countyscore
55.7
County Score
Schools 92.3Disaster Risk 84.6Income & Jobs 80.1

County Report Card

About Petersburg Borough, Alaska

Above National Average Livability

Petersburg Borough scores 55.7, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by over 5 points and ranking in the 65th percentile. This above-average score is impressive for an Alaska coastal community.

Highest-Ranking County in This Sample

Petersburg scores 55.7 versus Alaska's 51.1 state average, making it one of the most livable counties in Alaska. The borough outperforms most peers despite remote Southeast Alaska location.

Exceptional Schools and Health Services

Petersburg's outstanding school score of 92.3 is among the nation's best, supported by a strong health score of 57.0. Income score of 80.1 with median household income of $77,026 provides solid economic foundation.

Housing Costs Strain the Budget

The borough's cost score of 18.9 reflects severe housing affordability pressure, with median home values reaching $301,300 despite modest rent of $1,208/month. This cost burden is the primary livability constraint.

For Families Valuing Schools and Community

Petersburg suits education-focused families and professionals who prioritize excellent schools, quality health care, and tight-knit communities over low housing costs. This is Alaska's most family-friendly small town.

2040608010064.618.945.75792.380.184.653.5Tax64.6Cost18.9Safety45.7Health57Schools92.3Income80.1Risk84.6Water—Weather53.555.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Petersburg Borough DNA

Foverall

How Petersburg Borough compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Petersburg Borough is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Schools (92.3/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (18.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.6+12.599999999999994
Cost
18.9-29.1
Safety
45.7-9.299999999999997
Health
57
Schools
92.3+38.3
Income
80.1+29.099999999999994
Risk
84.6+37.599999999999994
Weather
53.5
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Petersburg Borough

Whether buying or refinancing in Petersburg Borough, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$301,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,208/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$301,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$48,320/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.9x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,026/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

88.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Petersburg Borough with Covington County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Covington County
Alabama
Median income: $50,886
55.7
Clay County
Arkansas
Median income: $48,500
55.7
Morgan County
Georgia
Median income: $85,692
55.7
Twiggs County
Georgia
Median income: $55,439
55.7
Lawrence County
Illinois
Median income: $53,438
55.7
Nantucket County
Massachusetts
Median income: $119,750
55.7
Baraga County
Michigan
Median income: $55,117
55.7
Geauga County
Ohio
Median income: $100,783
55.7

Nearby counties

Wrangell City and Borough
Alaska
58.7
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
57.3
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Alaska
65.5
Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
49.5
Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
Alaska
70.2
Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
48.9
Haines Borough
Alaska
63
Skagway Municipality
Alaska
62.1

Deep Dives

Petersburg Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Petersburg Borough

via TaxByCounty

Petersburg taxes run slightly below national

At 0.686%, Petersburg Borough's effective tax rate sits just below the national median, ranking it in the 40th percentile. The median property tax of $2,066 falls short of the national median of $2,690 by 23%, despite homes averaging $301,300—above the national norm.

Below average for Alaska

Petersburg's 0.686% rate trails Alaska's statewide average of 0.772%, placing it in the lower half of the state's tax burden. Median taxes ($2,066) fall 5% below the state median ($2,187), offering slight relief compared to many Alaskan regions.

Moderate tax burden in Southeast

Petersburg's 0.686% rate sits between Prince of Wales (0.470%) and North Slope Borough (0.948%), reflecting Southeast Alaska's more balanced tax environment. It's noticeably lower than Mat-Su's 1.100% and Nome's 1.547%.

What $301,300 homes cost annually

On Petersburg's median home valued at $301,300, homeowners pay approximately $2,066 per year in property taxes—roughly $172 monthly. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $2,332, making Petersburg one of Alaska's more affordable areas to own property.

Check if your assessment is fair

Petersburg's moderate tax rate doesn't guarantee individual properties are correctly valued. Review your assessment against comparable homes in your neighborhood and consider filing an appeal if your valuation seems misaligned with recent sales.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Petersburg Borough

via CostByCounty

Petersburg maintains national affordability

Petersburg's median household income of $77,026 slightly outpaces the U.S. average of $74,755, while its 18.8% rent-to-income ratio tracks near the national comfort zone. The Southeast Alaska fishing and timber economy supports wages that keep housing costs proportionally manageable.

Slightly above Alaska's affordability average

At 18.8%, Petersburg's rent-to-income ratio marginally exceeds Alaska's state average of 18.6%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. The $1,208/month median rent reflects a stable community with moderate maritime-economy employment and fishing-driven incomes.

Southeast Alaska's balanced housing market

Petersburg's $1,208/month rent and $77,026 income reflect Southeast Alaska's fishing and timber heritage, positioning it near state affordability norms. Compared to smaller remote boroughs, Petersburg offers more stable employment and slightly lower absolute rents, though higher home values suggest property appreciation.

Fishing economy supports renter stability

Renters allocate $1,208/month rent against a $77,026 annual income ($6,419/month), consuming 18.8% and leaving room for other obligations. Homeowners face substantial monthly costs of $1,108 on properties valued at $301,300—Alaska's second-highest—reflecting Petersburg's desirable Southeast location and limited available land.

Petersburg for Southeast lifestyle seekers

Petersburg suits those valuing Alaska's maritime communities and fishing heritage, with reasonable rent affordability if your household income approaches $77,000. Be prepared for high home purchase prices and limited job diversity outside the fishing and timber sectors.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Petersburg Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Petersburg slightly above U.S. median income

Petersburg's median household income of $77,026 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by 3%, placing it squarely in the middle-to-upper-middle class nationally. The per capita income of $42,380 is close to Alaska's state average of $42,832, suggesting relatively balanced earning distribution.

Middle-to-upper income tier in Alaska

Petersburg ranks in Alaska's upper-middle tier with a median household income of $77,026, 3% below the state average of $79,407. The borough's per capita income of $42,380 is nearly identical to the state average, indicating typical income distribution patterns for Alaska communities.

Strong earnings in Southeast Alaska

Petersburg's $77,026 income exceeds Prince of Wales-Hyder ($59,079) by $18,000, positioning it as a Southeast Alaska economic leader. The borough's fishing and timber heritage supports wage levels competitive with Nome Census Area ($76,643) and other regional peers.

Housing is pricey relative to income

At 18.8%, Petersburg's rent-to-income ratio is moderate, but the median home value of $301,300 is the second-highest in Alaska—reflecting Southeast real estate premiums. Households here must carefully budget for housing costs that consume nearly one-fifth of income.

Strategic saving for Petersburg prosperity

With median income of $77,026, aim to save 12-15% monthly for retirement and emergency funds, adjusted downward if housing costs dominate your budget. Explore employer pension plans common in fishing and resource industries, and consider geographic diversification of investment holdings.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Petersburg Borough

via CrimeByCounty

Outperforming National Public Safety Standards

Petersburg Borough maintains a total crime rate of 1215.2 per 100K, significantly lower than the national benchmark of 2,385.5. These statistics result in a robust safety score of 98.1.

Competitive Safety Among Alaska Boroughs

The borough's safety score of 98.1 aligns closely with the state average of 98.6. Although the local crime rate of 1215.2 is higher than the state average of 861.7, Petersburg remains a relatively safe coastal community.

Higher Activity Than Neighboring Regions

Petersburg reports more crime activity than neighbors like Prince of Wales-Hyder, which sees far lower rates. Because a single agency handles all reporting, local shifts in enforcement can have a large impact on these borough-wide figures.

Property Crime Dominates Local Reports

Violent crime is rare in Petersburg, with a rate of 59.3 per 100K compared to 369.8 nationally. However, property crime accounts for nearly all local incidents at a rate of 1155.9 per 100K.

Lock Up Your Valuables and Gear

Since property crime is the primary concern here, securing boats and outbuildings is a smart precaution. Simple deterrents like motion-activated lights can effectively discourage opportunistic theft in this maritime borough.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Petersburg Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Elite Performance in a Three-School System

Petersburg Borough maintains a streamlined and highly effective system of just 3 public schools for 438 students. This includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, all managed by a single borough district. This traditional structure supports a focused educational environment for the local fishing community.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

Petersburg boasts a stellar 95% graduation rate, far exceeding the Alaska state average of 79% and the national 87% benchmark. The borough's school score of 70.1 also sits well above the state average of 62.3. These results are achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $13,451, very close to the national average of $13,000.

Small-Scale Success in Petersburg

The Petersburg Borough School District is the sole provider for the area, and there are currently no charter schools. Rae C. Stedman Elementary is the largest school with 209 students, providing a strong foundation for the community's youth. The district's small size allows for high levels of student-teacher interaction and community involvement.

Cohesive Rural Campus Environments

All three schools in Petersburg are classified as rural, but they are located within a close-knit town setting. The average school size is 146 students, with Petersburg High School serving 123 students in a highly personalized atmosphere. This small-scale environment contributes to the borough's exceptionally high academic success rates.

Secure Your Family's Future in Petersburg

With a 95% graduation rate, Petersburg is one of the most attractive locations for families in Alaska. Homes in the borough offer proximity to a top-tier school system where every child is part of a small, focused cohort. School quality here is a primary reason for the area's enduring appeal to home buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Petersburg Borough

via RiskByCounty

Petersburg: minimal national risk

Petersburg Borough scores 15.43 on the composite risk scale, well below the national average and earning a Very Low rating. The borough's Southeast location and natural geography provide exceptional disaster protection.

Third-safest county in Alaska

Petersburg Borough ranks third-lowest among Alaska counties with a composite score of 15.43, less than half the state average of 35.22. Only two boroughs enjoy greater natural disaster resilience.

Safer than nearby Southeast peers

Petersburg's 15.43 score exceeds Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area (0.95) but remains safer than Kusilvak Census Area (57.92). The borough represents Southeast Alaska's generally low-risk profile.

Earthquake presents only real threat

Earthquake risk scores 18.26 in Petersburg, the borough's sole material hazard, while wildfire risk remains minimal at 3.40. Flood, tornado, and hurricane risks are negligible in this Southeast community.

Basic earthquake coverage sufficient

Petersburg residents should obtain earthquake insurance to address the region's seismic activity. Standard homeowner's coverage adequately protects against other disaster types in Alaska's safest Southeast borough.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Petersburg Borough

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Grade Not Currently Available

Petersburg Borough currently has no federal grade or health violations listed in the 5-year lookback data. Without this signal, it is difficult to compare local compliance to the state average violation rate of 1249.1 per 100,000 people. Residents should check with local utilities for their most recent consumer confidence reports.

Local Water Bodies Await Federal Assessment

The water bodies within Petersburg Borough have not yet been assessed under federal §303(d) standards. No impairments are currently listed, but this reflects a lack of data rather than a confirmed status. This makes it challenging to evaluate the health of the borough's streams against the state average of 16.1% impairment.

Active Monitoring of Metals and Microbiological Groups

Testers have collected 730 measurements across nine monitoring sites over the past five years. Key characteristics measured include physical traits, minor metals, and microbiological indicators. These records provide the only active federal data signal for water quality in the borough.

Limited Streamgage Data for Petersburg Area

The Twelvemile Creek gauge near Petersburg currently lacks live discharge data and long-term mean comparisons. While it monitors a small 10-square-mile drainage area, the absence of real-time flow stats limits local hydrological insight. Residents must rely on monitoring records and local observations for water trends.

Prioritize Microbiological Testing at Home

Since the borough is actively monitoring for microbiological indicators, residents should ensure their water sources are free from bacteria. The lack of a formal grade or watershed assessment means individual testing is the best way to ensure safety. Check your filtration systems regularly to maintain high water quality.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Petersburg Borough

via WeatherByCounty

A mild but incredibly wet maritime climate

Petersburg’s average temperature of 43.0°F is closer to the national median than northern Alaska, but still cooler. The region is defined by its extreme moisture, receiving 110.2 inches of precipitation annually. It is a temperate rainforest environment with zero days of extreme heat.

Among the warmest and wettest in Alaska

The borough is much warmer than the state average of 35.9°F, thanks to the moderating Pacific Ocean. It ranks as one of the wettest regions in the state, with precipitation more than double the Alaska average. This creates a lush, green landscape far removed from the arctic tundra.

Typical of the Southeast Alaska panhandle

Petersburg is slightly cooler than Prince of Wales-Hyder (45.0°F) but shares a similar rainy profile. While it gets 110.2 inches of rain, Sitka nearby receives even more at 152.8 inches. It experiences heavy snowfall of 85.6 inches, which is significantly more than its southern neighbors.

Damp, mild winters and cool summers

Winters are relatively mild for Alaska, averaging 31.6°F, but they bring a heavy 85.6 inches of snow. Summers are cool and cloudy, with a July average of only 56.3°F. This creates a narrow temperature range where extreme heat and extreme cold are both rare.

Prioritize high-end rain and snow gear

Waterproof clothing is the most important investment for 110.2 inches of annual precipitation. Heating systems should focus on moisture control and efficiency for the long, damp winter season. Residents must be prepared for heavy snow removal as nearly 86 inches falls annually.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Petersburg Borough

via LawnByCounty

Wet and Cool in Petersburg

Petersburg Borough's lawn difficulty score of 53.8 is slightly more challenging than the state average. While temperatures are milder than the interior, the extreme rainfall presents its own set of unique maintenance obstacles.

Exceptional Rainfall and Mild Seasons

At 110.2 inches, annual precipitation is more than double the Alaska state average and far exceeds the ideal 30-50 inches. This high moisture level, combined with 610 growing degree days, means drainage is a much larger concern than irrigation.

Combating Saturation and Acidity

While specific soil data is unavailable, the high rainfall in Petersburg often leads to acidic soil and leaching of nutrients. Lawns here likely require regular applications of lime to maintain a healthy pH and aggressive aeration to prevent waterlogging.

Abundant Water and Zero Drought

Drought is effectively non-existent here, with zero weeks of drought and 0% of the area even abnormally dry. Homeowners rarely need to water manually, but they must ensure their lawn's drainage system can handle 110 inches of rain.

Take Advantage of a Longer Season

The last spring frost is April 29, and the first fall frost isn't until October 17, providing a generous growing window. Use moisture-tolerant cool-season grasses and start seeding in early May once the soil has warmed.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Petersburg Borough's county score?
Petersburg Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 55.7 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 Petersburg Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Petersburg Borough ranks #11 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 Petersburg Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Petersburg Borough is $2,066, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Petersburg Borough a tax score of 64.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Petersburg Borough?
The median household income in Petersburg Borough, Alaska is $77,026 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Petersburg Borough earns an income score of 80.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Petersburg Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Petersburg Borough scores 55.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Petersburg 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 Petersburg Borough with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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