countyscore
44.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.2Safety 80.7Lawn Care 56.2

County Report Card

About Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska

Near National Average, Growth Potential

Matanuska-Susitna scores 44.4, just below the national median of 50.0 and in the 38th percentile. Though slightly below average, the score masks strong income fundamentals that offset housing cost pressures.

Below Alaska Average, But Rising Region

The borough scores 44.4 versus Alaska's 51.1 average, placing it in the middle of state rankings. However, this score reflects rapid urbanization and rising costs rather than poor conditions.

Exceptional Incomes and Public Safety

Matanuska-Susitna boasts a commanding income score of 92.2, with median household income at $90,625—the highest in this group. The safety score of 80.7 is also outstanding, making this Alaska's safest major population center.

Housing Costs and Environmental Risk

Housing affordability is the borough's biggest challenge, with a cost score of just 9.6 driven by median home values of $319,200 and rent at $1,258/month. The risk score of 6.7 also signals environmental hazards that require attention.

Perfect for High-Income, Safety-Focused Families

Matanuska-Susitna is ideal for well-paid professionals and families who can absorb Alaska's highest housing costs in exchange for strong incomes, excellent schools, and secure communities. This is Alaska's most prosperous suburban region.

Score breakdown

Tax30.9Cost9.6Safety80.7Health43.4Schools56.1Income92.2Risk6.7Water15.3Weather49.5
🏛30.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠9.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤43.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓56.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡6.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱56.2
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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Deep Dives

Matanuska-Susitna Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via TaxByCounty

Mat-Su's taxes run above national norm

At 1.100%, Matanuska-Susitna's effective tax rate exceeds the national median and ranks in the top 30% of U.S. counties. The median property tax of $3,512 outpaces the national median of $2,690 by 30%, reflecting Alaska's higher residential property values.

Alaska's highest tax burden by far

Mat-Su's 1.100% rate is the highest among all Alaska counties, more than 40% above the state average of 0.772%. Median taxes ($3,512) exceed the statewide median ($2,187) by 61%, making it Alaska's most heavily taxed region.

Starkly higher than surrounding areas

Mat-Su's 1.100% rate dwarfs Petersburg Borough (0.686%), North Slope Borough (0.948%), and Prince of Wales (0.470%). As Alaska's fastest-growing region, Mat-Su's higher rates reflect both stronger property values and elevated municipal service demands.

What $319,200 homes actually cost

On Mat-Su's median home valued at $319,200, owners pay approximately $3,512 annually in property taxes—or about $293 per month. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $3,768, making it the steepest tax burden in Alaska.

High taxes warrant closer review

With Alaska's highest tax rate, Mat-Su homeowners should double-check their assessments against comparable sales in their neighborhood. Many properties are overvalued, and a formal appeal could reduce your annual burden significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via CostByCounty

Mat-Su outearns and outafford most

Matanuska-Susitna's median household income of $90,625 exceeds the national average of $74,755 by 21%, while its rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% ranks among Alaska's best. High local wages offset moderately higher rents, making this Alaska's most financially robust region for residents.

Alaska's best affordability rank

Mat-Su's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio beats Alaska's state average of 18.6%, earning it a top-tier affordability ranking statewide. The borough's robust economy—anchored by Anchorage's suburbs and regional employment—translates into higher incomes and better housing affordability overall.

Premium homes, premium incomes

Mat-Su's median home value of $319,200 is Alaska's highest among these eight counties, yet its 16.7% rent-to-income ratio remains superior because local incomes keep pace. This reflects a thriving regional economy where rising housing costs track with wage growth rather than outpacing it.

High income sustains higher housing costs

Renters allocate $1,258/month against a robust $90,625 annual income ($7,552/month), consuming just 16.7%—one of Alaska's healthiest ratios. Homeowners face steeper monthly obligations of $1,643 on $319,200 median home values, but high local incomes make mortgage financing manageable compared to other boroughs.

Mat-Su for ambitious Alaska relocations

If you're moving to Alaska with income expectations above $90,000, Mat-Su offers the strongest economic fundamentals and best housing affordability relative to earnings. The borough's proximity to Anchorage's job market makes it ideal for professionals seeking remote living with urban-adjacent opportunity.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Mat-Su outearns nearly all U.S. counties

Matanuska-Susitna's median household income of $90,625 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 21%, placing it in the nation's upper income tier. This strong performance reflects the borough's proximity to Anchorage and robust economic diversification across oil, healthcare, and construction sectors.

Alaska's highest-income county

Mat-Su leads all Alaska counties with a median household income of $90,625, 14% above the state average of $79,407. This dominance reflects the borough's largest population base and most developed job market outside Anchorage.

Significantly outpaces regional competitors

Mat-Su's $90,625 income substantially exceeds nearby North Slope Borough ($86,313) and Northwest Arctic Borough ($81,298), making it Alaska's economic powerhouse. This $9,300+ advantage over North Slope reflects Mat-Su's more diversified economy and larger employment base.

Strong income supports higher housing costs

Mat-Su's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among Alaska counties, indicating excellent housing affordability despite the highest median home value of $319,200. Higher household earnings here enable residents to carry mortgages comfortably while building equity.

Maximize wealth with strong earnings

Mat-Su's above-average household income creates ideal conditions for aggressive wealth-building—target 20-25% savings rates and maximize employer 401(k) matches. Consider diversified investment portfolios and tax-advantaged accounts to accelerate long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Strong safety scores in Mat-Su

Mat-Su Borough maintains a high safety score of 99.3, signaling a very secure environment. The total crime rate of 460.2 is nearly five times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Beating the state safety average

The borough's safety score of 99.3 is better than the Alaska average of 98.6. This highlights Mat-Su as a relatively safe haven compared to other areas in the state.

Significantly safer than average

At 460.2 total crimes per 100,000, Mat-Su reports roughly half the state average rate of 861.7. Data from two agencies suggests a consistent trend of low crime across the borough.

Violent crime remains very low

The violent crime rate is just 76.4 per 100,000, roughly one-fifth of the national average. Property crime is the main factor at 383.8, though even this is quite low by national standards.

Vigilance protects your property

While rates are low, the focus for residents should be on preventing property crimes. Simple home security improvements, such as outdoor lighting, provide an extra layer of protection.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via HealthByCounty

Mat-Su leads Alaska with healthier life expectancy

Matanuska-Susitna Borough residents live to 76.2 years, exceeding both the national average of 75.2 years and Alaska's state average of 75.6 years. Only 18.6% report poor or fair health, matching the national average of 18% and outperforming most Alaska counties. This region stands as a health outcomes leader within the state.

Top-tier health outcomes within Alaska

At 76.2 years, Mat-Su's life expectancy ranks among Alaska's highest, outpacing the state average of 75.6 years by 0.6 years. The poor/fair health rate of 18.6% is better than most Alaska counties and aligns with national benchmarks. Residents enjoy some of Alaska's strongest health indicators.

Clear health advantage over comparable regions

Mat-Su's life expectancy of 76.2 years exceeds North Slope (75.8 years) and significantly outpaces Kusilvak (65.0 years) and Nome (68.9 years). The poor/fair health rate of 18.6% is better than all neighboring counties except Petersburg Borough (15.2%). Mat-Su's robust primary care infrastructure—49 providers per 100,000—supports this health advantage.

Strongest provider access in Alaska region

Matanuska-Susitna offers 49 primary care providers and 370 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest mental health provider density among Alaska counties. The uninsured rate of 14.7% is slightly below the state average of 15.9%, meaning most residents have coverage. This combination of strong provider availability and insurance access enables consistent preventive and emergency care.

Maintain coverage in Alaska's healthiest region

Mat-Su's strong health outcomes reflect high insurance rates and abundant providers—a model for healthcare access. Even with below-average uninsured rates, ensure your coverage remains current as life circumstances change. Review your plan annually or visit Alaska's enrollment portal to confirm your coverage is optimized.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Alaska's Expansive Valley Education System

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District manages a robust network of 47 public schools serving 19,570 students. The landscape includes 25 elementary, 5 middle, and 11 high schools, making it one of the state's most comprehensive systems. This single-district model provides streamlined administration for a rapidly growing student population.

Strong Graduation Rates on Leaner Budgets

The borough achieves an impressive 86% graduation rate, nearly matching the national average of 87% and far exceeding the state's 79% average. This is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,680, which is significantly lower than the national spending benchmark of $13,000. The borough's school score of 57.2 reflects a system focused on efficiency and core results.

Innovation Through Charter School Choice

Six charter schools operate within the borough, representing 12.8% of all schools and providing diverse options for local families. The district also manages three alternative schools to support varied learning needs. Mat-Su Central School is the largest institution, serving 2,254 students through its unique PK-12 model.

A Blend of Town and Rural Campuses

Education here happens in diverse settings, with 25 schools located in town locales and 22 in rural areas. While the average school size is 416 students, facilities range from the large Colony High (1,117 students) to much smaller rural outposts. This mix allows families to choose between traditional large-school environments and smaller community settings.

Find a Home in the Mat-Su Valley

With graduation rates that lead the state, the Mat-Su Borough is a top destination for families moving to Alaska. Houses near Wasilla and Palmer offer proximity to high-performing secondary schools like Colony High and the Career & Tech Ed High School. Use school performance data as a guide when exploring the diverse real estate options across the Valley.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via RiskByCounty

Matanuska-Susitna faces high national risk

Matanuska-Susitna Borough scores 93.26 on the composite risk scale, the highest in Alaska and substantially above the national average. This Relatively Moderate rating reflects the borough's exposure to multiple simultaneous hazards, particularly earthquakes and wildfires.

Alaska's riskiest county by far

Matanuska-Susitna ranks highest among all Alaska counties with a composite score of 93.26, nearly triple the state average of 35.22. The borough's geographic position and climate create a unique convergence of natural disaster risks.

Vastly outpaced surrounding communities

Matanuska-Susitna's 93.26 score dwarfs nearby areas like Kusilvak Census Area (57.92) and Petersburg Borough (15.43). The borough's elevated risk profile stands isolated among Alaska's regional peers.

Earthquake and wildfire triple threat

Earthquake risk reaches 98.89 in Matanuska-Susitna, the highest seismic hazard in Alaska, while wildfire risk scores 94.66. Together, these hazards account for the borough's exceptional overall risk, with flood risk adding another significant component at 51.30.

Comprehensive coverage essential here

Matanuska-Susitna residents must secure earthquake insurance—the most critical protection given the borough's extreme seismic exposure. Wildfire coverage and flood insurance round out essential protection in Alaska's most hazard-prone county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via WeatherByCounty

Subarctic climate far below national averages

The borough maintains a cold subarctic climate with an average annual temperature of 34.6°F. This is approximately 20 degrees cooler than the national median, reflecting its high-latitude position. Residents never experience extreme heat, as the area records zero days reaching 90°F annually.

A typical mid-range Alaska temperature profile

Matanuska-Susitna averages 34.6°F, sitting very close to the statewide annual average of 35.9°F. While it is significantly warmer than the Arctic regions, it remains cooler than the coastal panhandle. This balance places it in the middle tier of Alaska's temperature rankings.

Drier and warmer than coastal neighbors

With 19.6 inches of annual precipitation, this area is much drier than maritime counties like Sitka, which receives over 150 inches. It is notably warmer than the Nome Census Area, which averages a chilly 28.0°F. The borough benefits from a more protected interior-adjacent climate.

Chilly winters and mild, snow-heavy years

Winter temperatures average a cold 14.3°F, contributing to a significant 69 inches of annual snowfall. Summers remain mild with a July average of 58.6°F and no extreme heat days. This cycle ensures a short growing season and long, reliable snow cover for winter recreation.

Winter preparation is a daily requirement

Heavy-duty winter gear and reliable heating systems are essential for the 11.5°F January average. Snow removal equipment is a priority to manage the nearly six feet of snow that falls annually. Air conditioning is rarely necessary as summer temperatures peak at a modest 58.6°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

via LawnByCounty

Mat-Su Lawn Care Aligns with State Averages

Matanuska-Susitna Borough holds a lawn difficulty score of 56.2, placing it right in line with the Alaska state average of 57.8. While more challenging than the national median, the region's agricultural history provides a solid foundation for home turf.

Short Growing Seasons and Dry Air

Annual precipitation of 19.6 inches is much lower than the state average of 53.5 inches, necessitating consistent irrigation. With 693 growing degree days and no extreme heat, grass grows slowly but steadily during the cool summer months.

Customizing Your Mat-Su Soil Strategy

Local soil data is limited, so homeowners should perform a jar test to check for silt and clay content. Adding organic matter helps retain moisture in this dry climate, especially since ideal lawn pH stays between 6.0 and 7.0.

Preparing for Dry Soil Conditions

About 35.5% of the borough currently faces abnormally dry conditions (D0), requiring proactive water management. Focus on morning watering to minimize evaporation and ensure your lawn survives the low-precipitation environment.

Start Growing After Late May

Wait until after the last spring frost on May 23 to begin your lawn projects. With the first fall frost arriving by September 16, using fast-germinating cool-season grasses like Ryegrass blends can help establish roots before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Matanuska-Susitna Borough's county score?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 44.4 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough ranks #26 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Matanuska-Susitna Borough is $3,512, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Matanuska-Susitna Borough a tax score of 30.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
The median household income in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska is $90,625 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Matanuska-Susitna Borough earns an income score of 92.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough scores 44.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Matanuska-Susitna 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough 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.