countyscore
48.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 98.3Income & Jobs 91.9Property Tax 64.3

County Report Card

About Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska

Ketchikan near national livability median

Ketchikan Gateway Borough scores 48.8, just below the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 48th percentile nationally. This Southeast Alaska borough offers livability comparable to average American counties.

Slightly below Alaska average

Ketchikan scores 48.8 compared to the state average of 51.1, ranking it in Alaska's lower-middle tier. The borough underperforms most of its Alaskan counterparts despite strong individual metrics.

Income and risk resilience excel

Ketchikan boasts the second-highest median household income at $89,155 with an exceptional income score of 91.7, paired with the highest risk score (98.3) in this analysis, indicating superior disaster preparedness. Tax burden is also favorable at 0.683 effective rate.

Housing and water quality problematic

Housing is expensive with a median home value of $379,000 and rent at $1,388/month, yielding the second-lowest cost score (8.9). Water quality is also concerning at just 5.1, a near-lowest score, suggesting potential infrastructure or contamination issues.

For high earners prioritizing disaster safety

Ketchikan suits affluent professionals and families with six-figure household incomes seeking excellent disaster preparedness in a Southeast Alaska setting. This is the place for people willing to pay premium housing costs for exceptional natural hazard resilience and strong earning potential.

2040608010064.38.348.458.456.391.998.35.159.3Tax64.3Cost8.3Safety48.4Health58.4Schools56.3Income91.9Risk98.3Water5.1Weather59.348.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Ketchikan Gateway Borough DNA

Foverall

How Ketchikan Gateway Borough compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Ketchikan Gateway Borough is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (98.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (5.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.3+12.299999999999997
Cost
8.3-39.7
Safety
48.4
Health
58.4+8.399999999999999
Schools
56.3
Income
91.9+40.900000000000006
Risk
98.3+51.3
Water
5.1-52.9
Weather
59.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

Whether buying or refinancing in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$393,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,505/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$393,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$60,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $92,885/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

21.6

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Ketchikan Gateway Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

via TaxByCounty

Ketchikan taxes run modestly below national median

At 0.683%, Ketchikan Gateway Borough's effective property tax rate sits about 22% below the national median of 0.88%, placing it in the 30th percentile nationally. This rate makes Ketchikan a relatively low-tax zone by American standards. Residents enjoy tax advantages compared to the typical U.S. homeowner.

Ketchikan ranks seventh in Alaska's tax hierarchy

Ketchikan Gateway's 0.683% effective rate sits below Alaska's state average of 0.772%, positioning it among the state's lighter-taxing boroughs. Only Hoonah-Angoon (0.416%) taxes significantly lower in Southeast Alaska. Ketchikan offers residents moderate tax relief relative to most Alaska communities.

Ketchikan maintains lighter burden than most Southeast peers

Ketchikan's 0.683% rate undercuts Juneau (0.934%), Kodiak Island (0.917%), and Haines (0.802%), positioning it as Southeast's second-lightest-taxing jurisdiction behind Hoonah-Angoon. This favorable standing reflects Ketchikan's careful balance of service delivery and fiscal restraint. The borough taxes more lightly than most regional neighbors.

The median Ketchikan home costs $2,588 yearly

With a median home value of $379,000 and a 0.683% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays $2,588 annually in property taxes. Mortgage considerations increase the obligation to $2,678, while those without mortgages owe $2,389. Despite higher home values, Ketchikan residents benefit from a moderate tax rate.

Ketchikan homeowners should verify assessment fairness

Even in lower-tax jurisdictions, assessment errors can silently drain household resources—particularly on higher-value homes like those common in Ketchikan. Request your assessment details and compare your valuation against recent comparable sales in your area. If your home appears overvalued, filing an appeal could reduce your burden.

Income & Jobs in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Ketchikan solidly above U.S. average

Ketchikan Gateway Borough's median household income of $89,155 surpasses the U.S. median by $14,400, placing it in the top quartile of American earning power. This 19.3% advantage reflects Southeast Alaska's robust cruise tourism and fishing industries, which support higher-than-average wages.

Third-highest earner in Alaska

Ketchikan ranks third among Alaska's eight regions, earning 12.2% above the state average of $79,407 with a median household income of $89,155. Its per capita income of $46,608 also exceeds Alaska's $42,832 average, indicating strong earning potential throughout the community.

Alaska's tourism income champion

Ketchikan's $89,155 income trails only Juneau ($100,513) and Fairbanks ($84,722) among Alaska regions, reflecting its premier cruise ship destination status. It outearns Kodiak Island Borough ($83,716), Kenai Peninsula ($77,722), and all other peers, positioning it as Southeast Alaska's second-strongest economy.

Strong income balances steep housing

Ketchikan's rent-to-income ratio of 18.7% remains affordable, though median home values of $379,000 demand significant household resources. High incomes help offset premium property costs, making homeownership achievable for most households despite Alaska's generally expensive real estate.

Leverage tourism income for growth

Ketchikan's tourism-driven economy can mean seasonal income fluctuations, so use your strong average earnings to build an emergency fund and diversified investments now. A financial advisor can help you weather income variability while maximizing long-term wealth growth through strategic saving and investing.

Safety in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Ketchikan maintains a strong safety score

Despite having a total crime rate of 1157.4 per 100,000, Ketchikan earns a high safety score of 98.2. This total rate is still less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Slightly below the Alaska average

Ketchikan's safety score of 98.2 is slightly lower than the state average of 98.6. While safer than the average U.S. county, it faces more challenges than some other Alaska boroughs.

Higher rates than regional neighbors

The borough's crime rate of 1157.4 is higher than the Alaska state average of 861.7. Because this data relies on a single agency, it reflects concentrated local reporting trends.

Theft and property crime dominate

Property crime accounts for 963.3 of the total rate, making up the bulk of local incidents. Violent crime remains relatively low at 194.1, well below the national mark of 369.8.

Prioritize property protection

With property crime being the most frequent issue, securing your home and outbuildings is a smart move. Motion lights and locked entry points are effective deterrents against theft.

Weather & Climate in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

via WeatherByCounty

One of America’s Wettest Regions

Ketchikan averages 46.6°F annually, which is mild for Alaska but defined by a massive 153.4 inches of precipitation. This is nearly triple the state average and far beyond the national median.

The Warm, Wet Edge of Alaska

Ketchikan is over 10 degrees warmer than the state average of 35.9°F. Its maritime climate ensures that even in January, temperatures average a relatively warm 35.7°F.

Wetter than its Coastal Peers

While Juneau is considered wet at 92.5 inches of rain, Ketchikan receives 153.4 inches, making it significantly Rainier. It remains the warmest major region in the state with an average of 46.6°F.

A Season of Endless Rain

The borough sees no extreme heat days, with summer averages hovering around 58.5°F. Winter is mild for the latitude, averaging 36.3°F, though snowfall data for the borough is not currently available.

Waterproofing is the Top Priority

In a region with 153.4 inches of rain, industrial-grade waterproof gear is a daily necessity. Home maintenance must prioritize drainage and mold prevention due to the persistent high humidity.

Lawn Care in Ketchikan Gateway Borough

via LawnByCounty

Lawn Care in a Coastal Rainforest

Ketchikan Gateway Borough scores a 53.7 for lawn difficulty, reflecting conditions that are slightly easier than the national average. Despite the massive rainfall, the relatively mild temperatures make it comparable to many other Alaskan coastal areas.

Extreme Rain and a Long Season

Ketchikan receives a staggering 153.4 inches of rain annually, nearly triple the state average of 53.5 inches. This moisture supports a long growing season that begins on April 22 and doesn't see a frost until November 9.

The Challenge of Saturated Soils

Specific soil data is missing, but with 153 inches of rain, the primary soil challenge is preventing compaction and washout. Extensive aeration and sandy soil amendments are typically required to keep grass roots from drowning in these rainforest conditions.

No Drought Risk for the Gateway

Ketchikan has recorded zero weeks of drought over the past year and currently has 0% of its area in dry conditions. Your main task is water management and drainage rather than conservation, as the region stays perpetually hydrated.

A Long Window for Growth

With 1,043 growing degree days, Ketchikan has more growth potential than most of Alaska. Use the long frost-free window from April to November to establish a hardy, water-tolerant turf mix like Creeping Red Fescue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ketchikan Gateway Borough's county score?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 48.6 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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough ranks #19 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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Ketchikan Gateway Borough is $2,619, with an effective tax rate of 0.67%. This earns Ketchikan Gateway Borough a tax score of 64.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ketchikan Gateway Borough?
The median household income in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is $92,885 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ketchikan Gateway Borough earns an income score of 91.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Ketchikan Gateway 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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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