Denali scores 75.2 out of 100, roughly 50% higher than the national median of 50.0 and well above Alaska's 67.6 average. It ranks among the best-performing counties across the United States.
2 / 5
Third-best livability in Alaska
Denali ranks third among all Alaska counties at 75.2, trailing only Copper River and Bristol Bay. It represents the upper echelon of Alaska livability with strong, balanced fundamentals.
3 / 5
Exceptional health and outstanding affordability
Denali delivers Alaska's highest health score at 81.1, reflecting excellent healthcare outcomes and access. Cost scores 80.0 with the lowest median rent in this dataset at just $938/month and median home value of $262,000—extraordinary value.
4 / 5
Income growth opportunities are limited
Income scores 41.4 with median household earnings of $88,935—modest given the borough's strong scores elsewhere. Risk scores 71.7, which is solid but slightly below some peer areas, indicating moderate exposure to hazards.
5 / 5
Ideal for health-conscious, budget-minded families
Denali suits families and retirees prioritizing exceptional healthcare, rock-bottom housing costs, and quality of life over high incomes. It's the perfect match for those earning $85–95K who value health, affordability, and stability above career maximization.
Denali scores 75.2 out of 100, roughly 50% higher than the national median of 50.0 and well above Alaska's 67.6 average. It ranks among the best-performing counties across the United States.
Third-best livability in Alaska
Denali ranks third among all Alaska counties at 75.2, trailing only Copper River and Bristol Bay. It represents the upper echelon of Alaska livability with strong, balanced fundamentals.
Exceptional health and outstanding affordability
Denali delivers Alaska's highest health score at 81.1, reflecting excellent healthcare outcomes and access. Cost scores 80.0 with the lowest median rent in this dataset at just $938/month and median home value of $262,000—extraordinary value.
Income growth opportunities are limited
Income scores 41.4 with median household earnings of $88,935—modest given the borough's strong scores elsewhere. Risk scores 71.7, which is solid but slightly below some peer areas, indicating moderate exposure to hazards.
Ideal for health-conscious, budget-minded families
Denali suits families and retirees prioritizing exceptional healthcare, rock-bottom housing costs, and quality of life over high incomes. It's the perfect match for those earning $85–95K who value health, affordability, and stability above career maximization.
Score breakdown
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Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.