska average but competitive
This census area ranks in the lower-middle tier of Alaska counties, scoring 59.4 versus the state average of 67.6. It faces more challenges than many Alaskan peers but retains solid fundamentals in specific areas.
Low taxes and strong health outcomes
The census area boasts the highest tax score (82.3) with an effective rate of just 0.708%, and health scores at 71.9. Residents also earn a median household income of $107,344—among the highest in the state.
Severe affordability and risk concerns
Cost is critical weakness at 41.0, with median home values reaching $419,100 and rent at $1,886/month—the priciest in this dataset. Risk scores just 32.7, the lowest here, signaling vulnerability to hazards and economic disruption.
For high earners willing to pay premium prices
Aleutians West suits affluent professionals who earn well above $100K and can absorb steep housing costs in exchange for low taxes. This is a premium location, not for budget-conscious families, but attractive to those seeking tax efficiency and strong healthcare.
Score breakdown
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🏛82.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Aleutians West's 0.708% effective tax rate sits just below Alaska's 0.772% state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier nationally. At $2,969 in median annual property taxes, this borough exceeds the national median of $2,690 despite a compressed advantage.
Mid-range burden among Alaska boroughs
Aleutians West ranks in the middle of Alaska's 29 tax jurisdictions with its 0.708% rate, slightly undercutting the state average of 0.772%. The median annual property tax of $2,969 reflects both this moderate rate and a median home value of $419,100.
Pricier homes, comparable tax rates
Aleutians West homes average $419,100—among the highest in the Aleutian chain—yet the tax rate of 0.708% is lower than Chugach Census Area's 0.917%. This suggests better assessed values or more favorable tax policy than nearby regions.
Nearly $3,000 annual tax estimate
Homeowners in Aleutians West with a median home value of $419,100 pay approximately $2,969 in annual property taxes—with mortgage $2,971 and without $2,950. This outpaces the national median tax by $279 despite a relatively low effective rate.
Review assessments for potential savings
Homeowners paying near $3,000 annually should verify their property assessment against recent comparable sales in the borough. A successful appeal challenging an inflated valuation could yield meaningful annual savings.
At 21.1% of income, the rent-to-income ratio here exceeds Alaska's state average of 18.6% and approaches the national affordability danger zone of 30%. Despite a strong median household income of $107,344, renters pay $1,886 monthly—Alaska's second-highest rent burden.
Most Expensive Rental Market in Alaska
Aleutians West carries Alaska's highest or near-highest housing costs, with median rent of $1,886 per month significantly outpacing the state average of $1,221. This remote census area's extreme affordability challenges stem from geographic isolation and limited housing supply.
Priciest Remote Housing in the State
Renters here face $1,886 monthly rent—$798 more than Aleutians East and $465 more than nearby Bristol Bay Borough. Even with the state's highest median household income at $107,344, Aleutians West residents pay the steepest housing premiums in Alaska.
High Income, Higher Housing Costs
Monthly rent of $1,886 consumes 21.1% of a $107,344 annual income, while homeowners spend $2,138 monthly on properties averaging $419,100. This census area represents Alaska's most extreme housing cost-to-income dynamic: earning well doesn't guarantee affordability.
Aleutians West: Only for the Committed
Remote location and extreme housing costs make Aleutians West a tough sell for most relocating families—even high earners struggle with affordability here. Consider this destination only if employment opportunity justifies paying Alaska's steepest housing premium.
Aleutians West Census Area's median household income of $107,344 towers 43 percent above the national median of $74,755. This exceptional income level ranks among America's highest earning regions, driven by resource-based industries and limited workforce competition.
Alaska's Second-Highest Income Region
Aleutians West leads Alaska with a median household income of $107,344, surpassing the state average of $79,407 by nearly 35 percent. Only a handful of Alaskan census areas rival this earning power, making the region one of the state's wealthiest.
Earns Far More Than Aleutian Peers
At $107,344, Aleutians West substantially outearns its neighboring Aleutians East Borough ($72,692)—a difference of nearly $35,000 annually. The region's fishing and marine resource economy drives these premium wages, setting it apart across Alaska.
High Income Offset by High Housing Costs
Despite strong earnings, Aleutians West's rent-to-income ratio of 21.1 percent reflects the region's extreme housing expenses, with a median home value of $419,100. High incomes are necessary to support the elevated cost of living in this remote, resource-rich area.
Leverage High Earnings for Wealth Building
Aleutians West residents earning $107,344 are positioned to aggressively save and invest after covering elevated living costs. Strategic financial planning—including tax-advantaged retirement accounts and real estate investments—can accelerate wealth accumulation in this high-income environment.
At 85.9 years, Aleutians West residents live significantly longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a remarkable 9.8-year gap. This outlier success combines active traditional lifestyles, strong community cohesion, and access to fresh marine resources, though 17.4% still report poor or fair health.
Best longevity in Alaska
Aleutians West leads Alaska's 75.6-year state average by a full decade, making it one of the nation's longevity champions. Yet its 17.4% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below the state average, suggesting most residents age well despite some chronic conditions.
Solid provider presence in remote area
With 59 primary care providers and 194 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Aleutians West outpaces many rural Alaska regions. This capacity, combined with strong cultural health practices, likely contributes to the area's exceptional longevity outcomes.
Low uninsured rate supports access
At 16.7%, the uninsured rate is nearly in line with Alaska's 15.9% average, meaning most residents have coverage for preventive care. The combination of stable insurance and provider availability creates the foundation for Aleutians West's outstanding health outcomes.
Keep coverage strong and continuous
To maintain your access to primary and mental health care, renew your coverage annually and report income changes promptly. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to ensure zero gaps in your insurance.
Aleutians West Census Area's composite score of 67.30 falls well below the national average, earning a Relatively Low rating despite significant seismic activity. The area's low overall risk reflects minimal exposure to flooding, wildfires, and tornadoes that amplify hazards elsewhere.
Mid-range risk across Alaska's map
This census area's 67.30 score ranks it in the middle tier of Alaska's 29 counties, above the state average of 35.22. It's considerably riskier than Aleutians East Borough but safer than major population centers like Anchorage.
Riskier than eastern Aleutian neighbor
Aleutians West Census Area at 67.30 carries three times the risk of nearby Aleutians East Borough (21.34), driven primarily by earthquake exposure. Both regions face similar seismic threats, but Aleutians West's higher composite score reflects other contributing hazard factors.
Earthquakes dominate hazard profile
An extreme earthquake risk score of 89.66 makes seismic activity the overwhelming natural disaster threat here—among the highest in Alaska. Tornado, flood, and wildfire risks remain minimal, making earthquake preparedness the clear priority.
Earthquake insurance is non-negotiable
With a 89.66 earthquake risk score, this census area faces some of Alaska's most severe seismic exposure—standard homeowners policies won't cover earthquake damage. Secure dedicated earthquake coverage and anchor heavy furniture and appliances to protect your family and property.