CountyScore

Dillingham Census Area

Alaska · AK

#24 in Alaska
59.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Dillingham Census Area, Alaska

Dillingham outpaces national average

Dillingham's composite score of 59.8 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. This advantage reflects particularly strong housing affordability, with a median home value of just $163,800 and rent averaging $1,085 per month. The county's tax burden is reasonable at 1.755% effective rate, though income levels lag behind many peers.

Middle of the pack in Alaska

Dillingham ranks in the middle tier of Alaska counties with a score of 59.8, trailing the state average of 67.6 by about 8 points. This reflects a county with solid fundamentals but real challenges in income growth and health outcomes. Among Alaska's 8 profiled counties, Dillingham competes reasonably well on affordability but falls short on earning potential.

Affordable living in Southeast Alaska

Dillingham excels at housing affordability with a cost score of 78.5—among the highest in the state—where a median home sells for just $163,800 and rent runs $1,085 monthly. The county also maintains solid risk management with a score of 64.3, suggesting reasonable disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. These strengths make it attractive for households seeking to stretch their housing dollar.

Income growth and health need attention

Dillingham's income score of 31.9 is the county's most pressing weakness, with median household income of $74,250 lagging state peers significantly. Health outcomes also need improvement at 49.7, below both state and national benchmarks. Together, these gaps suggest limited career advancement and healthcare access challenges that may affect long-term resident satisfaction.

Best for budget-conscious families

Dillingham suits families and retirees prioritizing affordable housing over high wages and advanced healthcare facilities. The county offers genuine economic breathing room—low housing costs and moderate taxes—for those comfortable with smaller-town Alaska living and able to work remotely or accept regional income levels. It's a genuine value play for cost-conscious relocators, not a destination for career climbers.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax52.9Cost78.5SafetyComing SoonHealth49.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.9Risk64.3WaterComing Soon
🏛52.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤49.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡64.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Dillingham Census Area with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Denver County
Colorado
59.8
Median income: $91,681
Orleans Parish
Louisiana
59.8
Median income: $55,339
Hinds County
Mississippi
59.8
Median income: $49,966
Ontario County
New York
59.8
Median income: $79,814
Clackamas County
Oregon
59.8
Median income: $100,360

Deep Dives

Dillingham Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Dillingham Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Dillingham's rate towers above the nation

At 1.755%, Dillingham's effective property tax rate is more than double the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the 87th percentile nationally. Most homeowners across America pay significantly less on the same home value. Dillingham residents shoulder a heavier tax burden than the vast majority of U.S. counties.

Dillingham ranks second highest in Alaska

Only Fairbanks North Star Borough (1.264%) comes close to Dillingham's 1.755% effective rate among Alaska counties. This rate is more than double Alaska's state average of 0.772%, making Dillingham a clear outlier even within Alaska. The gap reflects Dillingham's uniquely high tax burden statewide.

Dillingham heavily outpaces Southeast Alaska peers

Dillingham's 1.755% rate dwarfs nearby Haines Borough (0.802%) and Hoonah-Angoon Census Area (0.416%). Even when compared to distant Juneau (0.934%), Dillingham taxes are nearly twice as steep. The regional disparity highlights Dillingham's exceptional position in Alaska's tax landscape.

The median Dillingham home costs $2,875 yearly

With a median home value of $163,800 and a 1.755% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays $2,875 annually in property taxes. Add mortgage-related taxes and the figure rises to $3,410 per year. For renters or those without mortgages, the baseline remains $1,638—still above the state average.

Many Dillingham homeowners may be overassessed

Property assessments aren't always accurate, and overassessed homeowners can file formal appeals to lower their tax burden. Given Dillingham's high overall rate, it's worth reviewing your assessment notice to ensure your home's valuation reflects current market conditions. An appeal could reduce your annual liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Dillingham Census Area

via CostByCounty

Dillingham's rent burden beats national norms

At 17.5%, Dillingham's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national sweet spot, meaning renters here dedicate less of their paycheck to housing than typical Americans. With a median household income of $74,250—nearly identical to the nation's $74,755—this area offers genuinely affordable rental housing relative to earnings.

Most affordable rent in Alaska

Dillingham ranks among Alaska's most affordable communities, with a rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% against the state average of 18.6%. The median monthly rent of $1,085 trails Alaska's state average of $1,221, making this census area a relative bargain in an expensive state.

Cheaper than other Alaska hubs

Dillingham's $1,085 monthly rent undercuts Fairbanks ($1,424), Juneau ($1,462), and Kodiak Island ($1,669), though it runs higher than tiny Haines ($914). Among mid-sized Alaskan communities, Dillingham offers one of the lowest housing costs while maintaining respectable median incomes.

Renters spend 17.5%, owners face $666/month

Dillingham renters allocate just 17.5% of their $74,250 annual income to the median $1,085 rent, leaving substantial room for other expenses. Owner-occupants pay a median $666 monthly, significantly lower than the state norm, making homeownership particularly accessible here.

Consider Dillingham for balanced living costs

If you're weighing Alaska relocations, Dillingham delivers affordable housing without sacrificing income—a rare combination statewide. Compare this 17.5% rent burden against pricier neighbors like Kodiak (23.9%) or Fairbanks (20.2%) to see your real savings potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Dillingham Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Nearly on par with the nation

Dillingham's median household income of $74,250 sits just $505 below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the middle of American earning power. This alignment masks Alaska's stronger overall economy—the state average is $79,407, meaning Dillingham trails its peers slightly.

Mid-pack in Alaska's income rankings

Among Alaska's eight major census areas and boroughs, Dillingham ranks fifth in median household income, earning 6.5% less than the state average. Its per capita income of $34,097 also falls below Alaska's $42,832 state average, suggesting a wider income distribution across households.

Outearned by larger regional hubs

Dillingham's $74,250 income trails nearby Fairbanks North Star Borough ($84,722) and Kenai Peninsula Borough ($77,722), reflecting its smaller economic base. However, it outpaces Hoonah-Angoon Census Area ($62,500) and Haines Borough ($72,607), positioning it as a mid-tier earner in Southwest Alaska.

Housing costs are comfortably manageable

At 17.5% of median household income, Dillingham's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the recommended 30% threshold, meaning housing remains affordable for most households. A median home value of $163,800 is also the lowest among Alaska's eight regions, making homeownership achievable compared to state peers.

Invest your housing savings advantage

With housing costs well controlled, Dillingham households have room to redirect earnings toward retirement savings, emergency funds, or investment accounts. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to develop a plan that locks in long-term wealth building while cost-of-living pressures remain moderate.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Dillingham Census Area

via HealthByCounty

Dillingham lags far behind on life expectancy

At 68.2 years, Dillingham's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over 8 years—a significant health disadvantage. The county's poor or fair health rate of 25.6% is notably higher than the national average of 18%, signaling widespread chronic health challenges across the region.

Alaska's lowest life expectancy

Dillingham ranks at the bottom of Alaska counties with a life expectancy 7.4 years below the state average of 75.6 years. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate is among the state's worst, reflecting systemic health disparities in this remote census area.

Neighboring boroughs live healthier, longer

Juneau (79.8 years) and Haines Borough (78.3 years) both outlive Dillingham residents by over a decade, despite Alaska's shared geography and resources. Dillingham's 25.6% poor/fair health rate stands starkly above most neighboring counties, which cluster around 13-15%.

Healthcare access and coverage gaps

Dillingham's 17.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 15.9%, leaving one in six residents without health coverage. The county offers 252 primary care providers per 100K—more than neighboring Fairbanks (86)—but mental health access remains limited at 1042 per 100K.

Explore coverage options now

With 17% of Dillingham residents uninsured, now is the time to check eligibility for marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer coverage. Visiting healthcare.gov or calling 1-800-318-2596 can connect you to affordable options and enrollment assistance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Dillingham Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Dillingham's disaster risk: Below average nationally

Dillingham Census Area scores 35.69 on the composite risk scale, ranking it as Very Low and nearly identical to Alaska's state average of 35.22. This puts the county well below the national average, meaning residents face fewer natural hazards than most U.S. counties.

Middle of the pack in Alaska

Among Alaska's counties, Dillingham ranks in the middle range for overall disaster risk, with a score just above the state average. The county sits between lower-risk Southeast Alaska communities and higher-risk interior regions.

Safer than interior peers, similar to coastal areas

Dillingham's risk profile is comparable to other Southwest Alaska communities and significantly lower than Fairbanks North Star Borough (88.52) and Kenai Peninsula Borough (93.03). Like coastal neighbors Hoonah-Angoon (14.31), Dillingham benefits from its geographic isolation.

Earthquakes and wildfires pose greatest threats

Earthquake risk dominates at 75.00, reflecting Alaska's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire, while wildfire risk reaches 62.15—the county's second major concern during summer months. Flood risk (3.09) and tornado risk (0.64) remain minimal threats.

Earthquake and fire insurance are essential here

Standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover earthquake or wildfire damage—you'll need separate policies for these hazards. Consider earthquake coverage given the 75.00 risk score and wildfire mitigation around your property, especially if you're in a forest-adjacent area.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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