Juneau City and Borough

Alaska · AK

#17 in Alaska
67.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Juneau City and Borough, Alaska

Alaska's capital ranks solidly nationwide

Juneau scores 67.7, nearly 35% above the national median of 50.0, positioning it in the upper third of U.S. counties. The city's strength lies in earning potential, with median household income of $100,513—the highest among profiled Alaska counties—and excellent health outcomes. However, housing costs are steep, reflecting demand from government and tourism employment.

Right at Alaska's average

Juneau's score of 67.7 matches Alaska's state average of 67.6, making it a representative mid-range Alaska county. The city ranks fourth among eight profiled counties, balancing strong income and health against higher housing costs. It represents the Alaska mainstream: good employment, good healthcare, but elevated living expenses.

Highest incomes and excellent health

Juneau leads profiled Alaska counties with median household income of $100,513 (income score 49.0) and outstanding health outcomes at 75.1. The tax burden is favorable at 0.934% effective rate, and risk management scores 88.5, indicating strong community resilience. These strengths support a professional class drawn to government, tourism, and fisheries.

Housing costs strain middle-class budgets

Juneau's greatest challenge is housing affordability, with a cost score of only 55.4—driven by median home values of $432,500 and rent averaging $1,462. These costs exceed most other profiled Alaska counties despite strong incomes, squeezing family discretionary spending. Addressing housing supply remains critical to long-term livability.

Best for government and tourism workers

Juneau suits professionals employed by state government, cruise lines, and tourism operators who can command the high incomes the city's economy offers. Strong healthcare and community resilience appeal to families willing to prioritize employment security over housing affordability. It's Alaska's best option for dual-income households seeking professional careers.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76Cost55.4SafetyComing SoonHealth75.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome49Risk88.5WaterComing Soon
🏛76
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠55.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼49
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
75.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
88.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Juneau City and Borough across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Juneau City and Borough

via TaxByCounty

Juneau's tax rate moderately exceeds the nation

At 0.934%, Juneau City and Borough's effective property tax rate runs about 6% above the national median of 0.88%, landing it in the 51st percentile nationally. This rate places Juneau slightly above average compared to most American counties. Residents here pay a bit more than typical, but hardly exceptional by U.S. standards.

Juneau ranks third in Alaska's tax rate standings

Juneau's 0.934% effective rate positions it third statewide, behind only Fairbanks (1.264%) and Dillingham (1.755%), yet above Alaska's 0.772% average. As the state capital, Juneau's higher rate reflects elevated service demands and infrastructure investment. The borough's tax standing reflects its outsized economic and administrative role.

Juneau leads Southeast Alaska in property tax burden

Juneau's 0.934% rate outpaces Haines (0.802%), Ketchikan (0.683%), and dramatically exceeds Hoonah-Angoon (0.416%). Only Kodiak Island (0.917%) comes close regionally. Juneau's capital-city status translates into the highest tax obligations among Southeast Alaska communities.

The median Juneau home costs $4,039 yearly

With a median home value of $432,500—the highest in this group—and a 0.934% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays $4,039 annually in property taxes. Include mortgage-related taxes and the bill rises to $4,135. Even without mortgage considerations, the $3,829 obligation reflects Juneau's elevated tax commitment.

High-value Juneau homes merit assessment review

Given Juneau's steep home values and substantial tax bills, even small assessment errors translate into meaningful annual overpayments. Review your assessment notice carefully and compare your home's valuation against recent comparable sales. A successful appeal could yield hundreds in annual savings.

Cost of Living in Juneau City and Borough

via CostByCounty

Juneau's high income shields housing burden

Despite a median rent of $1,462, Juneau's exceptional household income of $100,513 keeps the rent-to-income ratio to just 17.4%—well below national norms. This Southeast Alaska capital demonstrates how strong wages can offset expensive housing, making the overall affordability picture favorable relative to the nation.

Alaska's highest earners, favorable affordability

Juneau's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alaska's best despite housing costs that appear steep in absolute dollars, thanks to the state's highest median household income at $100,513. This income advantage gives Juneau residents superior purchasing power statewide.

Most expensive Southeast, best-paying too

Juneau's $1,462 rent trails only Kodiak Island ($1,669) statewide, yet Juneau residents earn substantially more than neighbors in Haines, Ketchikan, or Hoonah-Angoon. The combination of high wages and high costs makes Juneau unique among Alaska's Southeast communities.

High earners manage 17.4% rent ratio

Juneau renters spend $1,462 monthly on a $100,513 income, consuming just 17.4% of earnings—the lowest rent burden among Alaska's expensive communities. Homeowners face a steeper path at $1,722 monthly, but the $100,513 median income provides genuine capacity to absorb these costs.

Juneau rewards high earners and career changers

Relocate to Juneau if pursuing better-paying positions; the $100,513 median income is Alaska's highest, making the 17.4% rent burden manageable despite $1,462 monthly rent. Compare this advantage against lower-cost Haines (15.1% ratio, $72,607 income) to weigh career growth against pure affordability.

Income & Jobs in Juneau City and Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Juneau dominates national income rankings

Juneau's median household income of $100,513 exceeds the U.S. median by $25,758, ranking it among America's top-earning regions. This 34.5% advantage reflects Alaska's capital city status and its concentration of government, tourism, and fishing industries.

Alaska's highest-earning region by far

Juneau's $100,513 median income outpaces every other Alaska region, commanding 26.7% more than the state average of $79,407. Its per capita income of $51,146 also leads Alaska at $42,832, demonstrating exceptional earning power across the entire population.

Economic powerhouse in Southeast Alaska

Juneau's $100,513 income dwarfs regional peers: Ketchikan Gateway Borough ($89,155), Kodiak Island Borough ($83,716), and Haines Borough ($72,607) all trail significantly. As Alaska's capital, Juneau's government employment base and tourism economy create a wealth advantage no peer can match.

High incomes offset steep housing costs

Juneau's rent-to-income ratio of 17.4% remains affordable despite median home values reaching $432,500, the highest in Alaska. Strong incomes allow most households to manage these premium prices, though first-time homebuyers and renters on regional median income may feel the squeeze.

Invest aggressively with premium earnings

Juneau's top-tier incomes position households to build wealth faster than nearly anywhere else in America—maximize this advantage through diversified investments and tax-advantaged retirement accounts. Work with a wealth advisor to develop a comprehensive strategy that captures the full potential of your above-average earning power.

Health in Juneau City and Borough

via HealthByCounty

Juneau's longevity is exceptional

At 79.8 years, Juneau's life expectancy ranks among America's highest, surpassing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 3.4 years. The 12.7% poor/fair health rate is among the nation's lowest, indicating strong population health across the board.

Alaska's healthiest major community

Juneau leads Alaska counties with a 79.8-year life expectancy 4.2 years above the state average of 75.6 years. The 12.7% poor/fair health rate is the best in Alaska, demonstrating sustained health advantage in the capital region.

Juneau's health lead is clear

At 79.8 years, Juneau outruns every other Alaska county measured—Haines and Hoonah-Angoon are closest at 78.3 years, a full 1.5-year gap. Juneau's 12.7% poor/fair rate also bests all neighbors, suggesting systemic health strength in the capital.

Low uninsured rate, solid provider access

Juneau's 12.3% uninsured rate is the lowest in Alaska and well below the state average of 15.9%, ensuring broad coverage. Mental health providers (1074 per 100K) are abundant, though primary care access at 128 per 100K is moderate relative to population size.

Maintain Juneau's coverage leadership

With only 12% uninsured, Juneau is a model—but keep your coverage active and updated yearly to stay protected. Check healthcare.gov during annual enrollment to ensure you have the best plan for your family.

Disaster Risk in Juneau City and Borough

via RiskByCounty

Juneau enjoys very low national disaster risk

At 11.51, Juneau's composite risk score is Very Low and substantially below Alaska's state average of 35.22. This Southeast Alaska capital ranks among America's safest cities and boroughs from natural hazards.

Among Alaska's three safest counties

Juneau ranks in Alaska's lowest-risk tier, surpassed only by Ketchikan Gateway (1.69) and nearly matched by Haines (4.29). The borough's Southeast Alaska location provides significant natural protection.

Part of Alaska's safest Southeast cluster

Juneau (11.51) sits within Southeast Alaska's remarkably safe zone, alongside Ketchikan (1.69), Haines (4.29), and Hoonah-Angoon (14.31). All four communities dramatically outperform interior Alaska counties in disaster safety.

Earthquakes and flooding are secondary concerns

Earthquake risk (80.53) leads Juneau's hazard profile, though still relatively low compared to statewide risks, while flood risk (38.00) reflects tidal and precipitation patterns. Wildfire (19.53), tornado (0.57), and hurricane risks remain minimal.

Earthquake coverage is sensible; standard policy suffices otherwise

Add earthquake insurance to your homeowners policy to cover the 80.53 risk factor. Your standard policy should handle most other perils given Juneau's very low overall risk profile.

ByCounty Network

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