countyscore
63
County Score
Disaster Risk 95.7Safety 82Schools 73.3

County Report Card

About Haines Borough, Alaska

Haines exceeds national livability standard

Haines Borough's composite score of 63.0 tops the national median of 50.0, ranking in the 65th percentile nationally. This Southeast Alaska gem outperforms most U.S. counties on overall livability.

Second-best in Alaska

Haines Borough ranks among Alaska's top counties with a score of 63.0, significantly above the state average of 51.1. The borough is one of only a few Alaskan counties approaching strong national livability standards.

Education, risk, and safety excel

Haines stands out with exceptional school performance (73.3) and outstanding natural disaster resilience (95.7), the highest risk score in this dataset. Safety is also strong at 82.0, and the lowest effective tax rate (0.802%) among these counties keeps costs manageable.

Water quality needs attention

Water quality and availability present the main livability concern, with a score of just 10.4. Otherwise, the borough's balanced profile shows few critical gaps across health, income, or other dimensions.

Ideal for families valuing schools and safety

Haines suits families prioritizing excellent schools, safe communities, and tax-friendly governance in an Alaskan setting. This is the place for people seeking quality of life over convenience, drawn to small-town living in Southeast Alaska's natural beauty.

Score breakdown

Tax53.1Cost39.7Safety82Health69.5Schools73.3Income73Risk95.7Water10.4Weather50.8
🏛53.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼73
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡82
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤69.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡95.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧10.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱61.5
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

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Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
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Juneau City and Borough
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Petersburg Borough
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Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
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Deep Dives

Haines Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Haines Borough

via TaxByCounty

Haines taxes slightly exceed the national median

At 0.802%, Haines Borough's effective property tax rate runs about 9% below the national median of 0.88%, placing it near the 45th percentile nationally. Most U.S. homeowners pay slightly more, making Haines roughly middle-of-the-road on the American tax spectrum. This moderate rate is unusual for Alaska, where rates vary wildly.

Haines ranks fourth in Alaska's tax hierarchy

Haines Borough's 0.802% rate sits comfortably above Alaska's state average of 0.772%, yet ranks fourth among taxing boroughs behind Fairbanks (1.264%), Dillingham (1.755%), and Juneau (0.934%). This mid-range position reflects Haines' balance between service delivery and tax restraint. The borough leans toward the lighter end of Alaska's tax spectrum.

Haines taxes moderate relative to Southeast peers

Haines Borough (0.802%) sits between Ketchikan Gateway (0.683%) and Juneau (0.934%), typical for Southeast Alaska's tax profile. Hoonah-Angoon Census Area (0.416%) taxes substantially lower, while Kodiak Island (0.917%) runs slightly higher. Haines holds a middle ground in regional taxation.

The median Haines home costs $2,558 yearly

With a median home value of $318,900 and a 0.802% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays $2,558 annually in property taxes. Mortgage considerations increase the bill to $2,647, while those without mortgages pay $2,481. Haines residents benefit from relatively moderate tax obligations despite high home values.

Haines homeowners should verify assessment accuracy

Even in lower-tax jurisdictions, assessments sometimes overstate property value, leaving money on the table for savvy homeowners. Review your assessment notice and compare your home's valuation to recent sales of comparable properties. If you spot discrepancies, a formal appeal could reduce your annual liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Haines Borough

via CostByCounty

Haines offers one of Alaska's best deals

At 15.1%, Haines' rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, well below the national comfort threshold. With a median household income of $72,607 and rent of just $914 monthly, this Southeast Alaska community delivers genuinely attainable housing.

Haines ranks as Alaska's most affordable

Haines Borough's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among all measured Alaskan counties, significantly beating the state average of 18.6%. At $914 monthly rent—the absolute lowest statewide—Haines stands out as Alaska's affordability champion.

Southeast Alaska's rental bargain

Haines' $914 rent undercuts every comparable Southeast community: Juneau ($1,462), Ketchikan ($1,388), and Hoonah-Angoon ($986) all cost substantially more. Among Alaska's scattered boroughs and census areas, Haines delivers unmatched rental affordability.

Just 15.1% of income goes to rent

Haines renters spend only $914 monthly on a $72,607 annual income, consuming just 15.1% of earnings and leaving ample room for savings or other expenses. Owner-occupants pay similarly modest $906 monthly, making homeownership nearly as affordable as renting.

Haines is Alaska's affordability sweet spot

If you're seeking an Alaskan move with genuinely low housing costs, Haines delivers the state's best rent-to-income ratio at 15.1%. Compare this against Kodiak (23.9%) or Fairbanks (20.2%) to realize the dramatic savings a relocation here could unlock.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Haines Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Haines barely trails the U.S. average

Haines Borough's median household income of $72,607 falls just $2,148 below the national median of $74,755, performing slightly below the U.S. norm. This modest shortfall reflects Alaska's coastal economy, where tourism and fishing compete with higher-wage oil and government jobs.

Below Alaska's income average

Haines ranks sixth among Alaska's eight major regions, earning 8.6% less than the state median of $79,407. Its per capita income of $38,529 trails Alaska's $42,832 average, suggesting that Haines' smaller labor force spread income less evenly than wealthier regions.

Outearns only Hoonah-Angoon locally

Haines' $72,607 income edges out Hoonah-Angoon Census Area ($62,500) but trails Juneau ($100,513), Ketchikan Gateway Borough ($89,155), and Kodiak Island Borough ($83,716). Its position reflects a tourism and fishing-driven economy that lags larger government and commercial hubs.

Most affordable housing in Alaska

Haines boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Alaska at 15.1%, well below the 30% affordability threshold, making housing easily manageable for most households. However, median home values of $318,900 still require substantial savings for homeownership, so renters enjoy a clear affordability edge.

Capitalize on low housing costs

Haines' exceptional housing affordability frees up household cash for savings, retirement accounts, and investments—a rare advantage in Alaska's expensive market. Meet with a financial planner to channel these savings into long-term wealth vehicles before home values or rental costs rise.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Haines Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Haines Borough remains remarkably safe

With a safety score of 99.3, Haines Borough is significantly more secure than the average American county. Its total crime rate of 432.9 per 100,000 residents is less than one-fifth of the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding the Alaska safety average

The borough's safety score of 99.3 sits comfortably above the Alaska state average of 98.6. This low-crime profile makes it one of the more peaceful jurisdictions in the state.

A low-crime leader in the region

Haines reports a total crime rate of 432.9, which is much lower than the state average of 861.7 per 100,000 residents. While reporting from a single agency requires caution, the numbers suggest a very secure local environment.

Property crime drives local figures

Violent crime is extremely low here at just 48.1 per 100,000 residents, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for the vast majority of local incidents, though it still remains a fraction of the U.S. average.

Maintain safety with simple steps

Since property crime is the primary concern, residents should focus on basic home security measures. Simple actions like locking doors and installing motion-sensor lighting can deter opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Haines Borough

via HealthByCounty

Haines residents live longer than average

At 78.3 years, Haines exceeds the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years by nearly 2 years, marking genuine health advantage. The 14.1% poor/fair health rate sits comfortably below the national average of 18%.

Top-tier Alaska health outcomes

Haines' 78.3-year life expectancy ranks among Alaska's best, surpassing the state average of 75.6 years by 2.7 years. The 14.1% poor/fair health rate is well below state levels, reflecting strong community health.

Matches top Alaska health performers

Haines' 78.3-year life expectancy ties Hoonah-Angoon and approaches Juneau's 79.8, placing it in Alaska's elite health tier. The 14.1% poor/fair health rate clusters with Ketchikan (14.7%) and Fairbanks (13.8%), all performing above state average.

Strong coverage and excellent provider access

Haines' 11.2% uninsured rate nearly matches the state average of 15.9%, ensuring most residents have health protection. Primary care access of 290 per 100K is among Alaska's strongest, supported by 531 mental health providers per 100K.

Maintain your coverage advantage

Haines is doing well on coverage, with only 11% uninsured, but verify your plan annually to lock in the best rates. Check healthcare.gov each year to see if you qualify for subsidies or better plan options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Haines Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Success in Haines

Haines Borough operates a streamlined educational system consisting of just three public schools serving 262 students. The infrastructure is centralized within a single district, providing one elementary school, one high school, and one correspondence program. This small scale allows for a highly personalized approach to public education.

Top-Tier Graduation Performance

Haines Borough boasts an impressive 90.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the national average of 87% and the Alaska average of 79%. The borough achieves these results with a per-pupil expenditure of $12,549, which is slightly below the state average. A school score of 65.5 further highlights the area's strong academic standing.

Unified Community Schooling

The Haines Borough School District manages all education in the area, ensuring consistent standards across its 262-student population. There are no charter schools in the borough, with the community focusing its resources on the traditional public school model. The district's small size fosters a tight-knit relationship between teachers and families.

Quiet Rural Learning Environments

All schools in Haines are classified as rural, reflecting the borough's scenic and isolated coastal geography. The average school size is only 87 students, with Haines Elementary serving as the largest hub with 166 students. Students here enjoy an intimate atmosphere where the high school features just 83 total learners.

Building a Life in Haines

For families looking for a high-performing rural district, Haines offers some of the best graduation metrics in the state. Homes near the central school campus are highly valued for their walkability and community access. Consider this borough if you want a small-town feel backed by strong academic outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Haines Borough

via RiskByCounty

Haines enjoys among the nation's lowest disaster risk

At 4.29, Haines Borough's composite risk score is Very Low and sits well below Alaska's state average of 35.22, placing it among America's safest counties from natural disasters. This Southeast Alaska location benefits from geographic and climatic protections.

Alaska's safest county by a wide margin

Haines Borough ranks as Alaska's lowest-risk county overall, with a score less than one-eighth of the state average. Only neighboring Southeast Alaska counties come close to matching its safety profile.

Safest in Southeast Alaska's low-risk cluster

Haines (4.29) is even safer than nearby Ketchikan Gateway (1.69)—wait, that's lower. Haines trails only Ketchikan in the region, and both vastly outpace interior and southcentral counties. The Southeast Alaska position provides natural protection from most major hazards.

Earthquakes pose minimal risk; wildfire is negligible

Earthquake risk (64.54) is Haines' only notable concern, though still relatively low compared to other Alaska counties. Wildfire (4.99), flood (0.83), and tornado risks (0.22) are all negligible threats.

Focus on earthquake preparedness over disaster insurance

Your standard homeowners policy may be sufficient here given the low overall risk, but earthquake coverage is still wise for the 64.54 risk factor. Secure heavy furniture to walls and keep emergency supplies on hand as basic precautions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Haines Borough

via WeatherByCounty

A Maritime Climate with Substantial Snowfall

Haines Borough averages 39.9°F annually, staying well below the national median temperature of roughly 54°F. Its coastal location creates a unique maritime subarctic climate characterized by high moisture and cool summers.

Warmer than the Average Alaskan Interior

At 39.9°F, Haines is warmer than the statewide average of 35.9°F. Its position in the Southeast panhandle keeps it significantly milder than the frozen interior boroughs.

A Regional Leader in Heavy Snowfall

While nearby Juneau averages 81.9 inches of snow, Haines receives a massive 204.5 inches annually. Both regions share similar average temperatures, but the local geography of Haines drives much higher winter accumulation.

Moderate Summers and Massive Snow Accumulation

Summers are cool with a July average of 58.4°F, ensuring there are no extreme heat days over 90°F. Winter is defined by heavy precipitation, with 52.9 inches of total annual moisture falling mostly as snow.

Snow Removal is a Way of Life

Residents require heavy-duty snow removal equipment and structural designs capable of handling high snow loads. Waterproof outer layers are necessary for the 52.9 inches of annual precipitation that defines the region.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Haines Borough

via LawnByCounty

Easy Growing in the Haines Panhandle

Haines Borough boasts a lawn difficulty score of 61.5, making it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than in the average American county. This score also beats the Alaska state average of 57.8, thanks to a relatively mild coastal climate.

Ideal Rainfall for Coastal Turf

The borough receives 52.9 inches of annual precipitation, which is perfectly positioned near the ideal range of 30-50 inches. Your growing season is generous for Alaska, starting with the last frost on April 30 and extending through October 7.

Coastal Soil Preparation Needs

Specific soil texture data is unavailable, so localized testing is essential to check for the ideal pH range of 6.0-7.0. Given the 52.9 inches of rain, ensuring your lawn has a well-draining foundation is the most critical prep step.

Zero Drought Weeks This Year

Haines remains exceptionally resilient to drought, with zero weeks in drought conditions over the last year. With no abnormally dry areas currently reported, you can rely mostly on natural rainfall to keep your grass green.

Maximizing the Haines Growing Season

Take advantage of the April 30 frost date by seeding early with cool-season perennials like Perennial Ryegrass. The 761 growing degree days provide ample energy for a lush lawn before the first frost in early October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haines Borough's county score?
Haines Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 63 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 Haines Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Haines Borough ranks #3 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 Haines Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Haines Borough is $2,558, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Haines Borough a tax score of 53.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haines Borough?
The median household income in Haines Borough, Alaska is $72,607 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haines Borough earns an income score of 73/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haines Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Haines Borough scores 63/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #3 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Haines 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 Haines 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.