70.2
County Score
Safety 97.5Property Tax 92.8Disaster Risk 85.7

County Report Card

About Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska

Hoonah-Angoon outperforms national median

With a composite score of 70.2, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 75th percentile nationwide. This Southeast Alaska region ranks among the most livable counties measured in this analysis.

Alaska's highest-scoring county

Hoonah-Angoon ranks first among all Alaska counties with a score of 70.2, far above the state average of 51.1. The census area is Alaska's clear livability leader by a significant margin.

Exceptional tax and safety advantages

Hoonah-Angoon boasts the lowest effective tax rate (0.416%) and highest tax score (92.8) of any county here, paired with exceptional safety (97.5). Housing is also relatively affordable for Alaska, with median gross rent of just $986 and a cost score of 63.6.

Health services and income need development

Health infrastructure lags with a score of 45.6, and median household income of $62,500 is below Alaska's county averages. Water quality data is not yet available but should be evaluated before relocating.

Perfect for tax-conscious Alaska seekers

Hoonah-Angoon is ideal for retirees, remote workers, and families who value low taxes, safety, and community over high local incomes and advanced medical facilities. This is Alaska's best county for people seeking affordable, secure living in a tight-knit Southeast community.

2040608010092.863.697.545.652.246.585.752.3Tax92.8Cost63.6Safety97.5Health45.6Schools52.2Income46.5Risk85.7WaterWeather52.370.2/100
This county
National avg
4 above average

Hoonah-Angoon Census Area DNA

Coverall

How Hoonah-Angoon Census Area compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Hoonah-Angoon Census Area excels in 4 of 8 measured dimensions, led by Safety (97.5/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Income (46.5/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
92.8+40.8
Cost
63.6+15.600000000000001
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
45.6
Schools
52.2
Income
46.5
Risk
85.7+38.7
Weather
52.3
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

Whether buying or refinancing in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$278,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$986/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$278,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$39,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $62,500/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Hoonah-Angoon Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Hoonah-Angoon taxes rank among America's lowest

At just 0.416%, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the 12th percentile nationwide. This makes Hoonah-Angoon a true tax haven compared to most U.S. counties. Few Americans enjoy such light property tax burdens.

Hoonah-Angoon records Alaska's lowest property tax rate

At 0.416%, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area claims the lowest effective tax rate in Alaska, less than half the state average of 0.772%. This lean rate reflects the sparsely populated census area's minimal service infrastructure and local revenue needs. Hoonah-Angoon residents enjoy Alaska's lightest property tax load.

Hoonah-Angoon taxes far below all Southeast neighbors

Hoonah-Angoon's 0.416% rate is dramatically lower than Haines (0.802%), Ketchikan (0.683%), and Juneau (0.934%). The 55-percentage-point gap to Juneau alone illustrates how extreme the regional variation can be. Hoonah-Angoon stands as Southeast Alaska's tax relief zone.

The median home costs only $1,159 yearly in taxes

With a median home value of $278,300 and a 0.416% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays just $1,159 annually in property taxes. This remarkably low obligation—less than $100 monthly—is a fraction of what comparable homes cost to tax elsewhere in Alaska. Mortgage and non-mortgage figures were unavailable, but the base rate speaks to extraordinary affordability.

Even low assessments warrant periodic review

While Hoonah-Angoon's minimal tax burden is a major advantage, homeowners should still verify their assessments for accuracy. Market conditions change, and ensuring your valuation reflects current conditions protects your long-term equity. A quick review of your notice could confirm you're being assessed fairly.

Cost of Living in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via CostByCounty

Hoonah-Angoon renters pay near-national norms

At 18.9%, Hoonah-Angoon's rent-to-income ratio is virtually aligned with the national average, though the area's lower median household income of $62,500 makes the absolute housing cost feel heavier. The $986 monthly rent reflects typical Alaska regional pricing despite lower local wages.

Middle ground in Alaska's housing market

Hoonah-Angoon's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Alaska's 18.6% state average, placing it in the mid-tier of statewide affordability. The $986 rent is more affordable than major hubs like Juneau or Kodiak, but pricier than Haines or Dillingham.

Moderate Southeast Alaska pricing

Hoonah-Angoon's $986 rent sits between Haines ($914) and Juneau ($1,462), positioning it as a middle option in Southeast Alaska's housing spectrum. It's substantially cheaper than Kodiak Island ($1,669) but more expensive than smaller Dillingham ($1,085).

Renters spend 18.9%, owners just $458/month

Hoonah-Angoon renters allocate 18.9% of their modest $62,500 income to the $986 median rent, a tighter squeeze than higher-income areas absorb. Owners face an unusually low $458 monthly cost, the least expensive homeownership burden statewide.

Affordable ownership, moderate rents appeal here

Hoonah-Angoon attracts homebuyers seeking ultra-low mortgage burdens ($458/month) despite modest regional incomes, making ownership particularly accessible. Renters should note the 18.9% ratio is manageable but slightly above state average—weigh this against lower absolute housing costs than Juneau or Ketchikan.

Income & Jobs in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Hoonah-Angoon lags U.S. and state norms

Hoonah-Angoon's median household income of $62,500 falls $12,255 short of the U.S. median, placing it in the lower quartile of American earning power. This gap reflects Alaska's smallest regional economies, where seasonal fishing and tourism create inconsistent year-round employment.

Lowest earner among Alaska regions

Hoonah-Angoon ranks last among Alaska's eight major regions in median household income, earning 21.3% less than the state average of $79,407. Its per capita income of $38,180 also trails Alaska's $42,832 average, indicating economic challenges in this Southeast Alaska area.

Significantly behind all regional peers

Hoonah-Angoon's $62,500 income trails every other Alaska region, with Haines Borough ($72,607) earning 16% more and Juneau ($100,513) earning 60% more. This disparity highlights the economic gap between Southeast Alaska's largest hub (Juneau) and its smallest communities.

Housing costs strain lower incomes

Hoonah-Angoon's rent-to-income ratio of 18.9% remains manageable, but median home values of $278,300 demand substantial savings relative to the lower median income. Lower-income households here face tighter budgets than peers in higher-earning regions, requiring careful expense management.

Start small with accessible savings tools

Even modest earnings can grow through consistent saving and low-cost investment options like employer 401(k)s, IRAs, or automatic savings accounts. A financial advisor familiar with seasonal economies can help you build a savings plan that accounts for income fluctuations in fishing and tourism.

Safety in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety in Hoonah-Angoon

This area achieves a perfect safety score of 100.0, with no crimes reported in the latest data cycle. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100,000 residents.

Leading the state in security

With zero reported incidents per 100,000 people, the area ranks well above the Alaska average safety score of 98.6. Residents enjoy a level of security that is rare even within the relatively safe state of Alaska.

A statistical standout among neighbors

The reported 0.0 crime rate is significantly lower than the Alaska state average of 861.7. Because this data comes from a single reporting agency, it represents a snapshot that suggests an incredibly quiet community.

Zero crimes reported in 2022

There were no violent or property crimes reported per 100,000 residents in the latest data. This means the area technically has a crime rate far lower than the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Stay vigilant even in safety

While the data shows no recent crime, maintaining community awareness is always beneficial. Simple home habits like checking locks help preserve the current high standards of public safety.

Schools in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Islands

The Hoonah-Angoon Census Area features six public schools serving a total of 271 students across three different districts. Rather than traditional grade-level splits, all six schools are classified as 'other,' typically serving grades K-12 in a single building. This structure is essential for serving the diverse and isolated communities of the Inside Passage.

High Investment in Small Classes

The region spends a significant $18,754 per pupil, well above the national $13,000 average, to overcome the logistical hurdles of island education. The 75.0% graduation rate sits below the state average, though the composite school score of 71.0 is quite high. This suggests that while graduation is a challenge, the quality of instruction remains strong.

Three Districts for Six Schools

Chatham School District is the largest provider, managing four schools and 147 students across multiple communities. Hoonah City and Pelican City each operate their own independent districts to serve their local populations. No charter schools exist in this area, as resources are focused on maintaining these essential village sites.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

With an average school size of only 45 students, education here is deeply personal and entirely rural. Hoonah City School is the largest in the area with 112 students, while the Pelican School serves just 12. Attending school here means being part of a multi-age environment where every student is known by name.

Relocating to the Inside Passage

Families moving to Hoonah or Angoon will find a unique educational landscape that prioritizes community connection. Buying a home here means joining a small village where the school often serves as the primary social and cultural center. Explore local listings to find your place in these scenic, high-investment school communities.

Disaster Risk in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Hoonah-Angoon ranks as very low-risk nationally

With a composite risk score of 14.31, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area is Very Low and falls well below Alaska's state average of 35.22. This Southeast Alaska region enjoys protections that place it among the nation's safer counties.

Low-risk standing within Alaska's range

Hoonah-Angoon ranks in Alaska's lower-risk tier, though not quite as safe as neighboring Haines (4.29) or Ketchikan Gateway (1.69). The census area sits comfortably below the state average despite Alaska's general hazard exposure.

Safer than interior Alaska, slightly less safe than coastal peers

Hoonah-Angoon (14.31) is dramatically safer than Fairbanks (88.52) and Kenai Peninsula (93.03), though Ketchikan Gateway (1.69) and Haines (4.29) edge it out within Southeast Alaska. The cluster of low-risk Southeast counties contrasts sharply with Alaska's interior.

Earthquake and flooding deserve modest attention

Earthquake risk (73.16) is Hoonah-Angoon's primary concern, while flood risk (22.80) poses a secondary but manageable threat. Wildfire (5.57), tornado (0.41), and hurricane risks remain negligible.

Earthquake coverage recommended; flood awareness helpful

Add earthquake insurance to your homeowners policy given the 73.16 risk score, and understand your property's flood zone status. Standard homeowners insurance covers neither earthquakes nor floods, so separate policies are necessary for complete protection.

Water Quality in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Data Limited

There is currently no reported health violation data or grade for the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area. While the state average violation rate is 1,249.1 per 100,000, local compliance signals remain unavailable. Residents should contact local utilities directly for the latest safety reports.

Watershed Assessments Show No Impairment

The 2022 ATTAINS reporting cycle assessed three local water bodies and found 0.0% impairment. All evaluated sites meet federal Clean Water Act standards, outperforming the statewide average impairment rate of 16.1%. These findings suggest that assessed surface waters remain in healthy condition.

Microbiological Testing Leads Local Efforts

Hoonah-Angoon maintains 19 monitoring sites that have generated 2,391 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses heavily on physical and microbiological indicators, along with minor metals. This active monitoring helps track baseline water quality in a remote region.

Salmon River Flows Above Average

The Salmon River at Gustavus is currently discharging 252 cfs, which is 132% of its typical long-term mean. This healthy flow indicates robust water availability for the 33 square mile drainage basin. Current levels exceed the historical average, supporting both ecological needs and source water recharge.

Stay Vigilant Given Data Gaps

Because compliance grades are currently unavailable, residents should rely on their own water testing or filtration. The Salmon River's elevated flow is generally positive, but it may increase seasonal runoff of organic materials. Monitoring microbiological reports is particularly important given the local focus on those testing groups.

Weather & Climate in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate Rainforest Conditions on the Coast

The Hoonah-Angoon Census Area averages 41.9°F, which is cool compared to the national median but mild for its high latitude. This region is defined by its massive 93.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Among Alaska's Warmest Coastal Regions

With an average temperature of 41.9°F, this area is significantly warmer than the Alaska state average of 35.9°F. The surrounding waters provide a buffer that prevents the extreme temperature swings found inland.

Mirroring the Climate of the State Capital

The area's climate is nearly identical to Juneau, sharing the same 41.9°F average temperature. However, Hoonah-Angoon is slightly wetter, receiving 93.9 inches of precipitation compared to Juneau's 92.5 inches.

Persistent Rain and Mild Winters

Winters are relatively mild for Alaska, averaging 30.9°F, while summers remain cool with a 54.3°F average. The region receives 96 inches of annual snowfall, which often melts quickly due to the coastal influence.

Invest in High-Performance Rain Gear

The primary challenge for residents is managing nearly 94 inches of annual precipitation. High-quality waterproof gear and moisture-mitigation systems for homes are more critical here than extreme cold protection.

Lawn Care in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area

via LawnByCounty

Navigating a High-Moisture Landscape

Hoonah-Angoon scores a 53.8 on the lawn difficulty scale, making it slightly easier to manage than the national median of 50.0. While it sits just below the state average of 57.8, its primary challenge is managing extreme moisture rather than cold.

Managing Nearly 94 Inches of Rain

Annual precipitation of 93.9 inches is nearly triple the national ideal, requiring intensive drainage solutions for healthy turf. With only 489 growing degree days, grass grows slowly between the May 6 spring frost and the October 10 fall frost.

Building a Foundation for Heavy Rain

Local soil data is not currently cataloged, so owners should prioritize testing for acidity and drainage class. In a climate this wet, you likely need to amend your soil with sand or gravel to prevent root rot and moss takeover.

A Landscape Free from Drought

Drought is non-existent here, with zero weeks of drought and 0% of the area classified as abnormally dry. Your water conservation plan should actually focus on diverting excess runoff away from the lawn to prevent saturation.

Choosing the Right Grass for the Rainforest

Stick with moisture-tolerant varieties like Fine Fescue, which can handle the low 489 growing degree days and heavy rains. Plan your seeding for mid-May once the frost clears to give the lawn time to establish before the wet autumn peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hoonah-Angoon Census Area's county score?
Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 70.2 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 Hoonah-Angoon Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Hoonah-Angoon Census Area ranks #1 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 Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area is $1,159, with an effective tax rate of 0.42%. This earns Hoonah-Angoon Census Area a tax score of 92.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area?
The median household income in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska is $62,500 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hoonah-Angoon Census Area earns an income score of 46.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Hoonah-Angoon Census Area scores 70.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #1 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Hoonah-Angoon Census Area 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 Hoonah-Angoon Census Area with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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