CountyScore

Haines Borough

Alaska · AK

#5 in Alaska
74.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Haines Borough, Alaska

Haines ranks among America's livable counties

Haines Borough's composite score of 74.9 ranks it in the top 25% of U.S. counties, nearly 50% higher than the national median of 50.0. This strong performance reflects outstanding tax efficiency and housing affordability paired with solid health outcomes. The borough demonstrates that remote Alaskan communities can deliver genuine livability at a national scale.

Alaska's third-best livability profile

Haines ranks third among the eight profiled Alaska counties with a score of 74.9, exceeding the state average of 67.6 by over 7 points. The borough's tax and cost scores are among the state's best, offset by modest income levels typical of Southeast Alaska's economy. It represents one of Alaska's most balanced livability propositions.

Exceptional tax and housing value

Haines excels with the state's lowest effective tax rate at 0.802% (tax score 79.7) and outstanding housing affordability at $914 monthly rent—the lowest among profiled counties. Health outcomes score 73.7, and risk management at 95.7 suggests excellent disaster preparedness and resilience planning. These strengths create genuine financial breathing room for residents.

Limited income and career growth

Haines' income score of 30.8 reflects median household income of just $72,607, the lowest among profiled Alaska counties and well below state peers. Limited employment diversity and seasonal tourism dependence constrain wage growth and career advancement. This income gap is the principal trade-off in Haines' otherwise attractive livability profile.

Perfect for self-sufficient, low-income seekers

Haines suits retirees, remote workers, and artists who can sustain modest incomes while enjoying Southeast Alaska's natural beauty and exceptional affordability. The borough's combination of minimal taxes, low rent, and strong community resilience rewards self-reliance and financial discipline. It's an excellent value destination for those not dependent on local employment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.7Cost78.1SafetyComing SoonHealth73.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome30.8Risk95.7WaterComing Soon
🏛79.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤73.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡95.7
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 Haines Borough with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Costilla County
Colorado
74.9
Median income: $36,519
Brown County
Indiana
74.9
Median income: $72,644
Allen Parish
Louisiana
74.9
Median income: $51,138
Pickett County
Tennessee
74.9
Median income: $44,591
Beaver County
Utah
74.9
Median income: $85,603

Deep Dives

Haines Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.