CountyScore

Kusilvak Census Area

Alaska · AK

#18 in Alaska
67.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Kusilvak Census Area, Alaska

Well Above National Average

Kusilvak's composite score of 67.5 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper tier of American counties. This score reflects a livability profile that beats roughly two-thirds of counties nationwide, despite Alaska's remote geography.

Right at Alaska's Middle

The county scores 67.5 against Alaska's state average of 67.6, making it a near-perfect mirror of statewide livability. Among Alaska's eight measured counties, Kusilvak ranks in the middle tier, competitive with its peers.

Tax and Housing Affordability Lead

Kusilvak's real advantage lies in its exceptionally low tax burden—a score of 94.6 with an effective tax rate of just 0.274%, among Alaska's most favorable. Housing remains genuinely affordable here, with median home values at $72,700 and median rent at $832/month, substantially cheaper than most comparable areas.

Income and Health Need Investment

Median household income of $48,233 lags significantly behind the state's higher-earning peers, resulting in an income score of just 14.9. Health outcomes also need attention, with a health score of 40.0 reflecting room for improvement in wellness infrastructure and services.

Best for Retirees Seeking Low Costs

Kusilvak suits families and retirees prioritizing minimal taxes and ultra-affordable housing over high wage potential. This is a place to stretch a fixed income or build savings, but expect limited high-earning career opportunities and health services.

Score breakdown

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

Tax94.6Cost87.2SafetyComing SoonHealth40SchoolsComing SoonIncome14.9Risk42.1WaterComing Soon
🏛94.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼14.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤40
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡42.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Kusilvak Census Area with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Shelby County
Alabama
67.5
Median income: $93,543
Suwannee County
Florida
67.5
Median income: $55,479
Appling County
Georgia
67.5
Median income: $43,728
Baldwin County
Georgia
67.5
Median income: $55,413
Candler County
Georgia
67.5
Median income: $50,431

Deep Dives

Kusilvak Census Area across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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