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Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska — County Report Card

AK

#23 in Alaska

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
46.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.8Cost of Living 64Lawn Care 56

County Report Card

About Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska

Below National Average, But Stable

Lake and Peninsula Borough scores 46.2, slightly below the national median of 50.0 and in the 40th percentile. While below average, the score reflects conditions typical of rural Alaska's mixed livability profile.

Below Alaska's Average Performance

The borough scores 46.2 versus Alaska's state average of 51.1, placing it in the lower half of Alaska counties. This below-average ranking reflects the unique challenges of this remote coastal region.

Excellent Risk Profile and Solid Incomes

Lake and Peninsula excels with a risk score of 93.8—among the highest in the nation—and an income score of 50.8, with median household income at $64,000. Housing affordability is also reasonable, with a cost score of 64.0 reflecting relatively accessible property prices.

Health Access and Water Quality Concerns

The borough faces serious challenges with a health score of just 16.6 and a concerning water score of 0.7, reflecting limited health services and water quality issues. These gaps represent the most pressing livability concerns in the region.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts Accepting Trade-Offs

Lake and Peninsula suits adventurous individuals and families who prioritize natural safety, outdoor access, and modest costs over robust health infrastructure and urban amenities. This is best for those comfortable with extreme remoteness and willing to manage health care creatively.

Score breakdown

TaxComing SoonCost64SafetyComing SoonHealth16.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome50.8Risk93.8Water0.7Weather50
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼50.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤50
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56
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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Nearby counties

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Kodiak Island Borough
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Dillingham Census Area
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Deep Dives

Lake and Peninsula Borough across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lake and Peninsula Borough

via TaxByCounty

Lake and Peninsula's tax data remains unclear

With limited publicly available tax data, Lake and Peninsula Borough's effective rate and median property tax are not documented in standard sources. The median home value of $166,100 suggests property exists, but actual tax assessments and rates require direct inquiry with local authorities.

Alaska's most opaque tax jurisdiction

Lake and Peninsula Borough does not report standardized property tax metrics to state databases, making it difficult to compare against Alaska's 0.772% state average. Homeowners here should contact the borough directly for tax assessment details.

Data gap among Alaska's boroughs

Unlike Matanuska-Susitna Borough (1.100% effective rate) and Petersburg Borough (0.686%), Lake and Peninsula provides no publicly tracked tax information. Transparency varies widely across Alaska's remote regions.

Estimating taxes on $166,100 homes

Without a clear effective rate, exact annual property taxes cannot be calculated for the median home. Residents should contact the Lake and Peninsula Borough assessor's office directly for personalized estimates.

Request clarity on your assessment

Limited data transparency makes it harder to compare your assessment to neighbors' properties. Ask your borough assessor for a detailed breakdown and don't hesitate to appeal if your valuation seems out of line.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lake and Peninsula Borough

via CostByCounty

Lake and Peninsula beats national affordability

Lake and Peninsula's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% falls comfortably below the national affordability threshold, meaning housing costs consume a reasonable share of household income. With a median household income of $64,000 and median rent of $933/month, residents here strike a better balance than most Alaska boroughs.

Alaska's more affordable option

At 17.5%, Lake and Peninsula ranks below Alaska's state average rent-to-income ratio of 18.6%, placing it among the state's better-positioned boroughs for renters. The combination of moderate rents ($933/month) and steady local incomes makes this one of Alaska's more livable remote communities.

Moderate costs, moderate income

Lake and Peninsula's $933/month rent sits between Alaska's pricier urban centers and the cheapest rural areas, reflecting its mid-tier regional economy. Compared to nearby Kusilvak (lower rent, lower income) and Nome (higher rent, higher income), it offers a balanced middle ground.

Balanced housing and income picture

At $933/month rent against a $64,000 annual household income ($5,333/month), Lake and Peninsula residents allocate roughly 17.5% of income to rent—a sustainable ratio. Homeowners face monthly costs of $533 on properties averaging $166,100, creating an accessible ownership path compared to pricier Alaska boroughs.

Lake and Peninsula for balanced relocation

Lake and Peninsula offers relative affordability and reasonable rent-to-income ratios for those seeking Alaska's remote lifestyle without financial strain. If your household income hovers near $64,000, this borough delivers livable housing costs and a stable local economy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lake and Peninsula Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Lake and Peninsula slightly below national median

Lake and Peninsula's median household income of $64,000 lags 14% behind the U.S. median of $74,755, yet remains solidly in the working-class range. The per capita income of $45,228 exceeds Alaska's state average of $42,832, suggesting relatively balanced earning distribution.

Middle-ranking income county statewide

Lake and Peninsula ranks in the middle of Alaska counties with a median income of $64,000, about 19% below the state average of $79,407. This positions the borough as closer to Kusilvak's lower end than to the state's highest-income regions.

Moderate income in remote region

Lake and Peninsula's $64,000 income falls between Prince of Wales-Hyder ($59,079) and Nome Census Area ($76,643), reflecting similar economic conditions in rural southeastern and western Alaska. The per capita income of $45,228 is notably higher than most neighboring counties, indicating strong individual earners.

Rent-to-income ratio favorable

At 17.5%, Lake and Peninsula's rent-to-income ratio is well within the sustainable 30% threshold, meaning housing costs consume a manageable portion of household income. The median home value of $166,100 is moderate relative to earnings, supporting reasonable homeownership accessibility.

Strengthen savings with modest income

Household incomes here support solid financial planning—aim to allocate at least 10-15% of earnings toward retirement and savings accounts. Explore high-yield savings options and low-cost index funds to maximize returns on consistent contributions over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Lake and Peninsula Borough

via HealthByCounty

Limited data reveals complex health picture

While Lake and Peninsula Borough's specific life expectancy is unavailable, the poor/fair health rate of 22.1% exceeds the national average of 18%, suggesting underlying health challenges. The uninsured rate of 19.2% is notably higher than the U.S. average of 10.9%, indicating significant healthcare access barriers. These gaps hint at a community facing greater-than-average health vulnerabilities.

Higher uninsured rate, limited provider data

Lake and Peninsula Borough's uninsured rate of 19.2% exceeds Alaska's state average of 15.9%, placing more residents without coverage. Specific life expectancy and primary care provider data are not available, making comprehensive state-level comparison difficult. Mental health providers are available at 225 per 100,000 residents, supporting behavioral health access.

Uninsured rate stands above most Alaska peers

At 19.2%, Lake and Peninsula Borough's uninsured rate ranks among Alaska's highest—exceeding Kusilvak (13.9%), Nome (14.5%), and North Slope (14.7%). The poor/fair health rate of 22.1% is higher than Petersburg Borough (15.2%) and North Slope (19.4%), but lower than Kusilvak (36.8%). Limited data makes detailed health comparison challenging, but insurance gaps are clear.

Healthcare access constrained by geography and coverage

Nearly 1 in 5 residents lack health insurance, creating daily barriers to preventive and emergency care. Primary care provider data is not available, but the mental health provider rate of 225 per 100,000 suggests basic access to behavioral health services. Geographic isolation compounds the challenge of connecting residents to regional healthcare systems.

Close the coverage gap for your family

With one of Alaska's highest uninsured rates, Lake and Peninsula Borough families could benefit from exploring coverage options. Health insurance enrollment support is available to help you understand plan choices and costs. Contact your local health department or Alaska's navigator program to start the process today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lake and Peninsula Borough

via RiskByCounty

Lake and Peninsula: well below national risk

Lake and Peninsula Borough's composite risk score of 6.27 places it in the Very Low category, far below the national average. Despite Alaska's remote hazards, this county demonstrates exceptional resilience across most disaster types.

Lowest-risk county in Alaska

Lake and Peninsula Borough ranks safest among all Alaska counties with a composite score of 6.27, less than one-fifth the state average of 35.22. The borough's geographic isolation and natural geography provide substantial disaster protection.

Significantly safer than surrounding areas

Lake and Peninsula's 6.27 score is dramatically lower than all neighboring regions, including Kusilvak Census Area (57.92) and Northwest Arctic Borough (54.58). The borough stands as Alaska's safest community by a considerable margin.

Earthquake presents only real concern

Earthquake risk of 79.68 is Lake and Peninsula's dominant hazard, though wildfire risk remains moderate at 45.45. Flood, tornado, and other weather-related risks are minimal across the borough.

Earthquake insurance offers reassurance

Homeowners in Lake and Peninsula should prioritize earthquake coverage given seismic exposure in Alaska's geologically active region. Standard hazard insurance adequately covers other disaster types in this exceptionally low-risk borough.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lake and Peninsula Borough

via WeatherByCounty

A Subarctic Climate with Low Precipitation

Lake and Peninsula Borough averages 37.6°F annually, placing it firmly in the subarctic category. It is much drier than coastal Southeast Alaska, receiving only 19.0 inches of precipitation.

Typical Alaskan Temperatures and Low Moisture

The borough's 37.6°F average is very close to the state average of 35.9°F. However, its 19 inches of precipitation is far below the statewide mean of 54.8 inches.

Colder and Drier than Kodiak

Compared to nearby Kodiak Island, this borough is roughly 3 degrees colder and much drier. While Kodiak gets 80.5 inches of rain, Lake and Peninsula receives just 19 inches, reflecting its more continental position.

Snowy Winters and Brief Summers

The region receives 87.9 inches of snow annually, despite low overall precipitation. Winter temperatures average 20.3°F, while summers remain cool with a July peak of 58.4°F.

Winter Survival and Wind Protection

With 87.9 inches of snow and January lows of 17.5°F, reliable winter transportation and heating are vital. The low precipitation means dry winter air, so residents should plan for humidification and wind protection.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Lake and Peninsula Borough

via LawnByCounty

Navigating Lake and Peninsula's Unique Climate

With a lawn difficulty score of 56.0, this borough sits just below the state average of 57.8 but remains slightly easier than the national median. The region faces unique sub-arctic challenges that require more attention than more temperate zones.

Lower Precipitation and Moderate Growing Days

The borough receives only 19.0 inches of precipitation annually, well below the state average of 53.5 inches. Homeowners should plan for supplemental watering, as the 688 growing degree days provide a limited window for turf development.

Addressing Limited Local Soil Data

Specific soil metrics like pH and drainage are not currently available for this remote area, requiring a DIY approach for lawn preparation. Most successful local lawns involve imported topsoil or significant organic amendments to compensate for native gravel or permafrost conditions.

Monitoring Abnormally Dry Conditions

Currently, 35.2% of the borough is classified as abnormally dry (D0), despite zero weeks of official drought in the past year. Maintaining a deep watering schedule during the peak of summer is crucial to keep roots resilient against these dry spells.

Seeding After the May Frost

The last spring frost typically occurs around May 12, marking the beginning of the narrow 135-day window before the first fall frost on September 24. Choose extremely cold-hardy seed mixes and plant as soon as the soil warms in late May.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lake and Peninsula Borough's county score?
Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 46.2 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 Lake and Peninsula Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Lake and Peninsula Borough ranks #23 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 is the median household income in Lake and Peninsula Borough?
The median household income in Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska is $64,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lake and Peninsula Borough earns an income score of 50.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Lake and Peninsula Borough scores 46.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #23 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Lake and Peninsula 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 Lake and Peninsula Borough with other counties side by side.

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