CountyScore

Fairbanks North Star Borough

Alaska · AK

#27 in Alaska
58.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska

Alaska's largest interior city exceeds baseline

Fairbanks North Star Borough scores 58.9, nearly 18% above the national median of 50.0, ranking solidly in the upper third of U.S. counties. The borough's real strength is health outcomes, with a health score of 73.5 reflecting quality medical services for a remote region. However, this advantage is tempered by higher housing costs and weaker risk management, making it a mixed but livable proposition nationally.

Mid-tier performance in Alaska

Fairbanks North Star Borough scores 58.9, slightly below Alaska's state average of 67.6, placing it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. The borough's tax burden is favorable at 1.264% and median income reaches $84,722, yet housing costs of $282,500 (median) and $1,424 rent push affordability downward. It's a mixed bag—good earnings and health, but higher cost of living.

Strong healthcare and reasonable taxes

Fairbanks stands out with a health score of 73.5, among the highest in Alaska, reflecting substantial medical infrastructure serving the interior region. The tax score of 66.7 shows a favorable burden at just 1.264% effective rate, and median household income of $84,722 supports a solid middle-class lifestyle. These strengths appeal to professionals and families valuing healthcare access and fiscal efficiency.

Extreme weather risk looms large

Fairbanks' risk score of just 11.5 is the lowest among profiled Alaska counties, reflecting extreme winter conditions and vulnerability to climate impacts. Housing unaffordability—median values of $282,500 and $1,424 rent—further strains family budgets despite reasonable incomes. Income growth remains moderate at 38.7, suggesting limited upward mobility in the local economy.

For healthcare workers and remote professionals

Fairbanks suits professionals in healthcare, education, and remote-capable fields who value good medical services and low taxes over housing affordability. The borough's extreme weather and high housing costs require financial cushion and genuine comfort with interior Alaska's harsh winters. It's ideal for those relocating for employment with employer-provided housing or strong savings.

Score breakdown

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

Tax66.7Cost59SafetyComing SoonHealth73.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.7Risk11.5WaterComing Soon
🏛66.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.5
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 Fairbanks North Star Borough with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Howard County
Maryland
58.9
Median income: $146,982
Washtenaw County
Michigan
58.9
Median income: $87,156
Cape May County
New Jersey
58.9
Median income: $88,046
Navarro County
Texas
58.9
Median income: $59,310
Chittenden County
Vermont
58.9
Median income: $94,310

Deep Dives

Fairbanks North Star Borough across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via TaxByCounty

Fairbanks taxes rank well above national median

At 1.264%, Fairbanks North Star Borough's effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.88% by roughly 44%, placing it in the 73rd percentile. While lower than some Western states, this rate reflects Fairbanks' commitment to funding local services. Homeowners here pay considerably more than the typical American property owner.

Fairbanks ranks highest among Alaska boroughs

Fairbanks North Star Borough holds the top spot in Alaska with a 1.264% effective tax rate, narrowly edging Dillingham Census Area (1.755%). This rate is 64% higher than Alaska's state average of 0.772%, reflecting the borough's robust local investment. Fairbanks stands apart as Alaska's heaviest-taxed major municipality.

Fairbanks significantly outpaces interior and coastal rivals

Fairbanks' 1.264% rate substantially exceeds Haines Borough (0.802%), Hoonah-Angoon Census Area (0.416%), and Juneau (0.934%). Even property-rich Kodiak Island Borough (0.917%) pays less per dollar of home value. Fairbanks' tax burden is distinctly heavier than comparable Alaskan communities.

The median Fairbanks home costs $3,570 yearly

With a median home value of $282,500 and a 1.264% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays $3,570 annually in property taxes. Factoring in mortgage-related taxes pushes the annual bill to $3,829. Those without mortgages still owe $2,922, underscoring Fairbanks' substantial tax commitment.

Appeals could help Fairbanks homeowners reduce burden

Many property owners don't realize their homes may be overassessed, especially in a market as dynamic as Fairbanks. Filing a formal appeal with the borough assessor can result in a lower valuation and reduced annual tax liability. It's worth checking your assessment notice to see if a challenge makes sense for your situation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via CostByCounty

Fairbanks renters shoulder above-average burden

At 20.2%, Fairbanks' rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national comfort zone, meaning renters here dedicate a larger chunk of their $84,722 median income to housing than most Americans. The median monthly rent of $1,424 is substantially higher than the national norm, reflecting Alaska's remote-region pricing.

Fairbanks ranks among pricier Alaska counties

With a 20.2% rent-to-income ratio, Fairbanks North Star Borough sits above Alaska's 18.6% state average, making it one of the state's pricier housing markets. Only Kodiak Island's exceptional 23.9% ratio exceeds it, underscoring Fairbanks' position as a high-cost interior hub.

Interior Alaska's most expensive option

Fairbanks' $1,424 rent rivals or exceeds most other Alaskan counties, beaten only by Kodiak Island at $1,669 and Juneau at $1,462. Compared to neighboring Dillingham ($1,085) or Haines ($914), Fairbanks renters pay significantly more for comparable regional living.

Renters spend 20.2%, owners pay steep $1,530

Fairbanks renters dedicate a fifth of their $84,722 income to the median $1,424 rent, while homeowners face an even steeper burden at $1,530 monthly. This creates a purchasing paradox: despite higher incomes than the national average, Fairbanks residents pay more for both renting and owning.

Fairbanks offers income but demands housing cost

Relocate to Fairbanks if higher salaries justify elevated housing costs; the $84,722 median income is among Alaska's strongest, but plan for a 20.2% rent burden. Compare against Dillingham (17.5% burden, lower income) to determine whether Fairbanks' wage premium offsets its housing premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Fairbanks outearns the American average

Fairbanks North Star Borough's median household income of $84,722 exceeds the U.S. median by $9,967, placing it in the top tier of American earning power. This $9,967 advantage reflects the region's robust oil and gas industry, which drives Alaska's higher-than-average incomes statewide.

Second-highest earner in Alaska

Only Juneau ($100,513) surpasses Fairbanks in median household income among Alaska's eight regions, with Fairbanks commanding $84,722. Its per capita income of $44,666 leads Alaska's statewide average of $42,832, signaling strong earning potential across the full population.

Dominant income leader in the interior

Fairbanks' $84,722 median income significantly exceeds every other region in interior and Southwest Alaska, outpacing Ketchikan Gateway Borough ($89,155)—wait, Ketchikan is slightly higher—by $6,433 over Kodiak Island Borough ($83,716). Its earning power reflects a larger, more diversified economy than regional peers.

Rising housing costs pinch affordability

Fairbanks' rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% sits above the state average trend but remains manageable, though median home values of $282,500 demand serious household budgeting. High incomes help offset these costs, but renters and first-time homebuyers should plan carefully to stay within the 30% affordability threshold.

Build wealth beyond the boom cycles

Fairbanks' oil-linked economy means income stability can fluctuate; use your above-average earnings to establish diversified investments and emergency reserves now. A financial advisor can help you create a plan that weatherproofs your wealth against seasonal and commodity-driven income swings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via HealthByCounty

Fairbanks beats national health averages

At 77.7 years, Fairbanks' life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years, placing this major Alaska hub in healthier territory than most American counties. The 13.8% poor/fair health rate also bests the national average of 18%, indicating stronger overall population health.

Above Alaska average on longevity

Fairbanks' life expectancy of 77.7 years tops Alaska's 75.6-year state average by over 2 years, putting it among the state's healthier communities. At 13.8% poor/fair health, the borough sits well below the state's health burden.

Competitive health outcomes regionally

Fairbanks' 77.7-year life expectancy matches or slightly exceeds nearby Kenai Peninsula (77.9) and Ketchikan (77.6), though it trails Juneau (79.8). The 13.8% poor/fair health rate aligns closely with Haines (14.1%) and Ketchikan (14.7%).

Low uninsured rate, moderate provider access

Fairbanks' 11.1% uninsured rate is well below Alaska's average of 15.9%, covering most residents through insurance. However, primary care access is modest at 86 per 100K, though mental health providers at 851 per 100K support residents with behavioral health needs.

Keep coverage current and strong

With 11% of residents uninsured, Fairbanks is doing better than most, but make sure your coverage stays active. Review your plan annually at healthcare.gov to maintain continuity and explore better options if your needs change.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via RiskByCounty

Fairbanks faces above-average U.S. disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 88.52, Fairbanks North Star Borough ranks as Relatively Moderate—significantly higher than Alaska's state average of 35.22. This interior borough is among the riskier counties in the nation, driven primarily by wildfire and earthquake hazards.

Alaska's second-riskiest county overall

Fairbanks North Star Borough ranks as one of Alaska's highest-risk regions, with only Kenai Peninsula Borough (93.03) exceeding its composite score. The borough's location in Alaska's interior boreal forest makes it particularly vulnerable to multiple hazard types.

Far riskier than Southeast Alaska counterparts

Fairbanks' 88.52 score dwarfs Southeast Alaska counties like Juneau (11.51) and Ketchikan Gateway (1.69), but runs closer to Kenai Peninsula Borough (93.03), another high-risk interior region. The difference reflects interior Alaska's wildfire exposure and seismic activity.

Extreme wildfire and earthquake threats define the borough

Wildfire risk reaches an alarming 97.61, nearly maximal, while earthquake risk hits 97.58—together these hazards account for most of Fairbanks' elevated risk profile. Flood risk (45.67) poses a secondary but still significant concern during spring snowmelt and heavy rains.

Wildfire and earthquake coverage are non-negotiable

Add earthquake and wildfire insurance to your homeowners policy immediately—standard coverage excludes both. Create a defensible space of 30+ feet around your home, clear gutters regularly, and ensure your roof uses fire-resistant materials.

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.