countyscore
47.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 87.4Safety 79.9Schools 54.4

County Report Card

About Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska

Kodiak approaches national livability standard

Kodiak Island Borough scores 47.5, slightly below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 45th percentile nationwide. The borough is a near-average American county in livability terms.

Below Alaska's average performance

Kodiak scores 47.5 compared to the state average of 51.1, ranking it in the lower half of Alaska counties. The borough underperforms several of its peers despite strong incomes.

Strong incomes support the economy

Kodiak residents earn median household income of $83,716 with an impressive income score of 87.6, indicating robust earning potential. Safety is also solid at 79.9, and the tax rate of 0.917% is moderate for Alaska.

Housing and disaster risk are major concerns

Housing is extremely expensive with median home value of $382,700 and rent at $1,669/month—the highest rent in this analysis—yielding a cost score of just 7.0. Disaster risk exposure is also high (34.9 risk score), indicating significant climate and environmental vulnerabilities.

For resilient, well-funded island families

Kodiak suits established professionals and remote workers with substantial savings who accept island living, premium housing costs, and significant natural hazards. This is Alaska's choice for people seeking community and fishery-based economy over affordability and climate safety.

2040608010045.67.379.952.354.487.434.96.851.5Tax45.6Cost7.3Safety79.9Health52.3Schools54.4Income87.4Risk34.9Water6.8Weather51.547.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Kodiak Island Borough DNA

Foverall

How Kodiak Island Borough compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Kodiak Island Borough is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (87.4/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (6.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.6
Cost
7.3-40.7
Safety
79.9+24.900000000000006
Health
52.3
Schools
54.4
Income
87.4+36.400000000000006
Risk
34.9-12.100000000000001
Water
6.8-51.2
Weather
51.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Kodiak Island Borough

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$412,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,765/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$412,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$70,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $86,250/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

62.1

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

Cleburne County
Arkansas
Median income: $55,798
47.8
Jasper County
Georgia
Median income: $60,134
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Oceana County
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Median income: $62,417
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Clinton County
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Median income: $70,627
47.8
Ocean County
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Median income: $89,863
47.8
Madison County
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Median income: $75,499
47.8
Nash County
North Carolina
Median income: $62,426
47.8
Perquimans County
North Carolina
Median income: $67,917
47.8

Nearby counties

Lake and Peninsula Borough
Alaska
45.7
Bristol Bay Borough
Alaska
45.4
Kenai Peninsula Borough
Alaska
52.3
Dillingham Census Area
Alaska
45.6
Anchorage Municipality
Alaska
29.7
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
57.2
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska
44.6
Aleutians East Borough
Alaska
66.9

Deep Dives

Kodiak Island Borough across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Kodiak Island Borough

via TaxByCounty

Kodiak Island taxes moderately exceed national median

At 0.917%, Kodiak Island Borough's effective property tax rate runs about 4% above the national median of 0.88%, placing it near the 52nd percentile nationally. This rate positions Kodiak Island slightly above typical American burdens. Residents here pay a touch more than average, but well within the normal range.

Kodiak Island ranks fifth in Alaska's tax standings

Kodiak Island Borough's 0.917% effective rate sits above Alaska's state average of 0.772%, placing it among the state's higher-taxing boroughs behind Fairbanks (1.264%), Dillingham (1.755%), and Juneau (0.934%). The borough's elevated rate reflects robust community services and infrastructure investment. Kodiak ranks in the upper tier of Alaska's tax landscape.

Kodiak Island taxes higher than most Southeast peers

Kodiak Island's 0.917% rate exceeds Ketchikan (0.683%), Haines (0.802%), and dramatically surpasses Hoonah-Angoon (0.416%), though it trails Juneau (0.934%). The borough's island isolation and high home values drive elevated service costs and corresponding tax obligations. Kodiak stands among Southeast Alaska's higher-taxing communities.

The median Kodiak home costs $3,509 yearly

With a median home value of $382,700—among the highest in this group—and a 0.917% effective rate, a typical homeowner pays $3,509 annually in property taxes. Mortgage considerations push the annual bill to $4,070, though those without mortgages still owe $2,193. Kodiak's substantial tax obligations reflect both high home values and elevated local tax rates.

Higher-value Kodiak homes warrant assessment scrutiny

Kodiak Island's elevated home values and robust tax bills make assessment accuracy particularly important—even modest overvaluations yield significant annual overpayments. Carefully review your assessment notice and verify your valuation against recent comparable sales. An appeal could reduce your bill by hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kodiak Island Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Kodiak earnings exceed U.S. average

Kodiak Island Borough's median household income of $83,716 surpasses the U.S. median by $8,961, placing it in the top third of American earning power. This $8,961 advantage reflects Alaska's strong fishing industry and the borough's position as a regional economic hub.

Fourth-highest earner in Alaska

Kodiak ranks fourth among Alaska's eight regions in median household income, earning 5.4% below the state average of $79,407 despite its $83,716 median. Its per capita income of $40,615 trails Alaska's $42,832 average, suggesting a wider income distribution than wealthier regions.

Competitive with major Alaska hubs

Kodiak's $83,716 income trails Juneau ($100,513), Fairbanks ($84,722), and Ketchikan ($89,155) but outpaces Kenai Peninsula ($77,722), Dillingham ($74,250), and smaller regions. Its fishing-centered economy supports respectable earnings compared to most Alaska communities.

Housing costs strain median income

Kodiak faces the steepest housing affordability challenge in Alaska with a rent-to-income ratio of 23.9%, approaching the 30% danger threshold. Median home values of $382,700 demand substantial household budgets, making careful financial planning essential for renters and homebuyers alike.

Optimize budget to unlock savings

With housing costs consuming nearly a quarter of income, maximizing your remaining earnings through disciplined budgeting and strategic saving becomes critical. Work with a financial planner to identify discretionary expenses that can be redirected toward retirement accounts, investments, and emergency reserves.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Kodiak Island Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Kodiak Island is exceptionally safe

Kodiak Island boasts a high safety score of 99.3, far exceeding the national norm. Its total crime rate of 474.6 per 100,000 is roughly 80% lower than the national average.

A safety leader in Alaska

With a safety score of 99.3, Kodiak Island outperforms the Alaska average of 98.6. It is one of the more secure regions in the state based on reported 2022 data.

Crime remains well below averages

The borough's total crime rate of 474.6 is significantly lower than the state average of 861.7. This reflects a peaceful community where law enforcement manages relatively few incidents.

Violent crime is notably rare

Kodiak's violent crime rate is just 137.8 per 100,000, which is much lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 336.8, which is also very low compared to U.S. standards.

Keep your home secure

Low crime rates are a community asset that residents can help maintain. Practicing standard security habits like locking vehicles and homes keeps property crime rates minimal.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Kodiak Island Borough

via WeatherByCounty

Maritime Mildness in the North Pacific

Kodiak Island averages 40.7°F annually, kept cool but stable by the surrounding Pacific Ocean. This maritime climate avoids the extreme temperature swings found in the continental U.S.

Warmer and Rainier than Average Alaska

Kodiak's 40.7°F average is warmer than the 35.9°F state average. It receives 80.5 inches of precipitation annually, which is significantly higher than the statewide average of 54.8 inches.

Milder and Drier than Southeast Alaska

Kodiak is slightly cooler than Ketchikan (46.6°F) and receives roughly half the precipitation. It sees about 50 inches of snowfall annually, which is much less than the 204.5 inches found in Haines.

Cool Summers and Manageable Winters

Winter temperatures average a moderate 30.4°F, while summers are consistently cool at 53.2°F. The island experiences 50 inches of snow and zero days of extreme heat over 90°F.

Gear Up for Wind and Rain

Residents should prioritize wind-blocking and waterproof layers for the 80.5 inches of annual precipitation. Because winter stays near freezing, gear that handles slush and damp cold is better than heavy arctic parkas.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Kodiak Island Borough

via LawnByCounty

Island Living Means Stable Lawn Care

Kodiak Island Borough has a lawn difficulty score of 53.8, placing it above the national average for ease of maintenance. This score reflects a maritime climate that avoids the extreme temperature fluctuations found on the mainland.

Bountiful Rain and Cool Summers

Kodiak receives 80.5 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national ideal but keeps lawns consistently lush. The growing season is moderate, starting after the May 9 frost and ending around October 4.

Preparing Kodiak's Maritime Soil

Data on soil pH and texture is currently limited, making individual soil tests the best way to plan your amendments. In this 80-inch rainfall environment, ensure your soil foundation has the drainage capacity to handle heavy island storms.

Occasional Dry Spells on the Island

Kodiak has experienced zero weeks of true drought in the past year, though 2.5% of the area is currently classified as abnormally dry. These dry patches are rare and usually short-lived, as the island's maritime weather provides frequent moisture.

Planting for the Kodiak Climate

With 407 growing degree days, grass grows at a slower, steadier pace than on the mainland. Seed your lawn in mid-May once the frost risk passes to allow the roots to settle before the heavy autumn rains arrive in October.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kodiak Island Borough's county score?
Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 47.8 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 Kodiak Island Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Kodiak Island Borough ranks #20 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 Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Kodiak Island Borough is $3,569, with an effective tax rate of 0.87%. This earns Kodiak Island Borough a tax score of 45.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kodiak Island Borough?
The median household income in Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska is $86,250 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kodiak Island Borough earns an income score of 87.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kodiak Island Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Kodiak Island Borough scores 47.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Kodiak Island 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 Kodiak Island Borough with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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