Lake and Peninsula Borough

Alaska · AK

#13 in Alaska
69.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska

Strong Performer Nationally

Lake and Peninsula's composite score of 69.7 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, positioning it among America's better-performing counties. The borough outperforms roughly 70% of counties across the country, a solid standing for a remote Alaskan region.

Tops Alaska's Rankings

At 69.7, Lake and Peninsula ranks above Alaska's state average of 67.6 and stands among the state's highest-scoring counties. The borough is one of Alaska's livability leaders, edging out most of its peers in overall quality of life metrics.

Risk Management and Health Shine

Lake and Peninsula scores an exceptional 93.8 on risk—among Alaska's best—indicating strong resilience and safety planning. The health score of 58.3 also leads many peers, while housing remains reasonably affordable with median rent at $933/month and homes valued at $166,100.

Income Lags Despite Solid Incomes

The income score of 25.2 reflects a median household income of $64,000, solid but lower than some neighboring counties. Tax data is currently unavailable, limiting a full affordability picture, though the cost score of 83.4 suggests reasonable housing expenses.

Ideal for Resilient, Community-Minded Families

Lake and Peninsula appeals to families valuing safety, health infrastructure, and stable community planning over maximum earnings potential. This borough rewards those seeking strong risk management and a health-conscious environment in a remote Alaskan setting.

Score breakdown

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

TaxComing SoonCost83.4SafetyComing SoonHealth58.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.2Risk93.8WaterComing Soon
🏛
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼25.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
58.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
93.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Lake and Peninsula Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ByCounty Network

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