countyscore
47
County Score
Income & Jobs 91.6Health 73Disaster Risk 71.7

County Report Card

About Denali Borough, Alaska

Below-average livability with mixed signals

Denali scores 47.0, falling short of the national median of 50.0 and placing it in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties. Strong incomes and health outcomes are offset by weak schools and missing safety data.

Trailing Alaska's average performance

At 47.0, Denali falls below Alaska's state average of 51.1, indicating livability constraints despite economic strengths. The borough ranks among Alaska's middle-to-lower performers in this dataset.

Income and health care are solid

Denali's income score of 91.6 reflects median household earnings of $88,935, providing strong economic foundation for residents. Health care quality scores an impressive 73.0, suggesting good access to medical services and outcomes.

Schools and safety data critical gaps

Denali's school score of just 4.2 is alarming—among the lowest nationally—suggesting severe educational infrastructure challenges. Safety data is unavailable, and water quality (8.3) is minimal; these gaps make full livability assessment impossible.

For remote workers without school-age kids

Denali suits remote workers, retirees, and couples without children who earn good incomes and value outdoor recreation over schools and urban services. Families with school-age children should explore alternatives with stronger educational systems.

Score breakdown

TaxComing SoonCost49SafetyComing SoonHealth73Schools4.2Income91.6Risk71.7Water8.3Weather49.7
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼91.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤73
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓4.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.9
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Denali Borough

Whether buying or refinancing in Denali Borough, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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 Denali Borough with Walker County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Walker County
Alabama
Median income: $54,509
47
Ouachita County
Arkansas
Median income: $49,838
47
Dorchester County
Maryland
Median income: $60,495
47
Mahnomen County
Minnesota
Median income: $53,925
47
Stoddard County
Missouri
Median income: $54,067
47
Atoka County
Oklahoma
Median income: $52,034
47
Accomack County
Virginia
Median income: $57,500
47
Covington city
Virginia
Median income: $42,724
47

Nearby counties

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Alaska
32.6
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
44.4
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Alaska
34.5
Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
29.5
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Alaska
47.9
Copper River Census Area
Alaska
61.1
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
52.4
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
59.2

Deep Dives

Denali Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Denali Borough

via TaxByCounty

Denali's tax records remain largely unavailable

Denali Borough's effective tax rate and median property tax are not fully documented in standardized datasets, though one available point shows $350 annual tax. Homes average $262,000, close to the national median of $281,900, suggesting moderate tax exposure if rates were available.

Limited data obscures Denali's tax standing

Denali's incomplete tax records prevent precise ranking among Alaska's 29 jurisdictions, though the $350 figure suggests a minimal rate. Formal rate data from the borough is necessary for accurate state comparison.

Remote interior borough with sparse records

Denali shares incomplete tax documentation with other remote Alaska areas like Bethel and Copper River, reflecting limited property tax infrastructure. Its interior location and small population may explain the data gaps.

Estimated minimal Denali property tax

Available data shows $350 on homes valued at $262,000—an implied effective rate of roughly 0.134%. Complete tax records are needed to provide reliable estimates for median-value properties in the borough.

Contact Denali assessor for tax clarity

Denali's limited public tax records make independent verification challenging; reach out to the borough assessor to confirm your assessment, understand any exemptions, and learn about appeal procedures. Transparency supports better financial planning.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Denali Borough

via CostByCounty

Denali: Alaska's Most Affordable Rents

At just 12.7% of income, Denali renters enjoy the lowest housing burden in Alaska—far below the state average of 18.6% and substantially below the national affordability threshold of 30%. Median household income of $88,935 pairs with a bargain median rent of $938, creating exceptional affordability.

Unmatched Affordability in Alaska

Denali Borough's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio stands as Alaska's most affordable rental market by a significant margin. This remote borough outperforms even the state's typically affordable regions, delivering the lowest housing burden in the state.

Cheapest Rents in Remote Alaska

Denali's $938 median rent edges out Copper River's $973 and dramatically undercuts Chugach ($1,397) and Bethel ($1,454). Home values averaging $262,000 represent reasonable entry points for prospective homeowners seeking remote living.

Exceptional Value Across Tenures

Renters spend only $938 monthly on an $88,935 annual income, claiming just 12.7% of earnings for housing, while homeowners dedicate $749 monthly to properties averaging $262,000. Denali delivers the state's most generous housing-to-income economics.

Denali: Alaska's Affordability Champion

Relocating to remote Alaska? Denali's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio and $938 median rent are unmatched statewide. If proximity to Denali National Park and exceptional affordability appeal, this borough offers Alaska's best combination of location and housing value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Denali Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Denali Substantially Outearns U.S. Average

Denali Borough's median household income of $88,935 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 19 percent, placing the region solidly in America's upper-income category. The borough's tourism and resource economy generates strong wage opportunities for residents.

Above-Average Income in Alaska

Denali Borough ranks above Alaska's state average with a median household income of $88,935 compared to $79,407—an 12 percent advantage. The borough positions itself firmly in Alaska's upper-middle income tier alongside similar regional economies.

Strong Earnings in Interior Alaska

Denali's $88,935 median nearly matches Chugach Census Area ($88,565) and substantially exceeds rural neighbors like Bethel ($70,616) and Aleutians East ($72,692). The borough's tourism draw and natural resource access support competitive regional wages.

Lowest Housing Burden in Analysis

Denali Borough boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among all eight counties at just 12.7 percent, indicating exceptional housing affordability. With a median home value of $262,000 and household earnings of $88,935, residents enjoy the strongest housing cost position analyzed.

Optimal Conditions for Wealth Building

Denali residents earning $88,935 with the nation's best rent-to-income ratio are positioned to aggressively save and invest. The combination of strong income and exceptional housing affordability creates ideal conditions for establishing retirement accounts, education funds, and diversified investment portfolios.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Denali Borough

via HealthByCounty

Exceptional longevity with strong health status

At 88.6 years, Denali Borough residents live 12.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years—among America's longest lifespans. Only 13.8% report poor or fair health, and just 12.6% lack insurance, creating near-ideal conditions for sustained wellness.

Alaska's longevity champion

Denali's 88.6-year life expectancy surpasses Alaska's state average by 13 years, ranking it among the nation's healthiest communities. The 12.6% uninsured rate also beats the state average of 15.9%, reflecting strong community engagement with healthcare.

Modest provider presence achieves big results

With 63 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Denali doesn't lead Alaska in provider density, yet its health outcomes are exceptional. This suggests that community culture, income stability, and engagement matter as much as provider supply.

Near-universal coverage sustains excellence

At 12.6% uninsured—below the state and national averages—nearly everyone in Denali has access to preventive and emergency care. This high insurance coverage, paired with low reported illness, suggests residents use healthcare wisely and stay engaged with wellness.

Maintain the coverage that works

If you're among Denali's uninsured, explore marketplace plans or Medicaid to join the majority with stable coverage. Check healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to secure the insurance that's helping your neighbors live long, healthy lives.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Denali Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Innovative rural learning in Denali

Four public schools serve 912 students in the borough, all operating under a single school district. All four facilities are categorized as 'other,' reflecting a flexible approach to PK-12 education in a rugged landscape.

Lean funding and emerging results

The 72.0% graduation rate is lower than the state's 79.0% average. Per-pupil spending is unusually lean at $5,596, resulting in a school score of 41.0, which indicates potential for growth compared to the national median.

One district with a correspondence focus

The Denali Borough School District manages all education for the area's 912 students. No charter schools exist, as the district already utilizes models like Denali PEAK to reach its widely dispersed student population.

Rural schools with a wide enrollment gap

The borough's schools are all rural, with an average size of 228 students. Denali PEAK is a massive outlier with 735 students, while traditional sites like Cantwell School serve only 8 students.

Explore flexible education near the park

Prospective home buyers can choose between the larger social environment of Tri-Valley or the specialized Denali PEAK program. Education quality and school model are vital factors to weigh when moving to this unique borough.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Denali Borough

via RiskByCounty

Low risk despite highest wildfire exposure

Denali Borough's 28.31 composite score is well below the national average despite the state's highest wildfire risk (84.76). Minimal earthquake exposure (78.91) actually helps offset the extreme fire threat, resulting in a Very Low overall rating.

Among safest despite extreme fire risk

Denali Borough ranks among Alaska's 29 counties with just 28.31—below the state average of 35.22. This safety ranking is remarkable given the borough's unmatched wildfire exposure, reflecting the absence of other significant hazards.

Wildfire danger stands above all peers

Denali Borough's wildfire risk of 84.76 is Alaska's highest, exceeding even Bethel Census Area (83.84) and Copper River Census Area (83.65). This exceptional fire exposure is the region's defining hazard despite the borough's otherwise low composite score.

Wildfire overwhelmingly dominates hazards

Wildfire risk scores a near-perfect 84.76—the state's highest—making fire the absolute priority for Denali residents. Earthquake (78.91) poses a secondary seismic threat, while flood (1.46) and tornado (0.32) risks remain negligible.

Wildfire preparation is non-negotiable

With Alaska's highest wildfire risk at 84.76, aggressively create defensible space, use fire-resistant materials, and clear all vegetation from your roof and gutters. Standard homeowners insurance covers wildfire, but earthquake coverage is also essential given the secondary seismic threat.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Denali Borough

via WeatherByCounty

In the Shadow of Giants

Denali Borough averages 28.0°F annually, a stark contrast to the temperate climates found across most of the United States. Its weather is defined by its high latitude and rugged mountain interior.

A Cold Interior Standard

At 28.0°F, Denali is significantly colder than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. Its climate represents the classic Alaskan interior, featuring deep winter freezes and clear, cool summers.

Similar to Copper River

Denali shares a nearly identical annual average with Copper River (28.0°F vs 27.8°F). However, Denali sees slightly more snow, recording 76.7 inches compared to Copper River's 62.2 inches.

Sub-Zero Januaries and Snowy Peaks

January temperatures average -0.7°F, while July provides a brief window of 57.6°F warmth. The borough receives 76.7 inches of snow annually, and the air remains cool year-round with zero days hitting 90°F.

Winter Survival and Summer Gear

Vehicles need engine block heaters to survive the sub-zero winter average of 2.9°F. For the 76.7 inches of annual snow, residents should invest in high-quality winter tires and reliable heating fuel storage.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Denali Borough

via LawnByCounty

Short Seasons Near the Peak

Denali Borough presents a lawn difficulty score of 51.9, making it one of the more challenging places in Alaska to grow a lawn. This score is lower than the state average of 57.8, reflecting the harshness of the interior climate. You are working with a narrow margin for success compared to the national median of 50.0.

A Very Tight Growing Window

With a short frost-free season from June 6 to September 2, you have a very limited time to establish and maintain turf. Annual precipitation is low at 16.1 inches, and you only have 576 growing degree days to foster growth. Your maintenance schedule must be highly efficient to make the most of these few summer months.

Testing Your Interior Soil

Soil data is not currently available for Denali Borough, so a home soil test kit is your best friend. Interior soils can be thin and acidic, often requiring lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Adding a thick layer of topsoil before seeding can help provide the insulation roots need against the cold ground.

Managing Seasonal Dryness

About 1.1% of the area is abnormally dry, and the borough has faced four weeks of drought in the past year. Given the low 16.1 inches of annual rain, even a short dry spell can quickly turn a lawn brown. Keep a regular watering schedule during the long daylight hours of June and July to prevent root death.

Hardy Grasses for Denali

Kentucky Bluegrass blends are the standard here for their ability to survive extreme winter cold. You must plant as soon as the ground thaws after June 6 to ensure the grass is strong enough for the September 2 frost. Rapid-germinating seeds will help you make the most of the very short 576 growing degree days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Denali Borough's county score?
Denali Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 47 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 Denali Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Denali Borough ranks #21 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 is the median household income in Denali Borough?
The median household income in Denali Borough, Alaska is $88,935 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Denali Borough earns an income score of 91.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Denali Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Denali Borough scores 47/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Denali Borough 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 Denali Borough 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.