CountyScore

North Slope Borough

Alaska · AK

#10 in Alaska
71.1
County Score

County Report Card

About North Slope Borough, Alaska

Strong National Livability Ranking

North Slope's composite score of 71.1 significantly surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it among America's better-performing counties. The borough outperforms approximately 71% of counties nationwide, an impressive achievement for one of the nation's most remote regions.

Alaska's Top Livability Performer

North Slope ranks highest among Alaska's eight measured counties with a score of 71.1, well above the state average of 67.6. The borough leads statewide in overall livability, setting the standard for Alaskan quality of life.

Risk Resilience and Solid Health

North Slope excels with a risk score of 85.3, indicating exceptional resilience and proactive hazard management. The health score of 63.6 ranks among Alaska's strongest, while moderate tax rates (0.948%) and reasonable housing affordability support a balanced quality of life.

Income Ceiling Remains Moderate

The income score of 39.7 reflects a median household income of $86,313, respectable but not exceptional by Alaska standards. Limited opportunity for six-figure earnings may constrain those seeking maximum wage potential despite the borough's other strengths.

Perfect for Risk-Aware, Community-Focused Families

North Slope suits families prioritizing resilience, health infrastructure, and stable community systems over maximum income growth. This is Alaska's top choice for those seeking balanced livability, strong risk management, and quality healthcare in an Arctic setting.

Score breakdown

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

Tax75.6Cost77.7SafetyComing SoonHealth63.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome39.7Risk85.3WaterComing Soon
🏛75.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡85.3
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 North Slope Borough with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Autauga County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $69,841
Lawrence County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $60,040
Limestone County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $83,534
Lowndes County
Alabama
71.1
Median income: $35,160
Clay County
Georgia
71.1
Median income: $48,715

Deep Dives

North Slope Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in North Slope Borough

via TaxByCounty

North Slope taxes exceed national average

At 0.948%, North Slope Borough's effective tax rate falls in the top 40% nationally, above the national median. The median property tax of $2,082 trails the national median of $2,690, but on a lower median home value of $219,600, the percentage burden runs deeper.

Mid-range taxer in Alaska

North Slope's 0.948% rate sits above Alaska's statewide average of 0.772%, placing it in the upper tier of the state's tax burdens. Median taxes ($2,082) fall just below the state median ($2,187), reflecting North Slope's solid property values and stable infrastructure investment.

Higher than most Arctic peers

North Slope's 0.948% rate exceeds Northwest Arctic Borough (0.122%), Kusilvak (0.274%), and Nome Census Area (1.547%), sitting squarely in the middle of regional variation. As the state's northernmost major borough, North Slope balances resource-based wealth with elevated operational costs.

What $219,600 homes cost yearly

On North Slope's median home valued at $219,600, homeowners pay approximately $2,082 annually in property taxes—roughly $174 monthly. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,173, creating a moderate but consistent carrying cost.

Review your valuation for accuracy

North Slope's middle-tier tax rate doesn't guarantee fair individual assessments, especially as property values fluctuate with resource industries. Compare your home's assessed value to recent comparable sales and file an appeal if you spot significant discrepancies.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in North Slope Borough

via CostByCounty

North Slope offers best affordability rates

North Slope's median household income of $86,313 outpaces the U.S. average by 15%, while its 16.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Alaska's most livable. High oil-industry wages combined with moderate rents create Alaska's sweetest affordability equation.

Alaska's affordability champion

At 16.2%, North Slope's rent-to-income ratio beats Alaska's state average of 18.6%, earning it the top affordability ranking among these eight boroughs. The borough's petroleum-driven economy supports high household incomes while keeping rents reasonable relative to earnings.

Oil wealth enables housing stability

North Slope's $1,167/month rent and $86,313 median income create Alaska's best renter-affordability balance, outpacing both rural subsistence areas and pricier remote regions. The petroleum sector's wage premiums ensure housing costs never overwhelm household budgets here.

Strong income shields housing burden

Renters allocate $1,167/month rent against a $86,313 annual income ($7,193/month), consuming just 16.2% and leaving substantial room for other expenses. Homeowners face moderate monthly costs of $617 on properties averaging $219,600, reflecting the borough's relatively affordable ownership landscape.

North Slope for economic security

If you can secure work in North Slope's oil and gas sector, housing affordability is exceptionally strong and income potential is Alaska's highest. The extreme Arctic climate and isolation offset the financial advantages, so weigh lifestyle trade-offs carefully.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in North Slope Borough

via IncomeByCounty

North Slope incomes rank among nation's highest

North Slope's median household income of $86,313 outpaces the U.S. median of $74,755 by 15%, placing it in the nation's top income tier. The exceptional per capita income of $60,295 far exceeds the national average, reflecting the wealth concentration from oil and energy sector employment.

Second-highest income in Alaska

North Slope ranks second in Alaska with $86,313, just $4,312 below Mat-Su, and 9% above the state average of $79,407. The per capita income of $60,295 is the state's highest, indicating robust individual earner salaries in the petroleum industry.

Leads oil country earnings significantly

North Slope's $86,313 income substantially exceeds Northwest Arctic Borough ($81,298) and Nome Census Area ($76,643), reflecting the borough's dominance in Alaska's oil economy. The $5,000+ advantage over Northwest Arctic reflects North Slope's higher concentration of high-wage energy sector jobs.

Excellent income-to-housing ratio

At 16.2%, North Slope's rent-to-income ratio is Alaska's best, even with a median home value of $219,600—strong earnings easily cover housing costs. Residents enjoy substantial financial breathing room to save and invest beyond basic housing obligations.

Capitalize on premium North Slope earnings

High household incomes here enable aggressive wealth strategies—aim for 25-30% savings rates and max out 401(k) contributions and IRAs annually. Diversify away from oil sector concentration through broad market index funds and consider real estate investments in lower-cost markets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in North Slope Borough

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy slightly above national average

North Slope residents live to 75.8 years, matching and slightly exceeding the U.S. average of 75.2 years. Only 19.4% report poor or fair health, just above the national average of 18%, indicating relatively strong health outcomes. This rural Alaska borough performs comparably to the nation despite geographic challenges.

Strong health metrics within Alaska context

At 75.8 years, North Slope's life expectancy essentially matches Alaska's state average of 75.6 years. The poor/fair health rate of 19.4% is among Alaska's better performers, indicating a community with relatively healthy population health. North Slope demonstrates effective health management despite Alaska's broader health challenges.

Outperforms most rural Alaska counterparts

North Slope's life expectancy of 75.8 years exceeds Kusilvak (65.0 years), Nome (68.9 years), and Northwest Arctic (67.8 years), while falling short of Petersburg (78.5 years) and Matanuska-Susitna (76.2 years). The poor/fair health rate of 19.4% is better than Nome (28.8%) and Kusilvak (36.8%), but higher than Petersburg (15.2%) and Mat-Su (18.6%). Strong primary health outcomes persist despite lower primary care provider density.

Adequate coverage with limited primary care access

North Slope's uninsured rate of 14.7% mirrors the state average, so most residents have coverage. The region has 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among reporting Alaska counties—but mental health providers are available at 94 per 100,000. Healthcare access relies on regional coordination and telemedicine to supplement limited local primary care.

Secure coverage to access regional services

North Slope's low uninsured rate reflects strong community enrollment, but families should verify continuous coverage given limited local primary care options. Having active insurance ensures access to regional specialists and coordinated care networks. Confirm your coverage annually to maintain continuity as you navigate Alaska's healthcare system.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in North Slope Borough

via RiskByCounty

North Slope: exceptionally safe nationally

North Slope Borough scores just 14.76 on the composite risk scale, well below the national average and earning a Very Low rating. The borough's Arctic location and limited infrastructure exposure create Alaska's second-safest disaster profile.

Second-safest county in Alaska

North Slope Borough ranks second-lowest among Alaska counties with a composite score of 14.76, less than half the state average of 35.22. Only Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area offers greater protection from natural disasters.

Far safer than surrounding areas

North Slope's 14.76 score substantially trails Northwest Arctic Borough (54.58) and Nome Census Area (34.06). The borough's Arctic geography provides exceptional natural disaster resilience.

Earthquake dominates limited hazards

Earthquake risk of 50.19 is North Slope's primary concern, though wildfire and flood risks remain minimal at 11.39 and 2.61 respectively. The Arctic environment naturally suppresses most weather-related disaster types.

Earthquake coverage provides peace of mind

North Slope residents should obtain earthquake insurance as the region's only material disaster risk. Standard homeowner's coverage adequately protects against other hazards in this exceptionally low-risk borough.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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