Copper River scores 77.7 out of 100—the highest in this dataset—towering nearly 60% above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among America's best-performing counties on the CountyScore index.
2 / 5
Alaska's highest-scoring county
Copper River dominates Alaska's rankings at 77.7, significantly above the state average of 67.6. It stands as the clear livability leader across all Alaskan counties measured here.
3 / 5
Unbeatable taxes and housing affordability
Copper River achieves a perfect tax score of 100.0 with an effective rate of just 0.081%—virtually tax-free living. Cost scores 80.6 with rent at $973/month and median home value of $246,700, offering exceptional affordability paired with strong health (72.6).
4 / 5
Lower incomes offset affordability gains
Income scores 32.4 with median household earnings of $75,053—the trade-off for ultra-low taxes and housing costs. Risk scores 60.1, which is moderate but lags some peer areas, suggesting moderate vulnerability to hazards.
5 / 5
Perfect for frugal, self-reliant families
Copper River is ideal for cost-conscious families and retirees who earn modest incomes ($70–80K) but want maximum purchasing power and minimal tax burden. It's the top choice for those prioritizing affordability and financial independence over career advancement.
Copper River scores 77.7 out of 100—the highest in this dataset—towering nearly 60% above the national median of 50.0. It ranks among America's best-performing counties on the CountyScore index.
Alaska's highest-scoring county
Copper River dominates Alaska's rankings at 77.7, significantly above the state average of 67.6. It stands as the clear livability leader across all Alaskan counties measured here.
Unbeatable taxes and housing affordability
Copper River achieves a perfect tax score of 100.0 with an effective rate of just 0.081%—virtually tax-free living. Cost scores 80.6 with rent at $973/month and median home value of $246,700, offering exceptional affordability paired with strong health (72.6).
Lower incomes offset affordability gains
Income scores 32.4 with median household earnings of $75,053—the trade-off for ultra-low taxes and housing costs. Risk scores 60.1, which is moderate but lags some peer areas, suggesting moderate vulnerability to hazards.
Perfect for frugal, self-reliant families
Copper River is ideal for cost-conscious families and retirees who earn modest incomes ($70–80K) but want maximum purchasing power and minimal tax burden. It's the top choice for those prioritizing affordability and financial independence over career advancement.
Score breakdown
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🏛100
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.