countyscore
59.2
County Score
Schools 92.7Income & Jobs 91.3Safety 83.2

County Report Card

About Chugach Census Area, Alaska

Strong livability significantly above median

Chugach scores 59.2, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by 9 points and placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. This reflects balanced strengths in safety, income, schools, and risk management.

One of Alaska's top performers

At 59.2, Chugach substantially outperforms Alaska's state average of 51.1, ranking among the state's strongest communities. The census area demonstrates how balanced investments pay livability dividends.

Safety, schools, and incomes excel

Chugach boasts a 83.2 safety score, a remarkable 92.7 school score, and a strong 91.3 income score supporting median household earnings of $88,565. Risk management is also solid at 80.4, indicating managed disaster and environmental threats.

Housing costs are a real burden

Chugach's cost score of 16.9 signals significant affordability challenges, with median home values at $330,900 and gross rent at $1,397/month straining household budgets. Health outcomes (50.3) are average but could improve.

Ideal for established families valuing safety

Chugach is perfect for families with solid incomes who prioritize safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and strong community infrastructure despite high housing costs. Young professionals and retirees seeking outdoor recreation will thrive here.

2040608010044.116.983.250.392.791.380.451.3Tax44.1Cost16.9Safety83.2Health50.3Schools92.7Income91.3Risk80.4Water—Weather51.359.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Chugach Census Area DNA

Foverall

How Chugach Census Area compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chugach Census Area excels in 4 of 8 measured dimensions, led by Income (91.3/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (16.9/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.1
Cost
16.9-31.1
Safety
83.2+28.200000000000003
Health
50.3
Schools
92.7+38.7
Income
91.3+40.3
Risk
80.4+33.400000000000006
Weather
51.3
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Chugach Census Area

Whether buying or refinancing in Chugach Census Area, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$330,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,397/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$330,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$55,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $88,565/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

57.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Chugach Census Area with Menard County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Menard County
Illinois
Median income: $81,334
59.2
Jefferson County
Indiana
Median income: $59,987
59.2
Marion County
Iowa
Median income: $78,059
59.2
Martin County
Minnesota
Median income: $62,969
59.2
Gasconade County
Missouri
Median income: $65,096
59.2
Worth County
Missouri
Median income: $46,167
59.2
Huntingdon County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $65,429
59.2
Weston County
Wyoming
Median income: $87,545
59.2

Nearby counties

Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
29.5
Copper River Census Area
Alaska
61.1
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
44.4
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
52.4
Yakutat City and Borough
Alaska
51.5
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Alaska
47.9
Denali Borough
Alaska
47
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Alaska
34.5

Deep Dives

Chugach Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chugach Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Chugach slightly above national average

Chugach Census Area's 0.917% effective tax rate exceeds both Alaska's state average of 0.772% and the national median of 0.772%, placing it in the upper-middle tier nationally. Its median annual tax of $3,033 runs 13% above the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest tax rate in Alaska

Chugach's 0.917% rate ranks second only to Anchorage's 1.294% among Alaska's jurisdictions, substantially exceeding the state average of 0.772%. This elevated rate generates a median annual tax of $3,033 on homes valued at $330,900.

Chugach outpaces most regional competitors

Chugach's 0.917% rate significantly exceeds Bristol Bay's 0.717% and Aleutians West's 0.708%, making it the most heavily taxed region outside Anchorage. Only Anchorage's 1.294% rate surpasses Chugach.

Chugach homes trigger $3,000+ tax bills

A median Chugach home valued at $330,900 generates approximately $3,033 in annual property taxes—$4,267 with mortgage and $2,362 without. This exceeds the national median tax by $343 annually, reflecting Chugach's elevated rate.

Challenge valuations in high-rate jurisdiction

At 0.917%, small assessment errors compound significantly; Chugach homeowners should verify their valuations against recent comparable sales. A successful appeal in this higher-rate region yields meaningful annual savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chugach Census Area

via CostByCounty

Chugach: Slightly Above State Average

Renters spend 18.9% of income on housing, marginally above Alaska's 18.6% state average and well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. With median household income of $88,565, Chugach residents maintain reasonable housing burdens despite above-average regional costs.

Solid Middle Ground in Alaska

Chugach's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at Alaska's average, making it a representative example of the state's typical housing affordability. This census area avoids both the extremes of Bristol Bay's affordability (15.7%) and Bethel's crisis (24.7%).

Reasonable Costs Near Urban Center

Chugach's $1,397 median rent falls between Anchorage ($1,453) and Bristol Bay ($1,318), reflecting its position as an accessible area adjacent to Alaska's urban hub. Home values of $330,900 sit mid-range among Alaskan regions.

Balanced Expense Structure

Renters spend $1,397 monthly on an $88,565 annual income, claiming 18.9% of earnings for housing, while homeowners dedicate $1,086 monthly to properties averaging $330,900. Chugach offers predictable, manageable housing costs across both rental and ownership categories.

Chugach: Alaska's Safe Housing Bet

Relocating to Alaska's sub-urban areas? Chugach's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio and $1,397 median rent provide stability without Anchorage's urban intensity. It's a pragmatic choice for those seeking rural character with reasonable affordability metrics.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chugach Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Chugach Solidly Above National Average

Chugach Census Area's median household income of $88,565 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 18 percent, positioning the region in America's upper-income tier. This strong performance reflects Alaska's overall wage premium and Chugach's proximity to Anchorage's economic influence.

Mid-Tier Income in Alaska

Chugach Census Area earns above Alaska's state average with a median household income of $88,565 compared to the state average of $79,407—an 11 percent advantage. The region ranks comfortably in the middle-to-upper tier of Alaska's income distribution.

Strong Earnings Near Anchorage Hub

At $88,565, Chugach's median income trails Anchorage ($98,152) and Bristol Bay Borough ($100,625) but substantially exceeds rural counterparts like Bethel ($70,616) and Aleutians East ($72,692). Proximity to Alaska's largest city supports competitive wage levels.

Reasonable Housing Costs

Chugach Census Area maintains a healthy rent-to-income ratio of 18.9 percent, keeping housing costs within manageable ranges for households earning $88,565 annually. The median home value of $330,900 remains accessible relative to local earnings.

Invest in Your Financial Future

Chugach residents earning $88,565 have meaningful capacity to invest in retirement accounts, education savings, and diversified portfolios. With stable regional employment and reasonable housing affordability, consistent 10-15 percent savings rates can build substantial long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chugach Census Area

via CrimeByCounty

Elite Safety Levels in Chugach

Chugach Census Area is remarkably safe, with a total crime rate of 400.0 per 100,000 compared to 2,385.5 nationally. It earns an impressive safety score of 99.4.

A Standout for Safety in Alaska

Chugach's crime rate is less than half the state average of 861.7. This performance keeps the area well above the Alaska state average safety score of 98.6.

Quieter Than Neighboring Anchorage

Chugach is significantly safer than the nearby Anchorage Municipality, which has nearly ten times the crime rate. It also reports much less activity than the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

The area sees only 114.3 violent crimes and 285.7 property crimes per 100,000 residents. These low figures indicate that criminal incidents are rare events in the community.

Low Risk Requires Simple Precautions

While risk is low, basic precautions like locking doors and installing motion-activated lights are always advisable. Knowing your neighbors is one of the best ways to keep this area safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chugach Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

Coastal schools serving multiple communities

Ten schools serve 1,066 students across three districts in this scenic coastal region. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, along with five PK-12 facilities.

Top-tier results and solid funding

A 95.0% graduation rate places this area far ahead of both state (79.0%) and national (87.0%) averages. The $14,003 per-pupil expenditure exceeds the state average, contributing to a strong school score of 71.3.

Valdez City leads a trio of districts

The Valdez City School District is the largest, enrolling 653 students, followed closely by the Chugach and Cordova City districts. No charter schools are present, keeping the focus on these three primary district systems.

Rural schools with traditional structures

All 10 schools are in rural settings, yet they maintain an average size of 107 students. Hermon Hutchens Elementary is the largest with 302 students, providing a robust elementary experience for a rural area.

Settle near elite graduation rates

With a 95% graduation rate, this region is an ideal choice for buyers prioritizing academic success. Searching for homes in Valdez or Cordova ensures access to some of the highest-rated schools in the state.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chugach Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Exceptionally safe despite coastal exposure

Chugach Census Area's 19.62 composite score is one of Alaska's lowest and far below the national average, earning Very Low rating. Minimal flood, wildfire, and tornado risks combine with modest earthquake exposure to create an unusually protected region.

Among Alaska's safest communities

Chugach Census Area ranks near the bottom of Alaska's 29 counties at 19.62—well below the state average of 35.22. Only Bristol Bay Borough and a handful of other remote areas offer comparable safety.

Far safer than Anchorage to the north

Chugach Census Area at 19.62 is nearly five times safer than neighboring Anchorage Municipality (97.39), though both face similar seismic activity. Anchorage's wildfire and flood exposures drive its dramatically higher overall risk.

Earthquake and flooding are primary hazards

Earthquake risk scores 81.81 and flood risk at 20.80 are Chugach's main natural disaster concerns, while wildfire (1.30) and tornado (0.06) risks remain negligible. These two hazards account for the area's limited but present vulnerability.

Earthquake and flood coverage recommended

Secure earthquake insurance to cover Chugach's 81.81 seismic exposure, and evaluate flood insurance if your home is near water or wetlands. These two policies address essentially all meaningful natural disaster risk in this protected region.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Chugach Census Area

via WaterByCounty

Chugach Lacks Current Drinking Water Grade

Recent drinking water compliance data and health violation records are currently unavailable for the Chugach Census Area. While the state average sits at 1249.1 violations per 100,000 residents, this region lacks a current federal grade.

Chugach Watersheds Show Zero Impairments

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that none of the 24 assessed water bodies in Chugach are considered impaired. This 0% impairment rate is significantly better than the Alaska statewide average of 16.1%.

Local Monitoring Data Not Centrally Reported

There are no monitoring records for this area listed in the federal Water Quality Portal for the most recent five-year period. This absence of data means that any localized testing is not being captured by the primary federal database.

Copper River Flow Below Historical Mean

The Copper River at Million Dollar Bridge is flowing at 52,300 cubic feet per second. This current discharge represents 84% of its long-term mean, indicating slightly lower than average water levels.

Pristine Watersheds But Incomplete Records

Although the watershed health is excellent with 0% impairment, residents should still monitor local water reports due to the lack of recent compliance data. The Copper River’s 84% flow rate suggests stable source water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Chugach Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

The Wettest Corner of Alaska

Chugach averages 40.3°F annually, which is warm for Alaska but accompanied by an incredible 139.1 inches of precipitation. This creates a unique rainforest-like environment that is far wetter than almost any county in the lower 48.

Alaska's High-Precipitation Leader

At 40.3°F, Chugach is significantly warmer than the 35.9°F state average. However, its 139.1 inches of annual precipitation dwarfs the state average of 54.8 inches, making it a true outlier.

Vastly Different From Anchorage

While neighboring Anchorage receives 31.1 inches of precipitation, Chugach is pelted with 139.1 inches. This moisture translates to a massive 221.2 inches of annual snowfall, more than double Anchorage's 102.9 inches.

Mild Winters and Massive Snow

Winter temperatures average a relatively mild 28.4°F, but the extreme moisture leads to 221.2 inches of snow. Summers are cool and wet, with July temperatures averaging 56.1°F and no days over 90°F.

Mastering Snow and Rain Prep

Residents must be prepared for extreme snow loads, as 221.2 inches can overwhelm standard roofs. Industrial-grade waterproof gear and high-capacity drainage systems are essential for managing the constant 139.1 inches of annual precipitation.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Chugach Census Area

via LawnByCounty

The Rain-Drenched Chugach Coast

Chugach Census Area has a lawn difficulty score of 53.8, making it slightly more challenging than the Alaska state average. This score reflects the difficulty of managing lawns in one of the wettest environments in the country. While the difficulty is higher than average, it still ranks as slightly easier than the national median of 50.0.

Triple the State Average Rainfall

With a massive 139.1 inches of annual precipitation, your primary challenge is managing excess water rather than providing it. This is nearly triple the state average of 53.5 inches, which can lead to saturated soil and moss growth. Growth is supported by 498 growing degree days, mostly occurring between May 16 and October 7.

Managing High-Moisture Soils

With specific soil data unavailable, you must prioritize drainage to handle the extreme 139.1 inches of annual rain. Core aeration and the addition of coarse sand can help prevent your lawn from becoming a bog. It is also important to monitor for soil acidity, as heavy rainfall often leaches away essential minerals.

Zero Drought Concerns

Drought is effectively non-existent here, with only 0.6% of the area classified as abnormally dry and zero weeks of actual drought in the last year. Your focus should be on water diversion rather than conservation to keep your grass roots healthy. Ensure your lawn is graded properly to prevent standing water during heavy downpours.

Picking Water-Tolerant Varieties

For the Chugach area, choose grass blends that include Rough Bluegrass, which performs better in very wet conditions than other varieties. The best time to seed is in late May once the frost risk subsides. Be prepared to mow frequently during the summer to prevent the grass from matting under the weight of constant rain.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chugach Census Area's county score?
Chugach Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 59.2 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 Chugach Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Chugach Census Area ranks #7 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 Chugach Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Chugach Census Area is $3,033, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Chugach Census Area a tax score of 44.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chugach Census Area?
The median household income in Chugach Census Area, Alaska is $88,565 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chugach Census Area earns an income score of 91.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chugach Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Chugach Census Area scores 59.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Chugach 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 Chugach Census Area with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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