countyscore
61.1
County Score
Property Tax 100Income & Jobs 77.5Disaster 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.

Score breakdown

Tax100Cost52.6SafetyComing SoonHealth43.8Schools48.1Income77.5Risk60.1WaterComing SoonWeather49.5
🏛100
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠52.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼77.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓48.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡60.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.7
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Chugach Census Area
Alaska
59.2
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Alaska
47.9
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
44.4
Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
29.5
Yakutat City and Borough
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Fairbanks North Star Borough
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Denali Borough
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Kenai Peninsula Borough
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52.4

Deep Dives

Copper River Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Copper River Census Area

via CostByCounty

Copper River: Among Alaska's Most Affordable

Renters dedicate just 15.6% of income to housing, nearly 3 percentage points below Alaska's state average of 18.6% and well under the national affordability threshold of 30%. With median household income of $75,053—close to the national median—Copper River delivers exceptional affordability.

One of Alaska's Affordability Leaders

Copper River's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alaska's most affordable markets, matching Bristol Bay's exceptional affordability. This remote region achieves what few Alaskan communities manage: reasonable housing costs despite geographic isolation.

Underpriced Compared to Urban Options

Copper River's median rent of $973 undercuts Anchorage ($1,453) by $480 and nearly matches Denali Borough ($938). Home values averaging $246,700 represent Alaska's lower end, making it an attractive pocket for budget-conscious relocators.

Lean Housing Costs, Solid Income

Renters spend just $973 monthly on a $75,053 annual income—only 15.6% of earnings—while homeowners pay $671 monthly for properties averaging $246,700. Copper River proves remote Alaskan living doesn't require breaking the bank.

Copper River: Alaska's Hidden Bargain

Seeking affordable remote Alaskan living? Copper River's 15.6% rent-to-income ratio and $973 median rent rival Bristol Bay as the state's best kept secrets. Compare these numbers against Anchorage and other urban centers before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Copper River Census Area

via HealthByCounty

Modest health challenges with limited data

Life expectancy remains unreported for Copper River, but 16.6% report poor or fair health—close to the national average of 17.5%. The 14.3% uninsured rate sits just below Alaska's state average of 15.9%, suggesting moderate access relative to national trends.

Average health profile for Alaska region

Copper River's 16.6% poor/fair health rate and 14.3% uninsured rate both track near Alaska's averages, indicating a typical rural health profile. Without reported life expectancy, the full picture of health outcomes remains incomplete.

Primary care shortage despite mental health access

At just 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Copper River faces a severe primary care shortage—among Alaska's lowest. With 337 mental health providers per 100,000, the region shows stronger behavioral health capacity, but routine medical care availability is a critical constraint.

Scarce primary care drives delayed diagnoses

The 38 primary care providers per 100,000 means finding a regular doctor is genuinely difficult, likely forcing residents to rely on emergency care for preventable conditions. While 14.3% uninsured is relatively low, even insured residents struggle to access routine checkups.

Coverage alone isn't enough—plan ahead

Getting insured is essential, but given primary care scarcity, establish relationships with available providers and plan regular check-ups now. Call 1-800-318-2596 to explore coverage options and connect with community health resources that can bridge gaps.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Copper River Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

Small schools across the Copper River

Six public schools provide education for 434 students within this rural census area. The infrastructure includes one elementary school, one high school, and four schools covering all grade levels.

Rural performance and average spending

The area maintains a 74.0% graduation rate, slightly below the state's 79.0% average. Per-pupil spending stands at $11,581, while the overall school score of 55.0 remains competitive with many other rural Alaskan regions.

Copper River School District at the center

The Copper River School District is the primary educator here, managing five of the six schools and 400 students. There are no charter schools available, making the local district the main path for all students.

A landscape of rural correspondence and campuses

Every school is rural, and the average size is 72 students per campus. Upstream Learning Correspondence is the largest program with 120 students, followed by Glennallen Elementary which serves 108 pupils.

Quiet rural living with local schools

Families looking for a small-town atmosphere will find it in the Glennallen area where the largest schools are located. Consider the diverse mix of correspondence and traditional schooling when choosing your next home here.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Copper River Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Relatively low risk with wildfire intensity

Copper River Census Area's 39.95 composite score falls below the national average despite the state's third-highest wildfire risk (83.65). The region's minimal flood and tornado exposure helps offset the substantial fire threat.

Moderate-risk tier in Alaska

Copper River Census Area ranks slightly above Alaska's 35.22 state average at 39.95, placing it in the state's moderate-risk category. It's riskier than coastal boroughs but significantly safer than Anchorage Municipality.

Wildfire sets it apart from peers

Copper River Census Area's wildfire risk of 83.65 ranks third-highest statewide and vastly exceeds nearby Chugach Census Area (1.30). This exceptional fire exposure makes Copper River substantially riskier than its closest geographic neighbors.

Wildfire and earthquake are dual threats

Wildfire risk dominates at 83.65—third-worst in Alaska—while earthquake exposure at 77.77 poses a secondary threat. Flood (1.91) and tornado (0.38) risks remain minimal, making fire and seismic hazards the clear focus.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake protection

Create defensible space around your home, maintain fire-resistant landscaping, and clear gutters to mitigate the 83.65 wildfire risk. Add earthquake insurance to standard homeowners coverage to address the area's significant seismic exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copper River Census Area's county score?
Copper River Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 61.1 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 #5 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 0.08%. 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 $75,053 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Copper River Census Area earns an income score of 77.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Copper River Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Copper River Census Area scores 61.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 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.

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.