Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska — County Report Card

AK

#10 in Alaska
56.2
County Score
Income & Jobs 96.9Schools 91.3Safety 79.8

County Report Card

About Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska

Above-average livability with trade-offs

Aleutians West scores 56.2, surpassing the national median of 50.0 and demonstrating solid overall livability. However, this score masks extreme variation between dimensions, with some exceptional strengths offset by critical challenges.

Performing above Alaska's average

At 56.2, the census area outpaces Alaska's state average of 51.1, placing it in the upper tier of Alaska counties. This reflects strong economic indicators and educational infrastructure despite significant living cost pressures.

Income and schools are exceptional

Aleutians West boasts a remarkable 96.9 income score with median household income of $107,344—among the highest in Alaska and the nation. Schools score an impressive 91.3, signaling strong educational investment and outcomes for families.

Housing affordability is severe

The cost score of 2.0—among the lowest nationally—reflects a critical affordability crisis with median home values at $419,100 and gross rent at $1,886/month. Natural disaster risk is also elevated at 32.7, and water quality concerns score just 16.8.

For high-income earners who can afford it

This census area works best for established professionals and families with substantial incomes who prioritize world-class schools and strong economic opportunity. Plan for exceptional living costs and remote location logistics before moving.

Score breakdown

Tax62.2Cost2Safety79.8Health57.4Schools91.3Income96.9Risk32.7Water16.8Weather50.3
🏛62.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼96.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡79.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
57.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓91.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
32.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧16.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤50.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱70.9
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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Deep Dives

Aleutians West Census Area across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Aleutians West Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Above national average, middle ground

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.

Cost of Living in Aleutians West Census Area

via CostByCounty

Aleutians West: Steep Housing Costs

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.

Income & Jobs in Aleutians West Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Aleutians West Significantly Outearns Nation

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.

Safety in Aleutians West Census Area

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Standards in Aleutians West

The Aleutians West Census Area maintains a safety score of 99.2, indicating a very safe environment. Its total crime rate of 479.0 per 100,000 is less than one-fourth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Outperforming the Alaska Average

The area's crime rate of 479.0 is significantly lower than the Alaska state average of 861.7. This places it well above the state average safety score of 98.6.

A Middle Ground in the Islands

Aleutians West sees more activity than Aleutians East Borough, which reports zero crime. However, it remains much safer than urban Alaskan centers like Anchorage.

Low Property and Violent Crime

Property crime occurs at 383.2 per 100,000, while violent crime is very low at 95.8. These figures mean most residents will never experience a serious criminal incident personally.

Stay Vigilant and Secure

With property crime being more common than violent crime, securing your home's entry points is the best defense. Ensure your windows and doors have functional locks for everyday protection.

Health in Aleutians West Census Area

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy exceeds national average

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.

Schools in Aleutians West Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

Distributed learning across the island chain

Six public schools serve the remote reaches of this area, enrolling a total of 419 students across three different districts. The infrastructure includes one elementary school, one high school, and four PK-12 'other' facilities.

Exceptional graduation rates in the West

Students here achieve a 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 79.0% state average. Spending reaches $12,454 per pupil, staying close to the national average while maintaining a high school score of 67.9.

Unalaska City leads the student population

The Unalaska City School District is the largest provider, enrolling 346 students across two schools. Two smaller districts, Pribilof and Aleutian Region, serve the remaining 73 students in more isolated settings.

Intimate rural settings and varied sizes

All schools are rural, but sizes vary significantly from Eagle's View Elementary with 184 students to Adak School with just 5. The average school size is 70 students, offering a range of small-town and truly isolated environments.

Find stability in top-tier graduation rates

The 95% graduation rate is a compelling reason for families to settle in Unalaska or St. Paul. Buyers often prioritize homes near Eagle's View Elementary to access the area's largest educational community.

Disaster Risk in Aleutians West Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Low risk despite high earthquake potential

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.

Weather & Climate in Aleutians West Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

A Cool Maritime Outpost

Aleutians West averages 38.1°F annually, sitting well below the national median but remaining relatively stable year-round. This remote chain experiences a maritime climate where the ocean prevents the deep freezes common in the American interior.

Surpassing State Average Temperatures

The census area's 38.1°F annual average is over 2 degrees warmer than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. Its position in the North Pacific ensures it remains among the state's warmer, albeit wetter, regions.

Cooler and Snowier Than the East

Aleutians West is slightly cooler than Aleutians East, which averages 39.3°F. It also sees more significant snow accumulation, recording 72.9 inches annually compared to the 67.3 inches found in its eastern neighbor.

Minimal Heat and Consistent Snow

The area never sees extreme heat, with zero days reaching 90°F and a July average of only 49.2°F. Winter is defined by persistent snow and a January average of 28.3°F, keeping the landscape white for months.

Gear Up for Heavy Snowfall

With 72.9 inches of annual snow, reliable clearing equipment is a necessity for all residents. Given the 34.9 inches of annual precipitation, heavy-duty rain gear and moisture-wicking layers are essential for outdoor activity.

Lawn Care in Aleutians West Census Area

via LawnByCounty

Mild Conditions in Aleutians West

With a lawn difficulty score of 70.9, Aleutians West is much friendlier to lawns than the national average of 50.0. The lack of extreme temperature swings offsets the limited data on specific hardiness zones. Your growing conditions are significantly easier than the state average score of 57.8, thanks to the stabilizing influence of the Pacific.

Slow Growth in Constant Cool

Annual precipitation of 34.9 inches provides a steady supply of moisture for your grass without the need for constant irrigation. A very low 112 growing degree days means your lawn won't require frequent mowing, as the grass grows slowly in the absence of heat. The growing season is defined by a late spring frost on May 31 and an early autumn frost on October 5.

Understanding Local Soil Needs

While specific data on soil pH and texture is unavailable for this census area, local lawns typically require well-draining foundations to handle steady rain. It is a good practice to aerate your soil to prevent compaction in this damp environment. Testing your soil for acidity is recommended to ensure it stays near the ideal 6.5 pH level.

Abundant Water Security

Current data shows 0% of the area is in any stage of drought, continuing a year-long trend of zero drought weeks. Natural rainfall is generally sufficient to sustain a healthy lawn without supplemental watering. Maintaining a slightly higher mower height can help protect the grass roots and maximize the benefits of this natural moisture.

Best Bets for Island Lawns

Fine fescues and specialized cold-tolerant ryegrasses are the most reliable choices for this cool, damp climate. The window for seeding opens in early June, once the threat of frost has passed on May 31. Starting early in the summer allows the root system to establish before the shorter days and October frosts arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aleutians West Census Area's county score?
Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 56.2 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 West Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Aleutians West Census Area ranks #10 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 are property taxes like in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Aleutians West Census Area is $2,969, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Aleutians West Census Area a tax score of 62.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Aleutians West Census Area?
The median household income in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska is $107,344 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Aleutians West Census Area earns an income score of 96.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Aleutians West Census Area scores 56.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #10 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Aleutians West Census Area 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 West Census Area with other counties side by side.