countyscore
48.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.6Disaster Risk 85.3Lawn Care 53.8

County Report Card

About North Slope Borough, Alaska

Slightly Below National Median Livability

North Slope Borough scores 48.6, just below the national median of 50.0 and in the 45th percentile. The score reflects a region with exceptional income but constrained by isolation and cost.

Nearly Equal to Alaska Average

North Slope scores 48.6 versus Alaska's 51.1 state average, placing it in the middle of Alaska's county rankings. This near-average position belies the borough's unique economic and environmental profile.

Top-Tier Incomes and Low Environmental Risk

North Slope excels with an income score of 89.6 and median household income of $86,313, driven by oil industry employment. The risk score of 85.3 is also excellent, reflecting manageable natural hazards.

Health Deficits and Cost Burden

Health score of 39.4 signals limited medical services in this remote arctic region, while the cost score of 49.0 reflects expensive housing despite moderate median values. Taxes are manageable but safety score of 40.8 indicates some crime concerns.

For Oil Workers Prioritizing Wages Over Comfort

North Slope suits oil industry professionals and their families willing to endure arctic isolation, limited health care, and high cost of living in exchange for exceptional salaries and stable employment. This is a temporary posting destination, not a lifestyle choice.

Score breakdown

Tax41.9Cost49Safety40.8Health39.4Schools49.4Income89.6Risk85.3Water53.7Weather49.9
🏛41.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠49
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼89.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡40.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤39.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓49.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡85.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧53.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.8
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

Northwest Arctic Borough
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50.1
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
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32.6
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Alaska
34.5
Denali Borough
Alaska
47
Nome Census Area
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Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
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Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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Kusilvak Census Area
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Deep Dives

North Slope Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

Safety in North Slope Borough

via CrimeByCounty

North Slope faces safety challenges

The borough's safety score of 97.9 is lower than many of its neighbors. While its total crime rate of 1345.7 is below the national average of 2,385.5, it remains higher than the Alaska norm.

Below the Alaska safety average

With a safety score of 97.9, the borough sits below the Alaska average of 98.6. This suggests that residents experience more reported crime than the typical Alaskan.

Crime rate exceeds state average

The borough's total crime rate of 1345.7 per 100,000 is significantly higher than the state average of 861.7. This data reflects reports from a single local agency.

Elevated violent crime rates reported

Violent crime in the borough is 741.5 per 100,000, which is double the national average of 369.8. Property crime is also notable at 604.2, though it remains below the U.S. average.

Enhanced security is recommended

Given the higher rates of both violent and property crime, residents should prioritize home and personal security. Investing in reliable locks and alarm systems can help mitigate risks.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

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

Schools in North Slope Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Northernmost Schools in the United States

North Slope Borough School District manages 11 schools serving 2,044 students across the Arctic coast. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring one elementary, one middle, and two high schools, along with seven K-12 'other' schools. This single-district system serves some of the most remote communities in the world.

Arctic Investment in Student Success

The borough spends $13,914 per student, surpassing both the Alaska state average and the national $13,000 benchmark. Currently, the graduation rate is 67.0%, while the school score of 56.4 remains slightly below the state average of 62.3. Despite geographical challenges, the district maintains an alternative school to support non-traditional learners.

One District Serving the Entire North Slope

The North Slope Borough School District operates as the sole educational authority for the region's 2,044 students. There are currently no charter schools in the borough, with all students attending traditional or alternative public facilities. Fred Ipalook Elementary in Utqiaġvik is the largest school, enrolling 539 students.

Small Schools in Town and Tundra

The average school size is 186 students, ranging from Fred Ipalook's 539 down to much smaller village sites. Most facilities are rural, though three schools are located in town settings like Utqiaġvik. Attending school here means being part of a close-knit community where high schools like Barrow High serve as central social hubs.

Settling in the Arctic's Academic Hub

Families moving to the North Slope often focus on Utqiaġvik to be near the borough's largest and most specialized schools. Proximity to Fred Ipalook Elementary or Barrow High is a major consideration for local home buyers. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes significant per-pupil funding.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

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

Weather & Climate in North Slope Borough

via WeatherByCounty

The coldest inhabited region in the nation

The North Slope averages a frigid 14.5°F, making it one of the coldest counties in the entire United States. This is nearly 40 degrees below the national median, representing an extreme polar climate. There is no concept of summer heat here, with zero days reaching 90°F.

Alaska's extreme northern temperature floor

With an average of 14.5°F, this borough is more than 20 degrees colder than the state average of 35.9°F. It consistently ranks as the coldest region in the state, far surpassing the chill of even Nome or Northwest Arctic. The environment is dominated by permafrost and arctic conditions.

Significantly colder and drier than neighbors

The North Slope is nearly 9 degrees colder than the Northwest Arctic Borough and much drier with only 5.4 inches of precipitation. While neighboring regions see more snow, the North Slope’s 46.3 inches remains frozen for much longer. It is a true arctic desert compared to the rest of the state.

Brutal winters and barely-thawing summers

January temperatures average a staggering -12.6°F, and even the July "peak" is only 47.0°F. The region receives 46.3 inches of snow, which often drifts in the constant wind despite low total precipitation. It is the only region in this group where the winter average is below zero.

Survival requires specialized arctic infrastructure

Heating systems must be rated for sustained temperatures below -10°F to ensure safety. High-quality expedition-grade gear is the only way to navigate the outdoors for much of the year. Minimal annual precipitation means dust control is often more of a summer concern than heavy rain.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in North Slope Borough

via LawnByCounty

Extreme Arctic Lawn Challenges

North Slope Borough shares a difficulty score of 53.8, reflecting the significant hurdles of growing turf in the far north. This score is slightly lower than the Alaska average, indicating a more difficult environment than the state's southern regions.

High Arctic Aridity and Low Heat

With only 5.4 inches of annual precipitation, this is a polar desert compared to the state average of 53.5 inches. Only 104 growing degree days occur each year, meaning traditional lawn grasses will struggle to reach maturity without intensive care.

Navigating Permafrost and Silt

Soil data is not available, but North Slope gardeners often deal with permafrost and poor drainage. Successful lawns in this region usually require raised beds or heavily insulated soil layers to keep roots above the frozen ground.

Arid But Not in Drought

Despite having very low rainfall, the borough currently reports 0% drought or abnormally dry conditions. The low temperatures prevent high evaporation rates, but the 5.4 inches of annual precip still necessitates constant manual watering.

Choosing the Hardiest Grasses

Frost dates are highly variable and often occur year-round, so standard lawn calendars do not apply here. Focus on the most cold-tolerant native grasses or specialized arctic fescues that can survive an average annual temperature of 14.5°F.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is North Slope Borough's county score?
North Slope Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 48.6 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 North Slope Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
North Slope Borough ranks #18 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 North Slope Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in North Slope Borough is $2,082, with an effective tax rate of 0.95%. This earns North Slope Borough a tax score of 41.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in North Slope Borough?
The median household income in North Slope Borough, Alaska is $86,313 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. North Slope Borough earns an income score of 89.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is North Slope Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
North Slope Borough scores 48.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate North Slope 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 North Slope 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.