countyscore
50.1
County Score
Property Tax 100Income & Jobs 85.2Safety 56.4

County Report Card

About Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

At the National Livability Threshold

Northwest Arctic Borough scores 50.1, right at the national median of 50.0 and in the 50th percentile. This places it at the midpoint of American county livability, a neutral position for a remote region.

Nearly Matching Alaska's Average

The borough scores 50.1 versus Alaska's 51.1 state average, placing it almost exactly at the state midpoint. This near-average ranking disguises notable strengths in taxation and income.

Exceptional Tax Advantages and Solid Income

Northwest Arctic has Alaska's lowest effective tax rate at 0.122%, earning a perfect tax score of 100.0—best in the nation. Income score of 85.2 and median household income of $81,298 demonstrate strong economic opportunity.

Health and Water Quality Major Gaps

Health score of 6.8 and water score of 0.3 are among the worst in this group, reflecting limited medical access and serious water safety issues. Housing costs are also elevated at $1,336/month rent despite moderate affordability score.

Best for Tax-Savvy Remote Workers

Northwest Arctic suits independent workers, consultants, and business owners who can operate remotely and value minimal tax burden alongside decent income potential. Strong social ties to indigenous communities enhance long-term viability.

Score breakdown

Tax100Cost38Safety56.4Health6.8Schools50.6Income85.2Risk45.4Water0.3Weather49.6
🏛100
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼85.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡56.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤6.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧0.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱51.2
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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Nearby counties

Nome Census Area
Alaska
38.6
North Slope Borough
Alaska
48.6
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area
Alaska
32.6
Kusilvak Census Area
Alaska
55.2
Denali Borough
Alaska
47
Fairbanks North Star Borough
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34.5
Bethel Census Area
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Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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44.4

Deep Dives

Northwest Arctic Borough across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Northwest Arctic Borough

via TaxByCounty

Northwest Arctic's taxes are nearly zero

At just 0.122%, Northwest Arctic Borough's effective tax rate ranks in the nation's bottom 1%—homeowners here pay virtually no property tax. The median tax of $199 represents less than 1% of the national median of $2,690, making it one of America's most tax-free jurisdictions.

Alaska's lowest-taxed jurisdiction

Northwest Arctic's 0.122% rate is the lowest in Alaska, roughly one-sixth of the state average of 0.772%. Median taxes ($199) represent just 9% of Alaska's statewide median ($2,187), offering homeowners exceptional affordability.

Lowest in remote Arctic region

Northwest Arctic's 0.122% rate matches Kusilvak Census Area but undercuts every other regional peer, including Nome (1.547%), North Slope (0.948%), and Matanuska-Susitna (1.100%). This region stands alone as Alaska's tax haven.

What $162,500 homes cost to own

On the median home valued at $162,500, a Northwest Arctic homeowner pays just $199 annually in property taxes—roughly $17 monthly. This minimal burden makes property ownership here exceptionally affordable.

Confirm your low assessment is correct

Even with minimal tax rates, it's worth verifying your assessment matches your home's actual market value. Contact the borough assessor to ensure you're not overassessed, and file an appeal if your valuation appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Northwest Arctic Borough

via CostByCounty

Northwest Arctic balances income and rents

Northwest Arctic's median household income of $81,298 exceeds the U.S. average of $74,755 by 9%, while its 19.7% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national affordability comfort zone. High local wages from mining and subsistence sectors help offset Alaska's most expensive rents.

Above-average affordability challenge

At 19.7%, Northwest Arctic's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Alaska's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's less affordable regions despite strong incomes. The $1,336/month median rent is among Alaska's highest, driven by remoteness and limited housing construction.

Remote extremes shape housing markets

Northwest Arctic's $1,336/month rent ties with Nome for Alaska's priciest among these counties, yet its higher median income of $81,298 (vs. Nome's $76,643) creates fractionally better affordability. Both regions suffer from Arctic isolation that constrains housing supply and drives rents upward.

Mining income cushions rental burden

Renters dedicate $1,336/month to housing against an $81,298 annual income ($6,775/month), consuming 19.7% and leaving moderate discretionary funds. Homeowners face monthly costs of $728 on properties valued at $162,500, offering accessible ownership paths despite high rents in the rental market.

Northwest Arctic for remote workers

Northwest Arctic suits remote workers or mining-sector employees earning $81,000+ annually who prioritize Arctic wilderness access. Budget for Alaska's priciest rents outside Anchorage, but strong local wages help offset the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Northwest Arctic Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Northwest Arctic outearns most U.S. counties

Northwest Arctic's median household income of $81,298 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 9%, placing it comfortably in the upper-income category nationally. Despite the strong household figure, per capita income of $28,467 trails Alaska's average, suggesting earnings concentration among fewer working individuals.

Upper-income tier in Alaska

Northwest Arctic ranks as Alaska's third-highest-income region with $81,298, 2% above the state average of $79,407. The borough's per capita income of $28,467 is among Alaska's lowest, indicating that few earners support household incomes through high-wage positions.

Leads western and northern peers

Northwest Arctic's $81,298 income surpasses Nome Census Area ($76,643), Lake and Peninsula Borough ($64,000), and Prince of Wales-Hyder ($59,079), making it a regional economic leader. This advantage reflects mining and fishing industries that support strong wages in remote northern communities.

Housing manageable on solid income

At 19.7%, Northwest Arctic's rent-to-income ratio remains sustainable, with median home values of $162,500 reasonable relative to household earnings. Residents maintain solid financial flexibility for savings and other expenses beyond housing.

Invest consistently for long-term security

The $81,298 median income creates strong capacity for wealth-building—establish automatic monthly investments of 15-20% toward diversified portfolios. Take advantage of employer pension benefits common in resource industries and consider geographic diversification of assets.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Northwest Arctic Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Safe and Below National Averages

Northwest Arctic Borough reports a total crime rate of 1002.3 per 100K, which is less than half of the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the borough a high safety score of 98.4.

Matching Alaska Safety Benchmarks

The borough's safety score of 98.4 sits just below the statewide average of 98.6. While its total crime rate exceeds the state average of 861.7, it remains one of the more secure regions in Alaska.

Local Trends and Regional Security

Northwest Arctic Borough faces different challenges than its neighbors, reporting 598.8 violent crimes per 100K. With only one agency reporting data, these numbers reflect a concentrated snapshot of local law enforcement activity.

High Violent Crime vs Low Theft

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 598.8 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 369.8. However, property crime remains remarkably low at 403.5, showing that theft is much less common here than elsewhere in the U.S.

Stay Vigilant and Secure Your Property

Even with a high safety score, proactive home security provides essential peace of mind. Residents can help maintain these safety levels by keeping property well-lit and reporting unusual activity to local authorities.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Northwest Arctic Borough

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy significantly below national average

Northwest Arctic residents live to 67.8 years, falling 7.4 years short of the U.S. average of 75.2 years. The poor/fair health rate of 26.7% substantially exceeds the national average of 18%, signaling concentrated health vulnerabilities. This region faces compounded health challenges requiring urgent intervention.

Northwest Arctic among Alaska's lowest performers

At 67.8 years, Northwest Arctic's life expectancy trails Alaska's state average of 75.6 years by 7.8 years, ranking it near the bottom statewide. The poor/fair health rate of 26.7% is nearly double the state average, indicating a community facing significant health burdens. Only Kusilvak (36.8%) reports worse health outcomes in Alaska.

Health outcomes lag most Alaska regions

Northwest Arctic's life expectancy of 67.8 years exceeds only Kusilvak (65.0 years) among Alaska counties, falling well short of Petersburg (78.5 years), North Slope (75.8 years), and Matanuska-Susitna (76.2 years). The poor/fair health rate of 26.7% is higher than most neighbors except Kusilvak (36.8%) and Nome (28.8%). Despite having 79 primary care providers and exceptional mental health providers (1,114 per 100,000), health disparities persist.

Strong mental health access amid health disparities

Northwest Arctic's uninsured rate of 16.6% exceeds the state average of 15.9%, leaving more residents without coverage. The region offers 79 primary care providers and 1,114 mental health providers per 100,000—exceptionally high mental health infrastructure. This suggests targeted investment in behavioral health services addressing community health challenges, though insurance gaps remain.

Close coverage gaps in your community

At 16.6%, Northwest Arctic's uninsured rate is higher than the state average, meaning more families lack healthcare access. Connecting to coverage opens doors to the region's substantial mental health and primary care resources. Local health programs and enrollment navigators can help you find plans that fit your family's needs today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Northwest Arctic Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Education Across the Arctic Circle

The Northwest Arctic Borough School District oversees 13 schools that educate 1,911 students. The system primarily uses a PK-12 model with 11 'other' schools, supplemented by one dedicated elementary and one high school. This structure provides a consistent educational path for students from early childhood through graduation.

Strong Funding Supports Graduation Goals

The borough allocates $15,247 per student, which is well above the state average of $13,745. This high investment supports a 72% graduation rate and a school score of 61.9, which nearly matches the Alaska state average of 62.3. These metrics demonstrate a system working to overcome the logistical hurdles of the far north.

A Unified Borough District Model

The Northwest Arctic Borough School District serves all 1,911 students in the region without the use of charter schools. Kotzebue Middle/High School is the largest campus with 328 students, followed by June Nelson Elementary with 265. All 13 schools are traditional public institutions focused on local community needs.

Rural Roots with Hub-Based Learning

Most students attend one of the 10 rural schools, though 3 schools are located in the regional hub of Kotzebue. The average school size is small at 147 students, ensuring that educators know every student by name. From Buckland to Noorvik, these schools serve as the heart of each community's social and cultural life.

Home Buying in the Northwest Arctic

For families looking to move to the region, Kotzebue offers the most traditional school campus environments. Buyers often seek homes near June Nelson Elementary to ensure easy access for younger children. Use the district's high per-pupil spending as a marker of the community's commitment to its youth.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Northwest Arctic Borough

via RiskByCounty

Northwest Arctic's above-average national risk

Northwest Arctic Borough scores 54.58 on the composite risk scale, exceeding the national average and earning a Relatively Low rating. The borough's wildfire exposure and seismic activity drive risk above typical U.S. levels.

Third-highest risk in Alaska

Northwest Arctic Borough ranks third among Alaska counties with a composite score of 54.58, well above the state average of 35.22. Only Matanuska-Susitna and Kusilvak face greater overall disaster risk.

Riskier than most Arctic neighbors

Northwest Arctic's 54.58 score significantly exceeds North Slope Borough (14.76) but matches Kusilvak Census Area's risk level. The borough stands apart for elevated wildfire exposure among Arctic communities.

Wildfire and earthquake equally threatening

Northwest Arctic faces matched hazards: wildfire risk reaches 65.68 while earthquake risk equals 65.68, creating balanced multi-hazard exposure. Flood and tornado risks remain negligible in the Arctic climate.

Dual coverage addresses dual threats

Northwest Arctic homeowners should secure earthquake insurance to address seismic risk across the region. Wildfire insurance and community evacuation planning provide essential protection against the borough's elevated fire exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Northwest Arctic Borough

via WeatherByCounty

Deep subarctic cold dominates the year

The annual average temperature of 23.4°F is roughly 30 degrees lower than the national median. This region experiences a true subarctic climate where freezing temperatures are the standard for most months. Extreme heat is nonexistent, with zero days recorded at or above 90°F.

Well below the Alaska state average

The borough's 23.4°F average is significantly colder than the state mean of 35.9°F. It represents the transition from the subarctic interior to the high arctic conditions found further north. It remains one of the coldest jurisdictions in the entire state.

A bridge between Nome and the North Slope

This borough is about 9 degrees warmer than the North Slope but nearly 5 degrees colder than Nome. It receives 10.5 inches of precipitation, making it twice as wet as the North Slope but still relatively dry. Snowfall is consistent at 64.2 inches, more than its northern neighbor.

Frozen winters and cool, brief summers

Winter temperatures average a cold 0.8°F, while January specifically drops to -1.5°F. Summers are brief and cool, peaking at a July average of 53.1°F with no extreme heat days. Most of the 64.2 inches of annual snow falls during the long frozen season.

Prepare for extreme cold and snow

Industrial-grade heating and heavy insulation are mandatory for winter survival in this climate. Residents need specialized gear for the 64.2 inches of snow and sub-zero January lows. Summer planning involves preparing for mild 53°F days rather than heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Northwest Arctic Borough

via LawnByCounty

Demanding Conditions in the Northwest

Northwest Arctic Borough has a lawn difficulty score of 51.2, making it one of the more challenging places in Alaska to grow a lawn. This score is significantly lower than the state average of 57.8, requiring dedicated effort from local residents.

Low Precipitation and Late Thaws

The borough receives only 10.5 inches of annual precipitation and has a short season with 273 growing degree days. Mowing is infrequent because the average July temperature is a cool 53.1°F, keeping grass growth slow and steady.

Preparing Arctic Soil for Lawns

Local soil data is missing, but preparing a lawn here typically involves addressing low nutrient levels and cold soil temperatures. Adding nitrogen-rich fertilizers can help jumpstart growth during the very short period when the ground is not frozen.

Managing Active Drought Conditions

The borough has endured 5 weeks of drought over the past year, and 46.4% of the area is currently abnormally dry. With only 10.5 inches of annual rain, even short dry spells can be devastating to unestablished turf.

Planting During the Short Summer

With the last spring frost on June 10 and the first fall frost on September 24, your growing window is very tight. Focus on seeding in mid-June with cold-hardy fescues to give the grass every possible day to establish before winter.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Northwest Arctic Borough's county score?
Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 50.1 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 Northwest Arctic Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Northwest Arctic Borough ranks #15 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 Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Northwest Arctic Borough is $199, with an effective tax rate of 0.12%. This earns Northwest Arctic Borough a tax score of 100/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Northwest Arctic Borough?
The median household income in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is $81,298 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Northwest Arctic Borough earns an income score of 85.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Northwest Arctic Borough scores 50.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #15 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Northwest Arctic 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 Northwest Arctic 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.