Matanuska-Susitna's composite score of 58.2 beats the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle range of American counties. The borough outperforms roughly 58% of counties nationwide, a respectable showing for one of Alaska's more accessible regions.
2 / 5
Below Alaska's State Average
The borough's score of 58.2 trails Alaska's state average of 67.6, ranking it among the state's lower-performing counties. Of Alaska's eight measured counties, Matanuska-Susitna falls toward the bottom tier, suggesting livability trade-offs compared to peers.
3 / 5
Strong Incomes and Health Outcomes
Matanuska-Susitna leads in household income with a median of $90,625 and an income score of 42.5, higher than most Alaska peers. Health outcomes are robust too, with a score of 64.7, suggesting strong wellness infrastructure supporting the borough's growing population.
4 / 5
Housing Costs and Risky Conditions
Housing affordability is the key weakness: median home values reach $319,200 and rents hit $1,258/month, among Alaska's highest. A risk score of just 6.7 indicates significant vulnerability to environmental or economic hazards that warrant careful consideration.
5 / 5
For High Earners Tolerating High Housing Costs
Matanuska-Susitna suits affluent professionals and families earning strong incomes who can absorb housing expenses exceeding $300,000. Be prepared for Alaska's highest-priced real estate market and elevated risk exposure, offset by good jobs and healthcare access.
Matanuska-Susitna's composite score of 58.2 beats the national median of 50.0, placing it in the upper-middle range of American counties. The borough outperforms roughly 58% of counties nationwide, a respectable showing for one of Alaska's more accessible regions.
Below Alaska's State Average
The borough's score of 58.2 trails Alaska's state average of 67.6, ranking it among the state's lower-performing counties. Of Alaska's eight measured counties, Matanuska-Susitna falls toward the bottom tier, suggesting livability trade-offs compared to peers.
Strong Incomes and Health Outcomes
Matanuska-Susitna leads in household income with a median of $90,625 and an income score of 42.5, higher than most Alaska peers. Health outcomes are robust too, with a score of 64.7, suggesting strong wellness infrastructure supporting the borough's growing population.
Housing Costs and Risky Conditions
Housing affordability is the key weakness: median home values reach $319,200 and rents hit $1,258/month, among Alaska's highest. A risk score of just 6.7 indicates significant vulnerability to environmental or economic hazards that warrant careful consideration.
For High Earners Tolerating High Housing Costs
Matanuska-Susitna suits affluent professionals and families earning strong incomes who can absorb housing expenses exceeding $300,000. Be prepared for Alaska's highest-priced real estate market and elevated risk exposure, offset by good jobs and healthcare access.
Score breakdown
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🏛71.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.