countyscore

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — County Report Card

AK

#28 in Alaska

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
34.5
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.3Health 68.6Lawn Care 51.7

County Report Card

About Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska

Fairbanks lags the national standard

Fairbanks North Star Borough scores 34.5, well below the national median of 50.0 and ranking in the 25th percentile nationwide. Despite strong household income, significant livability challenges prevent this county from reaching competitive national standing.

Lowest-ranked Alaska county

With a score of 34.5, Fairbanks North Star Borough ranks last among Alaska's counties, significantly underperforming the state average of 51.1. The borough faces substantial structural challenges affecting overall livability.

High incomes and good health

Fairbanks residents earn a median household income of $84,722 with the borough scoring 88.3 on income, among Alaska's best. Health services also perform well (68.6), providing solid medical infrastructure for residents.

Safety, cost, and risk are critical concerns

Safety ranks dangerously low at 25.1, indicating elevated crime and personal security challenges throughout the borough. Housing is extremely expensive (median home value $282,500 with rent at $1,424/month) paired with dangerous climate risk (11.5), making this one of Alaska's most challenging places to live affordably.

For high-earning professionals accepting trade-offs

Fairbanks works best for established professionals and government workers with high incomes willing to accept safety concerns and extreme housing costs. This is a place for people prioritizing career advancement in Alaska's interior over neighborhood tranquility and affordability.

Score breakdown

Tax22.5Cost8.1Safety25.1Health68.6Schools42.5Income88.3Risk11.5Water47.8Weather49.4
🏛22.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠8.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼88.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡11.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.7
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 →
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Nearby counties

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
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47.9
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
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Denali Borough
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Copper River Census Area
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Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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Anchorage Municipality
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Chugach Census Area
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Kenai Peninsula Borough
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Deep Dives

Fairbanks North Star Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Fairbanks Outperforms National Safety Benchmarks

Fairbanks North Star Borough reports a total crime rate of 1,854.6 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a respectable safety score of 97.1.

A Major Hub with Moderate Activity

The borough's crime rate of 1,854.6 is higher than the Alaska state average of 861.7. Its safety score of 97.1 sits just below the statewide average of 98.6.

Safer than the Anchorage Hub

Fairbanks is significantly safer than Anchorage, which reports a crime rate of 3,896.8. However, it sees more activity than smaller areas like the Chugach Census Area.

Theft and Property Issues Prevail

Property crime drives local statistics at 1,559.7 per 100,000, while violent crime is much lower at 294.9. Theft and burglary are the most common safety concerns for residents.

Prioritize Theft Prevention

Focus on securing outbuildings and garages where expensive gear is often kept. Installing motion-activated lights and visible security cameras can effectively deter property thieves.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Education at Scale in the Interior

Fairbanks North Star Borough maintains a robust system of 35 public schools serving over 22,000 students. The landscape features 20 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 7 high schools, primarily managed by a single borough-wide district. This infrastructure supports a diverse student body across urban and suburban settings.

Efficiency Amidst Academic Challenges

The borough spends $9,557 per student, which is notably lower than the state average of $13,745 and the national $13,000 benchmark. The graduation rate of 71.1% and a school score of 49.1 suggest the district faces challenges in meeting state and national performance targets. Local educators continue to work toward closing these achievement gaps.

A Hub for School Choice

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is the primary provider, educating 12,703 students across 33 schools. The borough stands out for its school choice, offering five charter schools that represent over 14% of the local options. Massive correspondence programs like IDEA also serve thousands of students from this regional hub.

A Mix of City and Suburb

Schools here are split evenly between city and suburban locales, providing a more traditional 'lower 48' feel than much of Alaska. While the average school size is 639 students, traditional campuses like West Valley High School host 906 students. This diversity of settings allows families to choose between bustling urban centers and quieter rural outskirts.

Settling in the North Star Borough

Homebuyers in Fairbanks often seek properties near the highly-rated elementary schools or within the boundaries of the major high schools. With a wide array of charter and traditional options, the borough offers flexibility for every type of learner. Use school performance data to guide your home search in this vibrant interior community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via WeatherByCounty

A Subarctic Climate Far Below National Norms

Fairbanks North Star Borough records an average annual temperature of just 28.5°F, nearly 25 degrees colder than the national median. This subarctic environment experiences significantly lower temperatures than most of the United States.

Colder than the Alaska State Average

With an annual average of 28.5°F, this borough is notably cooler than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. It represents the colder interior of the state, away from the moderating influences of the coast.

Interior Cold vs Coastal Moderation

The borough is much drier and colder than maritime neighbors like Juneau, which enjoys a warmer 41.9°F average. While Fairbanks sees only 14.3 inches of precipitation, coastal counterparts often receive three to four times that amount.

Deep Winter Freezes and Dry Snow

Winter temperatures average a frigid -0.6°F, with January lows often plunging to -4.6°F. Despite the extreme cold, the borough sees a moderate 60.1 inches of annual snowfall and zero days of extreme heat above 90°F.

Prepare for the Great Interior Cold

Residents must install engine block heaters for vehicles and prioritize high-efficiency heating systems for the long winter. Specialized cold-weather gear is essential for the months-long stretch where temperatures remain well below freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Fairbanks North Star Borough

via LawnByCounty

Fairbanks Lawns Face Moderate Challenges

Fairbanks North Star Borough earns a lawn difficulty score of 51.7, placing it just slightly above the national average of 50.0 for ease of care. This score is slightly more challenging than the Alaska state average of 57.8, largely due to the interior's extreme temperature swings.

Growing Against a Dry Interior Climate

With only 14.3 inches of annual precipitation, Fairbanks falls well below the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. You must manage a tight growing window with 873 growing degree days between the last spring frost on May 18 and the first fall frost on September 6.

Preparing Northern Interior Soils

Detailed soil data for this borough is limited, requiring gardeners to perform local tests for pH and texture. Most interior lawns benefit from adding organic matter to help the soil retain the scarce 14.3 inches of annual rainfall.

Monitoring the Four-Week Drought Cycle

The borough experienced 4 weeks of drought over the past year, making supplemental irrigation essential given the low annual rainfall. Currently, 0% of the area is in drought, providing a stable starting point for the new growing season.

Seeding for the Interior Summer

Kentucky Bluegrass and Creeping Red Fescue are the best choices for the short, intense Fairbanks growing season. Aim to seed immediately after the May 18 frost to maximize the 873 growing degree days before the September cold returns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fairbanks North Star Borough's county score?
Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 34.5 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 Fairbanks North Star Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Fairbanks North Star Borough ranks #28 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 are property taxes like in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Fairbanks North Star Borough is $3,570, with an effective tax rate of 1.26%. This earns Fairbanks North Star Borough a tax score of 22.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fairbanks North Star Borough?
The median household income in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska is $84,722 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fairbanks North Star Borough earns an income score of 88.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Fairbanks North Star Borough scores 34.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #28 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Fairbanks North Star 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 Fairbanks North Star Borough with other counties side by side.

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