CountyScore

Northwest Arctic Borough

Alaska · AK

#16 in Alaska
68
County Score

County Report Card

About Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

Solid Livability Above National Standard

Northwest Arctic's composite score of 68.0 beats the national median of 50.0, placing it in America's upper-middle tier of counties. The borough outperforms roughly 68% of counties nationwide, a strong showing for a remote Arctic region.

Slightly Above Alaska's Average

At 68.0, Northwest Arctic slightly edges Alaska's state average of 67.6, ranking it among the state's better-performing counties. The borough holds its ground against statewide peers, sitting comfortably in the upper half of Alaska's livability rankings.

Exceptional Tax Advantages

Northwest Arctic boasts the lowest effective tax rate in Alaska at just 0.122%, yielding a stunning 98.8 tax score. This ultra-low tax burden is the borough's defining strength, paired with reasonable housing costs (median rent $1,336/month) and a solid income level averaging $81,298.

Health and Risk Management Need Work

The health score of 48.8 lags most peers, signaling limited medical infrastructure and wellness services in this remote area. The risk score of 45.4 suggests moderate vulnerability to environmental or economic disruptions.

For Tax-Conscious Workers Valuing Savings

Northwest Arctic suits professionals and families who prioritize minimizing taxes and preserving income in a remote Arctic community. Accept limited health services and moderate risk exposure in exchange for Alaska's most favorable tax environment.

Score breakdown

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

Tax98.8Cost72.8SafetyComing SoonHealth48.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.5Risk45.4WaterComing Soon
🏛98.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤48.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡45.4
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 Northwest Arctic Borough with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Pitkin County
Colorado
68
Median income: $100,318
Jackson County
Florida
68
Median income: $47,327
Calhoun County
Georgia
68
Median income: $55,714
Early County
Georgia
68
Median income: $53,750
Lanier County
Georgia
68
Median income: $44,361

Deep Dives

Northwest Arctic Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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