countyscore
61.7
County Score
Property Tax 100Income & Jobs 80.5Disaster Risk 60.1

County Report Card

About Copper River Census Area, Alaska

Above-average livability with unique profile

Copper River scores 61.1, exceeding the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the upper third of U.S. counties. Its strength is driven primarily by exceptional tax conditions and moderate affordability.

Among Alaska's strongest counties

At 61.1, Copper River outpaces Alaska's state average of 51.1 and ranks near the top of this dataset. The census area's tax advantage and balanced profile make it competitive across the state.

Tax burden and affordability are rare wins

Copper River achieves a perfect 100.0 tax score with just 0.081% effective tax rate—the lowest in the dataset—and a strong 52.6 cost score. Median rents are just $973/month and homes average $246,700, making this an affordable Alaska pocket.

Data gaps and health concerns remain

Safety and water quality data are currently unavailable, limiting full livability assessment. Health scores of 43.8 and school scores of 48.1 trail state averages, and income (77.5) is solid but not exceptional.

Great for budget-conscious rural seekers

Copper River suits individuals and families with modest incomes who value affordability, low taxes, and outdoor living over urban amenities and schools. Remote workers and retirees seeking cost-effective Alaska living will find genuine value here.

2040608010010054.143.848.180.560.149.5Tax100Cost54.1SafetyHealth43.8Schools48.1Income80.5Risk60.1WaterWeather49.561.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average

Copper River Census Area DNA

Doverall

How Copper River Census Area compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Copper River Census Area excels in 3 of 7 measured dimensions, led by Property Tax (100/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Weather & Climate (49.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
100+48
Cost
54.1
Health
43.8
Schools
48.1
Income
80.5+29.5
Risk
60.1+13.100000000000001
Weather
49.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Copper River Census Area

Whether buying or refinancing in Copper River 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

$292,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,089/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$292,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $79,250/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Copper River Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 7 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Copper River Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Copper River has virtually no property tax

Copper River Census Area's 0.081% effective tax rate is among the lowest in the nation—nearly 10 times lower than the national median of 0.772%. At just $199 median annual property tax on homes valued at $246,700, Copper River residents enjoy extraordinary tax relief.

Alaska's lowest documented tax rate

Copper River's 0.081% rate is the lowest in Alaska by a massive margin—less than 1% of the state average of 0.772%. Its $199 annual median tax is unmatched elsewhere in the state.

Copper River stands alone, tax-wise

Copper River's 0.081% rate is incomparable to any neighboring region—Bristol Bay charges 0.717%, Chugach 0.917%, and Anchorage 1.294%. This sparse area operates under a unique tax structure favoring residents dramatically.

Copper River: the $199 property tax miracle

A median Copper River home valued at $246,700 generates approximately $199 in annual property taxes—whether financed or free and clear. This saves homeowners $2,491 annually compared to the national median of $2,690.

Copper River's unique situation limits appeals

At a 0.081% rate, property tax appeals hold minimal financial upside for Copper River residents. Instead, focus on verifying accurate assessment classification and understanding any local exemptions or deferrals that may apply.

Income & Jobs in Copper River Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Copper River Earns Just Above U.S. Average

Copper River Census Area's median household income of $75,053 marginally exceeds the national median of $74,755 by less than 1 percent, placing the region at the American earnings baseline. The minimal difference reflects Copper River's transition between rural and resource-based economies.

Below Alaska's Income Average

Copper River Census Area lags Alaska's state average with a median household income of $75,053 compared to $79,407—a 5.5 percent shortfall. The region ranks in the lower-middle tier of Alaska's income distribution among its counties.

Mid-Range Among Rural Alaska

Copper River's $75,053 median positions it between Bethel ($70,616) and Aleutians East ($72,692) on the lower end, while substantially behind Anchorage ($98,152) and Bristol Bay ($100,625). The region's economy reflects a blend of resource extraction, tourism, and subsistence activities.

Best Rent Affordability in Analysis

Copper River Census Area ties Bristol Bay Borough for the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 15.6 percent, indicating excellent housing affordability. With a median home value of $246,700 and moderately strong household earnings, residents enjoy strong financial foundations.

Strategic Savings Build Wealth

Copper River residents earning $75,053 can leverage favorable housing costs to allocate funds toward savings and investment goals. Establishing emergency funds and contributing to retirement accounts positions households for long-term financial security and wealth accumulation.

Weather & Climate in Copper River Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme Continental Cold

Copper River averages just 27.8°F annually, making it one of the coldest inhabited places in the nation. It lacks the moderating influence of the ocean, leading to temperatures far below the national median.

Deeply Below State Average

The area's 27.8°F annual average is over 8 degrees colder than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. This makes Copper River a focal point for some of the state's most intense winter weather.

Colder and Drier Than Anchorage

Copper River is much harsher than Anchorage, with a January average of -2.8°F compared to Anchorage's 16.7°F. It is also significantly drier, receiving only 13.8 inches of annual precipitation.

Sub-Zero Winters and Dry Summers

Winter is extreme, with a December-February average of 1.4°F and temperatures regularly dropping below zero in January. Summers are pleasant but short, averaging 56.6°F in July with no extreme heat days.

Severe Winter Proofing Required

Homes require specialized arctic-grade insulation to handle the -2.8°F January average. Because annual precipitation is so low at 13.8 inches, managing dry conditions and dust is often more of a concern than rain.

Lawn Care in Copper River Census Area

via LawnByCounty

Dry Climate Lawn Challenges

Copper River Census Area has a difficulty score of 53.7, placing it just below the state average of 57.8 for lawn care ease. The primary hurdle here is the arid environment, which is significantly drier than most of the state. Despite the challenges, it remains slightly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national median score of 50.0.

Very Dry Interior Conditions

This area receives only 13.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is far below the ideal 30-50 inches required for lush lawns. You have 482 growing degree days to work with, but the lack of natural moisture will be your biggest constraint. Without consistent irrigation, your lawn will likely struggle or go dormant during the brief summer window.

Focusing on Soil Moisture

Because soil data is currently unavailable, it is essential to test your yard's ability to hold moisture. In this dry 13.8-inch rain environment, incorporating organic matter like peat or compost into your soil is critical. These amendments help your lawn retain every drop of water it receives, which is vital in this arid region.

Vigilance in an Arid Land

The area currently shows 0% drought coverage, and there have been no official drought weeks in the past year. However, because baseline rainfall is so low, your lawn lives on the edge of moisture stress at all times. Use deep-soaking irrigation techniques to encourage roots to grow deeper into the cooler, moister soil.

Planting for Drought Resistance

Sheep Fescue or other drought-tolerant fescues are your best bet for the dry Copper River climate. Since frost dates can be unpredictable in the interior, wait for a consistent warm stretch in June to start your seeds. Once established, these grasses will withstand the low precipitation better than traditional bluegrass.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copper River Census Area's county score?
Copper River Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 61.7 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 Copper River Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Copper River Census Area ranks #4 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 Copper River Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Copper River Census Area is $199, with an effective tax rate of 0.07%. This earns Copper River Census Area a tax score of 100/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Copper River Census Area?
The median household income in Copper River Census Area, Alaska is $79,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Copper River Census Area earns an income score of 80.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Copper River Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Copper River Census Area scores 61.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Copper River 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 Copper River Census Area with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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