countyscore
55.2
County Score
Property Tax 99.1Cost of Living 77Lawn Care 72.1

County Report Card

About Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska

Above Average Livability for Rural Alaska

Kusilvak Census Area scores 55.2 out of 100, placing it 5 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper 60th percentile nationwide. This above-average score is notable for a remote region, indicating conditions more favorable than most U.S. counties.

Better Than Most Alaska Counties

Kusilvak ranks above Alaska's state average composite score of 51.1, performing better than roughly half of all Alaska counties. This positions it solidly in the upper tier of livability across the state.

Tax Advantages and Housing Affordability

The county excels with an exceptional 99.1 tax score—among the best in the nation—thanks to an effective tax rate of just 0.274%. Housing remains deeply affordable, with a median home value of $72,700 and median rent at $832/month, the lowest in this group.

Income and Health Gaps Need Attention

Kusilvak's income score of 11.4 and health score of 7.2 are the county's weakest dimensions, reflecting a median household income of just $48,233 and significant health care access challenges. These gaps are typical of remote Alaska but remain the primary areas for improvement.

Best for Tax-Conscious, Cost-Sensitive Settlers

Kusilvak suits families and individuals prioritizing low taxes and minimal housing costs over higher incomes and specialized health services. This is an ideal landing spot for remote workers with stable income or retirees seeking affordability in a tight-knit community.

Score breakdown

Tax99.1Cost77SafetyComing SoonHealth7.2Schools49.6Income11.4Risk42.1WaterComing SoonWeather49.9
🏛99.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼11.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤7.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡42.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱72.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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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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Nearby counties

Bethel Census Area
Alaska
45.9
Nome Census Area
Alaska
38.6
Dillingham Census Area
Alaska
46.8
Bristol Bay Borough
Alaska
45.9
Northwest Arctic Borough
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Lake and Peninsula Borough
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Denali Borough
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Kenai Peninsula Borough
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Deep Dives

Kusilvak Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 7 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Kusilvak Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Kusilvak taxes far below national average

At 0.274%, Kusilvak's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 5% nationally—homeowners here pay a fraction of what typical Americans do. The median property tax of $199 falls dramatically short of the national median of $2,690, placing this region among the nation's lowest-taxed counties.

Among Alaska's lightest tax burdens

Kusilvak's 0.274% rate sits well below Alaska's statewide average of 0.772%, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly areas. Median taxes here ($199) represent just 9% of the state average ($2,187).

Lowest taxes in remote Alaska

Kusilvak's tax burden is comparable to Northwest Arctic Borough (0.122%) but lighter than Nome Census Area (1.547%) and North Slope Borough (0.948%). Among Alaska's rural regions, Kusilvak stands out as exceptionally affordable.

What $72,700 homes cost to own

On the median home valued at $72,700, a Kusilvak homeowner pays about $199 annually in property taxes. This translates to roughly $17 per month—among the nation's lowest carrying costs.

Verify your assessment is fair

Even in low-tax jurisdictions, some homeowners are overassessed relative to market value. If your home value has dropped or your assessment seems high, consider filing a formal appeal with your local assessor's office.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Kusilvak Census Area

via CostByCounty

Kusilvak rents eat 20.7% of income

Kusilvak's rent-to-income ratio of 20.7% exceeds the national affordability comfort zone, meaning renters here dedicate more than one-fifth of their household income to rent alone. Compared to the U.S. median household income of $74,755, Kusilvak's $48,233 median income lags significantly, making housing costs feel steeper even though rents are lower in absolute dollars.

Above Alaska's affordability line

At 20.7%, Kusilvak's rent-to-income ratio ranks above Alaska's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the less affordable boroughs in the state. The median rent of $832/month is substantially lower than Alaska's state median of $1,221, but stagnant local incomes make the burden proportionally heavier.

Kusilvak's rents among Alaska's lowest

Kusilvak offers some of the most affordable absolute rents in rural Alaska at $832/month, undercutting most neighboring remote areas. However, its lower incomes mean the affordability advantage vanishes when comparing rent-to-income ratios against similar rural boroughs.

Housing costs vs. income breakdown

Renters in Kusilvak spend roughly $832/month on rent against a median household income of $48,233 annually ($4,019/month), leaving limited discretionary income after housing costs. Owner-occupants fare better with median monthly costs of $409 on homes valued at $72,700, though finding affordable properties remains challenging in remote Alaska.

Consider Kusilvak for remote living

If you're relocating to Alaska and prioritize lowest absolute housing costs, Kusilvak offers an entry point—but expect lower wages and limited economic diversity. Compare your income prospects carefully against the state average of $74,755 before committing to this remote region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Kusilvak Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Kusilvak trails national income average

Kusilvak's median household income of $48,233 falls 35% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among the lower-income regions nationally. This income gap reflects the economic realities of rural Alaska, where employment opportunities and wage scales differ significantly from national norms.

Lowest income county in Alaska

At $48,233, Kusilvak ranks as Alaska's lowest-median-income county, 39% below the state average of $79,407. The per capita income of $16,657 is also substantially lower than Alaska's state average of $42,832, indicating concentrated economic challenges.

Significant gap from nearby counties

Kusilvak's median income is notably lower than neighboring regions like Northwest Arctic Borough ($81,298) and Nome Census Area ($76,643). This $28,000+ income disparity suggests different employment sectors and economic opportunities across rural Alaskan communities.

Housing remains affordable here

At 20.7%, Kusilvak's rent-to-income ratio is manageable and near the national sustainability benchmark, despite lower overall earnings. The median home value of $72,700 is the lowest in Alaska, making homeownership more accessible than in most neighboring counties.

Build financial stability intentionally

Lower household incomes in Kusilvak make proactive financial planning essential—start with an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses and explore employer retirement plans. Consider microloans and community development programs that support wealth-building in rural Alaskan communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Kusilvak Census Area

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy lags far behind national rates

Kusilvak residents live to an average of 65.0 years—a gap of 10.2 years below the U.S. average of 75.2 years. More than one in three residents (36.8%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average of 18%. This significant health disparity signals underlying challenges in healthcare access and community health factors.

Kusilvak ranks last in Alaska health metrics

At 65.0 years, Kusilvak's life expectancy falls 10.6 years short of Alaska's state average of 75.6 years, placing it at the bottom of Alaska counties. The poor/fair health rate of 36.8% is nearly double the state average, indicating concentrated health challenges in this region. Healthcare outcomes here demand immediate attention and resources.

Stark differences across rural Alaska communities

Kusilvak's life expectancy of 65.0 years contrasts sharply with nearby Petersburg Borough (78.5 years) and North Slope Borough (75.8 years). The 36.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds all neighboring counties, including Nome Census Area (28.8%) and Northwest Arctic Borough (26.7%). These gaps suggest geographic inequalities in healthcare infrastructure and community resources.

Limited insurance coverage and provider data

Kusilvak's uninsured rate of 13.9% is slightly below the state average of 15.9%, but specific primary care provider availability is not reported. Mental health providers are available at 113 per 100,000 residents, below most comparable Alaska regions. Residents navigate healthcare access challenges that extend beyond insurance to include provider scarcity.

Explore health insurance options today

Even with an uninsured rate below the state average, nearly 1 in 7 Kusilvak residents lack coverage. Healthcare enrollment specialists can help you find plans that fit your family's needs and budget. Reach out to Alaska's health insurance navigator programs to review your options now.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Kusilvak Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Across Three Districts

Kusilvak Census Area operates 13 public schools serving 2,577 total students across three distinct districts. The infrastructure consists primarily of K-12 'other' schools, with 12 such facilities and one dedicated middle school. This unique setup supports a sparse population through centralized community learning hubs.

High Investment Amid Performance Challenges

The area invests $14,876 per pupil, which exceeds both the state average of $13,745 and the national average of $13,000. Despite this funding, the graduation rate stands at 63.7%, falling significantly below the 87% national benchmark. The composite school score of 56.7 remains below the Alaska state average of 62.3.

Lower Yukon Leads Local Education

The Lower Yukon School District is the largest provider, managing 11 schools and 2,035 students. The region also features one charter school, representing approximately 7.7% of the total school landscape. The Kashunamiut and Saint Mary's districts serve the remaining students in single-school configurations.

Small, Remote Rural Learning Environments

Every school in the census area is classified as rural, creating an intimate average school size of 198 students. Hooper Bay School is the largest campus with 451 students, while many other facilities are significantly smaller. While Bachelor's attainment data is unavailable, these schools serve as vital social and academic centers for their villages.

Relocating for Community-Focused Education

Families looking for close-knit, village-based school environments will find Kusilvak's districts deeply integrated into local life. When researching homes in this region, prioritize properties near Hooper Bay or Chevak to stay close to the area's largest educational hubs. School quality remains a central factor for families navigating the unique housing market in rural Alaska.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Kusilvak Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Kusilvak's risk: above average nationally

Kusilvak Census Area scores 57.92 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating and exceeding the national average. This places the county in a moderate risk category for natural disasters, driven primarily by wildfire and earthquake hazards.

Second-highest risk in Alaska

Among Alaska's counties, Kusilvak ranks second-highest with a composite risk score of 57.92, well above the state average of 35.22. Only Matanuska-Susitna Borough faces greater overall disaster risk in the state.

Riskier than most regional peers

Kusilvak's 57.92 score significantly exceeds nearby communities like Nome Census Area (34.06) and Northwest Arctic Borough (54.58). The county stands out for concentrated wildfire risk that distinguishes it from its neighbors.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate

Wildfire risk reaches 46.91 in Kusilvak, making it the county's primary hazard concern and a significant driver of overall risk. Earthquake risk scores 24.59, presenting a secondary but notable seismic threat to infrastructure and residents.

Prioritize wildfire and earthquake coverage

Given Kusilvak's elevated wildfire exposure, homeowners should ensure comprehensive coverage for structure damage and evacuation expenses. Earthquake insurance provides critical protection in a region where seismic activity poses measurable risk to buildings and utilities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Lawn Care in Kusilvak Census Area

via LawnByCounty

A Surprisingly Favorable Score in Kusilvak

Kusilvak Census Area earns a lawn difficulty score of 72.1, making it significantly easier to maintain a lawn here than the national average of 50.0. This score stands well above the Alaska state average of 57.8, suggesting fewer environmental hurdles for local turf.

Managing Moderate Moisture and Cool Summers

The area receives 19.7 inches of annual precipitation, which falls below the state average of 53.5 inches and the national ideal of 30-50 inches. With zero extreme heat days and an average July temperature of 56.3°F, mowing schedules remain steady throughout the short summer.

Preparing Northern Ground for Success

While specific soil pH and texture data are limited for this region, local lawns typically require careful preparation to thrive in sub-arctic conditions. Testing your soil is essential to determine if you need lime or organic amendments to reach the ideal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Consistent Hydration Without Recent Drought

Kusilvak has experienced zero weeks of drought over the past year, with 0% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. This stability allows homeowners to focus on standard irrigation rather than emergency water conservation measures.

Timing Your Kusilvak Lawn Project

Hardy cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best choices for this climate. Because specific frost dates are variable, wait until the ground thaws completely in late spring to begin seeding or laying sod.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kusilvak Census Area's county score?
Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 55.2 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 Kusilvak Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Kusilvak Census Area ranks #12 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 Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Kusilvak Census Area is $199, with an effective tax rate of 0.27%. This earns Kusilvak Census Area a tax score of 99.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Kusilvak Census Area?
The median household income in Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska is $48,233 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Kusilvak Census Area earns an income score of 11.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Kusilvak Census Area scores 55.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #12 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Kusilvak 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 Kusilvak Census Area with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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