countyscore
29.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 94.8Lawn Care 65.6Health 61.8

County Report Card

About Anchorage Municipality, Alaska

Below-average livability despite size

Anchorage scores 29.5, placing it well below the national median of 50.0 and in the lower third of U.S. counties. As Alaska's largest city, this score reflects serious challenges in safety and cost that outweigh its economic strengths.

Alaska's weakest performer among major areas

Anchorage's 29.5 significantly trails Alaska's state average of 51.1, making it the lowest-scoring county in this dataset. The municipality's size and concentration of urban challenges create measurable livability headwinds.

Strong incomes offset other concerns

Anchorage's 94.8 income score reflects median household earnings of $98,152, supporting professional families and workforce development. Health care quality scores a respectable 61.8, and water quality infrastructure ranks at 52.4.

Safety and costs are critical issues

The municipality's safety score of just 3.4 is alarming and represents the single largest drag on livability. Housing affordability is also severe with a 5.3 cost score, median homes at $375,900, and gross rent at $1,453/month, combined with a punishing 1.294% effective tax rate.

For those needing Alaska urban amenities

Anchorage suits professionals who require big-city services and job markets and can afford high costs, but it demands acceptance of elevated crime and tax burdens. Consider safer, more affordable Alaskan alternatives if livability is your priority.

Score breakdown

Tax21.1Cost5.3Safety3.4Health61.8Schools49.5Income94.8Risk2.6Water52.4Weather49.8
🏛21.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠5.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼94.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡3.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤61.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡2.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧52.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱65.6
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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Nearby counties

Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
44.4
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
52.4
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
59.2
Denali Borough
Alaska
47
Copper River Census Area
Alaska
61.1
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
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47.9
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
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32.6
Fairbanks North Star Borough
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34.5

Deep Dives

Anchorage Municipality across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Anchorage Municipality

via TaxByCounty

Anchorage taxes hit state's highest rate

Anchorage Municipality's 1.294% effective tax rate is 68% above Alaska's state average of 0.772%, placing it among the nation's highest-taxing jurisdictions for its property values. With a median annual tax of $4,865, Anchorage residents pay 81% more than the national median of $2,690.

Alaska's most expensive tax burden

Anchorage's 1.294% effective rate far exceeds any other Alaska jurisdiction—making it the highest-taxing borough or census area in the state. This rate applies to a median home value of $375,900, generating Alaska's highest median annual property tax bill.

Double Chugach's rate, triple Copper River's

Anchorage's 1.294% rate nearly doubles Chugach Census Area's 0.917% and towers over Bristol Bay Borough's 0.717%. Only Anchorage carries this high burden among Alaska's populated regions.

Anchorage homeowners pay nearly $5,000

The median Anchorage home valued at $375,900 generates approximately $4,865 in annual property taxes—$4,964 with mortgage and $4,452 without. This is the highest tax bill in Alaska and exceeds the national median by $2,175 annually.

Appeal aggressive assessments in Anchorage

At Anchorage's high 1.294% rate, even modest assessment errors compound into significant overpayments. Many homeowners successfully challenge inflated valuations; an appeal is worth pursuing if your home is assessed above recent market sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Anchorage Municipality

via CostByCounty

Alaska's Hub: Just Below National Average

Anchorage renters dedicate 17.8% of income to housing, marginally above the national affordability threshold of 30% and matching Alaska's state average of 18.6%. With a median household income of $98,152—higher than the national median of $74,755—Anchorage balances strong earnings with reasonable housing costs.

Alaska's Most Balanced Housing Market

Anchorage's 17.8% rent-to-income ratio sits squarely at Alaska's state average, making it the state's most representative and stable housing market. As Alaska's largest municipality, Anchorage offers more housing supply and pricing diversity than remote boroughs, translating to greater affordability.

Competitive Pricing Among Urban Centers

Anchorage's median rent of $1,453 falls between smaller Chugach Census Area ($1,397) and more remote Aleutians West ($1,886). Home values average $375,900, reflecting Anchorage's position as Alaska's urban anchor with the most developed real estate market.

Urban Stability for Renters and Buyers

Renters spend $1,453 monthly on a $98,152 annual income, leaving 82.2% of earnings for other expenses, while homeowners face $1,933 monthly payments on properties averaging $375,900. Anchorage's dual affordability for both renters and buyers stands unmatched in Alaska.

Anchorage: Alaska's Most Livable Option

Relocating to Alaska? Anchorage offers the best combination of job opportunity, housing supply, and affordability the state provides. Compare its 17.8% rent-to-income ratio and $1,453 median rent against remote alternatives—you'll find Alaska's most balanced housing market here.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Anchorage Municipality

via IncomeByCounty

Anchorage Earns Above U.S. Average

Anchorage's median household income of $98,152 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 31 percent, placing Alaska's largest city in the upper income echelon nationally. This strong earnings profile reflects the municipality's role as Alaska's economic and employment hub.

Alaska's Largest City, Strong Incomes

Anchorage ranks among Alaska's top income-earning regions with a median household income of $98,152, outpacing the state average of $79,407 by 24 percent. The municipality's size and economic diversity support sustained wage growth and employment stability.

Urban Center Outearns Rural Regions

Anchorage's $98,152 median household income significantly exceeds most rural Alaskan census areas, including Bethel ($70,616), Aleutians East ($72,692), and Copper River ($75,053). Only specialized resource economies like Bristol Bay Borough ($100,625) and Aleutians West ($107,344) approach Anchorage's earning levels.

Solid Housing Affordability for Earners

Anchorage's rent-to-income ratio of 17.8 percent keeps housing costs manageable, with a median home value of $375,900 remaining accessible for households earning $98,152 annually. The municipality's robust job market supports stable homeownership and rental markets.

Anchorage's Income Fuels Serious Wealth

With nearly $100,000 in annual household income, Anchorage residents can allocate substantial funds to retirement, education, and investment accounts. The municipality's economic stability and employment diversity create favorable conditions for long-term wealth accumulation through disciplined financial planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Anchorage Municipality

via CrimeByCounty

Anchorage Faces Urban Safety Challenges

The total crime rate in Anchorage is 3,896.8 per 100,000, which is over 60% higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Consequently, the municipality holds a safety score of 93.8.

Below the Alaska Safety Average

Anchorage's crime rate is more than four times the state average of 861.7. Its safety score of 93.8 sits noticeably lower than the Alaska state average of 98.6.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring Regions

Anchorage reports significantly more crime than the Chugach Census Area, which has a rate of only 400.0. It also exceeds the Fairbanks North Star Borough's rate of 1,854.6.

Property Crimes Drive Local Numbers

Violent crime stands at 1,132.2 per 100,000, while property crime is much higher at 2,764.6. Residents are most likely to encounter theft or burglary in this urban setting.

Prioritize Modern Home Security

High property crime rates make alarm systems and security cameras a vital investment for local homeowners. Always secure your vehicle and never leave valuables in plain sight.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Anchorage Municipality

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above national norm

Anchorage residents live to an average of 76.3 years, edging past the U.S. average of 76.1 years and Alaska's 75.6-year state average. Only 13.7% report poor or fair health—well below the national average of 17.5%—reflecting Alaska's largest city's healthcare infrastructure advantage.

Healthiest outcomes in Alaska

Anchorage's 13.7% poor/fair health rate ranks among the best in Alaska, and its 76.3-year life expectancy exceeds the state average by 0.7 years. As Alaska's medical and economic hub, the municipality captures disproportionate healthcare resources.

Provider density unmatched statewide

With 116 primary care and 782 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Anchorage's provider ratio vastly exceeds smaller Alaska regions. This concentration of specialists, hospitals, and clinics makes it the state's healthcare epicenter.

Lowest uninsured rate statewide

Just 12.1% of Anchorage residents lack health insurance—below the state average of 15.9%—meaning most people can access preventive and emergency care without delay. Urban density and a stronger job market with employer benefits explain the superior coverage rate.

Options abound in Anchorage

Whether through employer plans, the marketplace, or Medicaid, Anchorage residents have abundant coverage choices at healthcare.gov or through local navigators. Check your eligibility today—coverage costs less than you may think, and gaps create needless financial risk.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Anchorage Municipality

via SchoolsByCounty

Alaska's largest urban school system

Anchorage manages a massive network of 98 schools serving 44,445 students within a single unified district. The landscape features 63 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, and 16 high schools to support the state's main population hub.

Urban challenges with lean spending

The 81.8% graduation rate is higher than the state average but trails the 87.0% national benchmark. Per-pupil spending of $9,863 is lower than the state average of $13,745, resulting in a school score of 55.4.

A hub for charter and public choice

The Anchorage School District oversees 96 schools, including nine charter schools that account for nearly 10% of the total. Family Partnership Charter School is a major player, enrolling 1,740 students in a flexible KG-12 environment.

City schools with large student bodies

With 80 schools in city locales, the average enrollment is a robust 458 students. West High School is the largest in the region with 1,763 students, reflecting a traditional large-scale urban school experience.

Diverse neighborhood options for every family

Anchorage offers the widest variety of educational paths in Alaska, from large high schools to specialized charter programs. Home buyers can target specific elementary zones to find the perfect fit for their children's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Anchorage Municipality

via RiskByCounty

Alaska's riskiest municipality faces multiple threats

Anchorage Municipality's composite score of 97.39 ranks it among the highest-risk counties nationwide, driven by extreme earthquake (99.49) and wildfire (78.63) scores. This Relatively High rating means residents contend with more natural disaster exposure than most Americans.

Ranks highest among Alaska communities

Anchorage's 97.39 score is nearly triple Alaska's 35.22 state average, making it the state's most hazard-exposed municipality. No other Alaskan county or census area faces comparably stacked disaster risks across multiple hazard types.

Far riskier than surrounding areas

Anchorage Municipality at 97.39 dwarfs nearby Chugach Census Area (19.62) and Copper River Census Area (39.95) in composite risk. Anchorage's concentration of people, infrastructure, and geographic exposure creates substantially higher disaster vulnerability than surrounding regions.

Three major hazards converge here

Earthquake risk (99.49) is nearly perfect score, wildfire exposure (78.63) is the second-highest in the state, and flood risk (28.00) adds additional complexity. This convergence of three serious hazards makes Anchorage uniquely vulnerable compared to other Alaska communities.

Multiple insurance policies are essential

Anchorage residents need earthquake insurance (standard policies exclude it), wildfire/homeowners coverage, and flood insurance if in a high-risk zone. These overlapping threats demand comprehensive protection—don't rely on one policy to cover all risks.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Anchorage Municipality

via WeatherByCounty

Alaska's Urban Subarctic Climate

Anchorage maintains an annual average of 36.7°F, which is roughly 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the median U.S. county. Its climate is classified as subarctic, featuring long, cold winters and short, cool summers.

Typical of the Alaska Experience

At 36.7°F, Anchorage sits very close to the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. It represents the middle ground of the state's climate, avoiding the extreme arctic cold of the north and the heavy rains of the southeast.

Drier and Calmer Than Chugach

Anchorage is significantly drier than the neighboring Chugach Census Area, receiving only 31.1 inches of precipitation compared to Chugach's staggering 139.1 inches. However, Anchorage still sees substantial snow, averaging 102.9 inches annually.

Deep Winters and Pleasant Summers

January temperatures average a cold 16.7°F, while July peaks at a comfortable 58.3°F. The municipality receives over 100 inches of snow per year, yet extreme heat is non-existent with zero days above 90°F.

Prioritize Insulation and Snow Removal

Homeowners should focus on high-efficiency heating and robust insulation to manage the 19.0°F winter average. Professional snow removal services or heavy-duty blowers are essential to manage the 102.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Anchorage Municipality

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in the Urban North

Anchorage Municipality has a lawn difficulty score of 65.6, indicating that it is easier to maintain a lawn here than in many other parts of the country. While specific hardiness zone data is missing, the score is notably higher than the state average of 57.8. This suggests that Anchorage residents have a comparative advantage in the local climate for turf management.

Active Growth Under Midnight Sun

Anchorage sees 670 growing degree days annually, which is much higher than other Alaskan regions and leads to faster grass growth. With 31.1 inches of annual precipitation, your lawn sits right at the threshold of ideal moisture needs. You should prepare for an active mowing season between the last frost on May 9 and the first frost on September 26.

Managing Urban Soil Foundations

Soil data for the municipality is limited, making it essential for homeowners to perform their own site-specific tests. Because the area experiences significant growth, maintaining a healthy pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is crucial for nutrient uptake. Focus on adding organic compost to improve soil structure if your yard suffers from poor drainage or compaction.

Monitoring Dry Spells

Currently, 77.3% of Anchorage is classified as abnormally dry (D0), requiring more attention to watering than usual. Despite these dry conditions today, the municipality has had zero weeks in official drought over the past year. Use smart irrigation to target dry spots without wasting water, especially during the peak sunlight of mid-summer.

Seeding for Success

Kentucky Bluegrass is a favorite in Anchorage for its durability and cold tolerance. The best time to seed is shortly after May 9, allowing your lawn to soak up the long hours of summer daylight. Ensure your lawn is well-established by late September to survive the transition into the cold winter months.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Anchorage Municipality's county score?
Anchorage Municipality, Alaska has a composite county score of 29.5 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 Anchorage Municipality rank among counties in Alaska?
Anchorage Municipality ranks #30 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 Anchorage Municipality, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Anchorage Municipality is $4,865, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Anchorage Municipality a tax score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Anchorage Municipality?
The median household income in Anchorage Municipality, Alaska is $98,152 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Anchorage Municipality earns an income score of 94.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Anchorage Municipality, Alaska a good place to live?
Anchorage Municipality scores 29.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Anchorage Municipality 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 Anchorage Municipality 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.