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Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska — County Report Card

AK

#2 in Alaska

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers MarketsView on Map
65.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.1Safety 92.8Property Tax 88.8

County Report Card

About Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska

Strongest Livability Score in Alaska

Prince of Wales-Hyder scores 65.5, substantially above the national median of 50.0 and in the 85th percentile—the highest in this entire sample. This exceptional score reflects a rare combination of safety, affordability, and stability in rural Alaska.

Alaska's Most Livable County

With a score of 65.5 versus Alaska's 51.1 average, Prince of Wales-Hyder ranks as the clear leader among Alaska counties in this analysis. The gap signals unique advantages that set this region apart.

Outstanding Safety and Environmental Resilience

The borough's safety score of 92.8 and risk score of 99.1 are exceptional—making it one of America's safest and most environmentally resilient counties. Tax score of 88.8 with effective rate of 0.470% also provides strong financial relief.

Lower Incomes and Health Access Gaps

Income score of 36.1 with median household income of $59,079 is the borough's weakest dimension, reflecting limited economic opportunity. Health score of 21.2 also signals limited medical services for this remote community.

Ideal for Safety-Conscious, Lower-Income Families

Prince of Wales-Hyder perfectly suits families prioritizing safety and environmental stability over high incomes, combined with affordable housing ($915/month rent) and low taxes. This is best for those accepting trade-offs of remote life for genuine security and peace.

Score breakdown

Tax88.8Cost64.8Safety92.8Health21.2Schools53.5Income36.1Risk99.1WaterComing SoonWeather56.1
🏛88.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡92.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓53.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱53.6
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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Deep Dives

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Prince of Wales taxes rank well below average

At 0.470%, Prince of Wales-Hyder's effective tax rate falls in the bottom 20% nationally, well below the U.S. median. The median property tax of $1,043 represents just 39% of the national median of $2,690, making this Southeast Alaska region exceptionally affordable.

Low-tax area in Alaska

Prince of Wales-Hyder's 0.470% rate sits below Alaska's statewide average of 0.772%, placing it among the state's more tax-friendly jurisdictions. Median taxes ($1,043) come in 52% below the state median ($2,187), offering significant savings.

Second-lowest in Alaska region

Prince of Wales' 0.470% rate exceeds only Northwest Arctic Borough (0.122%) and Kusilvak (0.274%), but trails Petersburg (0.686%) and North Slope (0.948%). As one of Alaska's most sparsely populated regions, low tax rates reflect minimal service demands.

What $221,800 homes cost yearly

On Prince of Wales' median home valued at $221,800, homeowners pay approximately $1,043 annually in property taxes—roughly $87 monthly. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to $1,648, but remains among Alaska's most economical.

Verify your assessment before paying

Even with low rates, property assessments can be inaccurate in less-developed areas where comparable sales data is sparse. Request a detailed explanation of how your home was valued and file an appeal if the assessment seems out of line with similar properties.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via CostByCounty

Prince of Wales matches state affordability

Prince of Wales-Hyder's median household income of $59,079 trails the U.S. average of $74,755 by 21%, yet its 18.6% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches Alaska's state average. Lower absolute rents ($915/month) partially offset modest local incomes, creating an affordability equilibrium.

Perfectly aligned with Alaska average

At 18.6%, Prince of Wales-Hyder's rent-to-income ratio matches Alaska's state average exactly, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's housing affordability distribution. The $915/month median rent ranks among Alaska's more affordable, reflecting the region's limited supply and smaller population.

Southeast Alaska's most affordable option

Prince of Wales-Hyder offers the lowest absolute rents among Southeast Alaska boroughs at $915/month, undercutting Petersburg ($1,208) and competing with rural remote areas. Lower incomes mean the affordability advantage is proportional rather than absolute compared to higher-wage Southeast communities.

Lower income, lower housing costs

Renters spend $915/month on housing against a $59,079 annual income ($4,923/month), allocating 18.6% to rent—the state average—and maintaining reasonable discretionary income. Homeowners face monthly costs of $545 on properties valued at $221,800, offering Alaska's most accessible ownership ladder on absolute terms.

Prince of Wales for budget-conscious movers

If you're relocating to Alaska with household income near $59,000 and prioritizing affordability, Prince of Wales-Hyder delivers some of the state's lowest absolute housing costs. Expect limited job diversity and remote island living; verify local employment prospects before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Prince of Wales trails national income standard

Prince of Wales-Hyder's median household income of $59,079 falls 21% below the U.S. median of $74,755, positioning it in the lower-middle-income category nationally. The per capita income of $35,162 is also well below the national average, indicating limited individual earning power.

Second-lowest income county in Alaska

Prince of Wales-Hyder ranks near Alaska's bottom with a median household income of $59,079, 26% below the state average of $79,407. Only Kusilvak Census Area earns less statewide, reflecting Southeast Alaska's economic challenges outside major regional centers.

Lags peers across rural regions

Prince of Wales-Hyder's $59,079 income trails Lake and Peninsula Borough ($64,000), Petersburg Borough ($77,026), and all other Alaska counties except Kusilvak. The $18,000 gap versus Petersburg reflects differences in fishing resources and access to employment opportunities.

Affordable housing despite low income

At 18.6%, Prince of Wales-Hyder's rent-to-income ratio is reasonable, and the median home value of $221,800 is moderate by Alaska standards. Lower incomes are offset by slightly less-expensive housing, making homeownership more feasible than would appear from income alone.

Build stability with intentional planning

Lower household incomes demand disciplined financial planning—prioritize a 3-6 month emergency fund and maximize any employer retirement benefits available. Consider community credit unions and microfinance programs designed to support wealth-building in rural communities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety and Minimal Crime

Prince of Wales-Hyder reports a total crime rate of just 103.5 per 100K, which is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5. This translates to an elite safety score of 99.8 out of 100.

Leading the State in Security

The area's 99.8 safety score easily surpasses the Alaska average of 98.6. With a total crime rate of 103.5, it remains far more secure than the state average of 861.7.

Far Safer Than Nearby Jurisdictions

The crime rate here is significantly lower than Petersburg Borough's rate of 1215.2. With two agencies reporting, the data suggests a consistently stable environment across the different island communities.

Extremely Low Violent and Property Rates

Violent crime is nearly nonexistent at 34.5 per 100K, while property crime sits at a very low 69.0. Both figures are drastically lower than the national violent and property crime averages of 369.8 and 2,015.7.

Maintain Your Safe Community Status

High safety scores are a community achievement that benefits from continued awareness. Staying connected with neighbors and reporting suspicious behavior helps ensure these impressively low crime rates continue.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy trails national average by 3+ years

Prince of Wales-Hyder residents live to 71.9 years, falling 3.3 years short of the U.S. average of 75.2 years. The poor/fair health rate of 20.2% exceeds the national average of 18%, suggesting underlying health challenges. This southeast Alaska region faces greater-than-average health disparities.

Below-average health outcomes within Alaska

At 71.9 years, Prince of Wales-Hyder's life expectancy falls 3.7 years below Alaska's state average of 75.6 years. The poor/fair health rate of 20.2% exceeds the state average, placing this region in the lower half of Alaska health rankings. Healthcare outcomes here demand attention and resources.

Moderate health disparities compared to peers

Prince of Wales-Hyder's life expectancy of 71.9 years outperforms Kusilvak (65.0 years), Nome (68.9 years), and Northwest Arctic (67.8 years), but trails Petersburg (78.5 years), Matanuska-Susitna (76.2 years), and North Slope (75.8 years). The poor/fair health rate of 20.2% is better than Kusilvak, Nome, and Northwest Arctic, but worse than Petersburg and Mat-Su. Primary care access of 175 per 100,000 and mental health providers at 1,001 per 100,000 provide strong behavioral health infrastructure.

High provider access, elevated uninsured rate

Prince of Wales-Hyder's uninsured rate of 19.1% is notably higher than Alaska's state average of 15.9%, leaving nearly 1 in 5 residents without coverage. However, the region offers 175 primary care providers and 1,001 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—among Alaska's highest densities. Strong provider availability should help minimize care gaps despite insurance challenges.

Connect to excellent healthcare providers

With nearly 1 in 5 residents uninsured, Prince of Wales-Hyder families could significantly benefit from securing coverage. The region's abundant primary and mental health providers deliver excellent care when you have active insurance. Contact your local health department or Alaska's navigator program to explore your options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse Mosaic of Island Schools

This census area features 20 public schools serving 1,505 students across six different school districts. The infrastructure is unique, with 14 'other' schools (PK-12) providing the backbone for various island communities. This decentralized system reflects the complex geography of the Prince of Wales archipelago.

Steady Results Across Multiple Districts

The area maintains an 81.0% graduation rate, which outperforms the state average of 79.0%. Per-pupil expenditure is $12,172, slightly lower than the national $13,000 average but effectively utilized. The composite school score of 60.0 is competitive with the state average of 62.3.

Decentralized Learning Across Six Districts

Six districts operate here, with Craig City School District and Southeast Island School District being the most prominent. There are no charter schools, but the Craig City district serves 668 students, including the area's largest school, PACE Correspondence (433 students). This variety allows for localized management tailored to each unique community.

The Essence of Small Rural Schools

All 20 schools are rural, and the average school size is remarkably small at just 79 students. Outside of the correspondence program, schools like Richard Johnson Elementary (137 students) offer incredibly intimate learning environments. Students here experience an education deeply connected to the natural environment and local island culture.

Island Living with Strong School Bonds

Families seeking a true community-school connection will find Prince of Wales-Hyder to be an ideal match. When looking for homes, consider the Craig or Klawock areas to be near the region's largest brick-and-mortar schools. The area's better-than-average graduation rate makes it a smart choice for education-conscious buyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Prince of Wales: America's safest region

Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area scores just 0.95 on the composite risk scale, far below the national average and earning a Very Low rating. This represents the lowest disaster risk profile in the nation.

Alaska's safest county overall

Prince of Wales-Hyder ranks safest among all Alaska counties with a composite score of 0.95, nearly one-third the state average of 35.22. The census area stands alone as Alaska's most resilient community.

Dramatically safer than surrounding areas

Prince of Wales-Hyder's 0.95 score is incomparably lower than all neighboring regions, including Petersburg Borough (15.43). The area's Southeast geography provides unmatched disaster protection in Alaska.

Earthquake: only meaningful hazard

Earthquake risk of 43.03 is Prince of Wales-Hyder's only notable disaster exposure, though wildfire and flood risks remain negligible at 10.11 and 3.75. The Southeast climate effectively eliminates most weather-related disasters.

Earthquake coverage offers complete protection

Prince of Wales-Hyder residents should obtain earthquake insurance as the region's sole material disaster risk. Standard homeowner's coverage is sufficient for other hazards in America's naturally safest county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

Temperate maritime climate with massive rainfall

With an annual average of 45.0°F, this is one of the warmest regions in Alaska, though still cooler than the U.S. median. The area is exceptionally wet, receiving 104.9 inches of precipitation per year. It experiences a mild, oceanic climate with zero days of extreme heat.

One of Alaska's warmest temperature leaders

The area’s 45.0°F average temperature is nearly 10 degrees higher than the Alaska state average. It represents the southern extreme of the state, where the Pacific Ocean prevents the deep freezes common elsewhere. It is significantly warmer and wetter than most other Alaska jurisdictions.

Warmer and slightly drier than Sitka

Prince of Wales-Hyder is warmer than Petersburg (43.0°F) and Sitka (43.9°F). While it receives a massive 104.9 inches of rain, it is actually drier than Sitka’s record-breaking 152.8 inches. Its 45.4 inches of snow is much lower than many nearby coastal boroughs.

Mild winters and cool, overcast summers

Winters are remarkably mild for the state, with a December-February average of 35.0°F. Summers remain cool and damp, with July temperatures peaking at 57.3°F. The lack of extreme heat and relatively high winter lows create a very stable but wet annual cycle.

Focus on moisture management and rain gear

High-quality rain shells and waterproof boots are daily essentials for over 100 inches of annual rain. Dehumidifiers are often necessary in homes to combat the constant coastal humidity. Residents benefit from milder winters, requiring less intensive heating than interior Alaska.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

via LawnByCounty

Managing a High-Rainfall Lawn

Prince of Wales-Hyder has a lawn difficulty score of 53.6, which is a few points below the Alaska state average. The primary challenge here is the sheer volume of water, which requires different tactics than the drier parts of the state.

Rainforest Conditions for Your Yard

With 104.9 inches of annual precipitation, this area is incredibly wet compared to the national ideal. The 760 growing degree days and mild January average of 34.4°F provide one of the more temperate climates in Alaska for grass growth.

Prioritizing Drainage in Wet Soil

Local soil metrics are not available, but the heavy rainfall typically results in acidic, saturated conditions. To succeed, incorporate plenty of sand and organic matter to improve drainage and prevent moss from overtaking your turf.

No Drought Concerns in Sight

The area currently has 0% drought coverage and has faced zero weeks of drought over the last year. Water conservation is rarely a priority here; instead, focus on preventing runoff and erosion during heavy downpours.

An Early Start for Southeast Alaska

A long growing season begins after the last frost on April 19 and lasts until October 31. Plant moisture-loving cool-season varieties in late April to take advantage of the 195-day window before the first fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area's county score?
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 65.5 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 Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area ranks #2 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 Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area is $1,043, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area a tax score of 88.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area?
The median household income in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska is $59,079 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area earns an income score of 36.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area scores 65.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area 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 Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area with other counties side by side.

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