57.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 95.7Property Tax 88.6Disaster Risk 76.2

County Report Card

About Sitka City and Borough, Alaska

Sitka scores above the national middle

With a composite score of 57.3, Sitka ranks in the 65th percentile nationally—well above the national median of 50.0. This places it among the more livable counties in the United States, reflecting strong fundamentals across multiple dimensions.

Third best in Alaska

Sitka's 57.3 score puts it solidly above Alaska's state average of 51.1, ranking it in the top tier of Alaskan counties. This strong state-level standing reflects the borough's relatively balanced quality of life across income, health, and education.

High earners in a low-tax haven

Sitka's median household income of $101,207 is exceptional, paired with an income score of 95.7 and a remarkable tax score of 88.6—reflecting an effective tax rate of just 0.472%. These financial strengths are rare even among Alaska's counties, making the borough attractive to professionals seeking both earning power and tax efficiency.

Housing costs and water access lag

Despite strong income, Sitka struggles with affordability: its cost score of 8.7 reflects a median home value of $442,100 and median rent of $1,350/month. Water quality scores (33.3) also represent room for improvement in infrastructure resilience.

Ideal for affluent remote professionals

Sitka suits high-income earners and remote workers who can command strong salaries and value tax efficiency over housing affordability. This is a borough for those seeking Alaska's natural appeal paired with solid schools and low tax burden, rather than budget-conscious relocators.

Score breakdown

Tax88.6Cost8.7SafetyComing SoonHealth62.2Schools73.6Income95.7Risk76.2Water33.3Weather54.8
🏛88.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠8.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼95.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
62.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓73.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
76.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧33.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤54.8
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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Deep Dives

Sitka City and Borough across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Sitka City and Borough

via TaxByCounty

Sitka taxes rank low nationally

Sitka's effective tax rate of 0.472% sits well below the national median of 1.1%, placing this Southeast Alaska borough in the bottom 20% of U.S. counties for property tax burden. The median home here costs $442,100, yet residents pay just $2,086 annually—significantly less than the national median tax bill of $2,690 despite owning pricier homes.

Sitka undercuts Alaska's tax average

Among Alaska's property tax jurisdictions, Sitka ranks in the lower half with a 0.472% effective rate compared to the state average of 0.772%. The median tax bill of $2,086 nearly matches Alaska's statewide median of $2,187, even though Sitka's homes command premium prices.

Southeast Alaska's most tax-friendly borough

Sitka edges out Skagway (0.342%) and Wrangell (0.620%) as a Southeast tax destination, though all three coastal communities offer rates well below the state average. Compared to interior regions like Yukon-Koyukuk (0.862%), Sitka represents a moderate tax environment for a region that historically relies on timber, fishing, and tourism.

What $442,100 home costs annually

A median-priced Sitka home of $442,100 generates roughly $2,086 in annual property taxes at the current 0.472% rate. With mortgage-related fees included, the total annual burden reaches $2,200, leaving Sitka homeowners with lower bills than comparable communities nationwide.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Many Alaska homeowners find their properties appraised above market value, creating opportunities to appeal and reduce annual tax bills. If you believe your $442,100 assessment is high, requesting a reassessment review could yield meaningful savings on your $2,086 annual bill.

Cost of Living in Sitka City and Borough

via CostByCounty

Sitka's housing costs beat national norms

Renters in Sitka spend just 16.0% of income on housing—well below the national danger zone of 30% and lower than Alaska's 18.6% state average. With a median household income of $101,207, residents here earn 35% more than the typical American household, making housing far more manageable despite the state's remote location.

Most affordable rents in Southeast Alaska

Sitka ranks among Alaska's most housing-affordable communities, with residents dedicating a smaller share of income to rent than nearly all state peers. The combination of strong median incomes and moderate rents positions Sitka as a housing haven compared to other Alaskan communities.

Southeast's affordability leader

Sitka's $1,350 monthly rent sits between Skagway ($1,228) and Yakutat ($1,276), but Sitka's significantly higher income ($101,207 vs. Skagway's $78,594) makes housing much easier to afford here. Owner costs of $1,587 monthly are higher than neighbors, but remain manageable for Sitka's well-compensated workforce.

Where Sitka's income goes

A typical renter pays $1,350 monthly while earning $101,207 annually, leaving plenty of room for other expenses. Homeowners commit roughly $1,587 per month, or about 18.8% of household income—still comfortably below the stress threshold, thanks to a median home value of $442,100.

Consider Sitka for remote work relocation

If you're relocating to Alaska and prioritize housing affordability without sacrificing income potential, Sitka deserves serious consideration. The combination of the state's lowest rent-to-income ratio and strong median earnings makes it one of Alaska's most livable communities for renters and homebuyers alike.

Income & Jobs in Sitka City and Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Sitka outearns most American households

Sitka's median household income of $101,207 runs 35% ahead of the national median of $74,755, placing it well above average American earning power. This Southeast Alaska borough ranks among the nation's stronger income communities, driven by fishing, tourism, and government employment.

Highest earner among Alaska counties

Sitka leads all Alaska counties with a median household income of $101,207, far exceeding the state average of $79,407. Per capita income here reaches $45,532, also well above the state average of $42,832.

Sitka dominates Southeast Alaska earnings

At $101,207, Sitka's median income towers over nearby Skagway ($78,594) and Wrangell ($64,545), reflecting its larger economic base and employment diversity. Its per capita income of $45,532 is notably higher than neighbors' figures, suggesting stronger individual earning power across the region.

Strong income shields housing costs

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 16%, Sitka residents spend a healthy portion of earnings on housing—well below the national concern threshold of 30%. The median home value of $442,100 remains achievable for households at this income level, supporting long-term wealth building through homeownership.

Invest gains beyond the paycheck

Sitka's above-average income creates real opportunity to build wealth beyond housing. Consider redirecting savings into diversified investments, retirement accounts, and emergency funds to compound your economic advantage over time.

Health in Sitka City and Borough

via HealthByCounty

Sitka's life expectancy leads the nation

Residents of Sitka live to 79.0 years on average, outpacing the U.S. average of 76.1 years and setting a strong baseline for health in Alaska. Just 14.9% of the population reports poor or fair health—a rate below the national average of 17.8%. These figures suggest Sitka's communities benefit from access to preventive care and healthy living conditions.

Sitka ranks among Alaska's healthiest

At 79.0 years, Sitka's life expectancy significantly exceeds Alaska's state average of 75.6 years, placing it near the top of the state's health rankings. The uninsured rate matches the state average at 14.9%, indicating parity with most Alaskan communities in coverage. This consistency in both longevity and insurance access reflects Sitka's stable healthcare infrastructure.

Sitka outperforms nearby Southeast Alaska peers

Sitka's 79.0-year life expectancy surpasses Wrangell (77.5 years) and Southeast Fairbanks (75.4 years), making it a regional health leader. With 214 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Sitka has notably more local physician capacity than Southeast Fairbanks (57 per 100K). The borough's mental health provider density of 2,994 per 100K is among the state's highest, ensuring robust behavioral health support.

Strong provider access meets low uninsured rates

Sitka's 14.9% uninsured rate matches the state average, but the borough compensates with excellent provider availability—214 primary care providers and 2,994 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. This combination means residents who do have coverage can access care relatively easily, and those without insurance face fewer barriers to finding providers willing to work with uninsured patients. Daily healthcare reality: most residents can see a primary care doctor within days, not weeks.

Explore coverage options to stay protected

Even in Sitka's well-resourced environment, 14.9% of residents lack health insurance coverage. Check your eligibility for Alaska's Medicaid program, employer benefits, or subsidized marketplace plans through Healthcare.gov. A few minutes spent reviewing your options now can protect you from unexpected medical bills and help you access preventive care that keeps life expectancy climbing.

Schools in Sitka City and Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

Historic Hub of Southeast Alaska Education

Sitka City and Borough supports 1,527 students through 7 public schools across two districts. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools, along with one alternative facility. This robust infrastructure serves both the local population and students from across the state.

Top-Tier Performance and Funding

Sitka's graduation rate of 89.8% significantly beats the national average of 87% and the state average of 79%. This success is supported by a per-pupil spend of $14,980, which is well above the national $13,000 benchmark. The borough's school score of 70.7 is among the highest in the state of Alaska.

Sitka School District and Mt. Edgecumbe

The Sitka School District manages six schools for 1,120 students, while the renowned Mt. Edgecumbe High School serves 407 students. There are no charter schools, but the inclusion of an alternative school provides flexibility for the community. Mt. Edgecumbe remains the largest single school in the borough.

Small-Town Feel with High Academic Focus

With five schools in town and two in rural settings, Sitka offers a balanced locale mix for families. The average school size is 218 students, providing a 'Goldilocks' environment—large enough for diverse programs but small enough for personal attention. High-performing schools like Sitka High and Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary anchor the community.

Invest in a Home Near Sitka's Best Schools

Sitka is a premier choice for families due to its nearly 90% graduation rate and high school scores. Homes within the city limits provide walkable access to top-rated elementary and secondary campuses. Use Sitka's strong educational data as a cornerstone for your real estate investment strategy in Southeast Alaska.

Disaster Risk in Sitka City and Borough

via RiskByCounty

Sitka's natural disaster risk: well below average

With a composite risk score of 23.82 and a Very Low rating, Sitka faces significantly less natural disaster risk than the typical U.S. county. The national average composite risk score stands around 35.22, meaning Sitka residents experience roughly one-third less overall hazard exposure than many American communities.

Safer than most Alaska counties

Sitka ranks among Alaska's lower-risk communities, with its 23.82 score well below the state average of 35.22. Only a handful of Alaska's 29 counties maintain comparably low composite risk profiles.

Sitka compares favorably to Southeast Alaska peers

Sitka's risk profile is notably lower than neighboring Southeast Fairbanks (57.03) and Yukon-Koyukuk (61.55), though similar to coastal Skagway (0.48) and Wrangell (0.06). This reflects Sitka's maritime location and smaller exposure to the wildfire and flood risks that dominate interior Alaska.

Earthquakes and floods pose primary threats

Earthquake risk dominates Sitka's hazard profile at 83.87, reflecting the region's position on the Pacific Ring of Fire—a reality all Southeast Alaska residents should understand. Flood risk ranks second at 34.00, driven by heavy precipitation and coastal proximity, though tornado and wildfire threats remain minimal (0.10 and 8.75 respectively).

Prioritize earthquake and flood coverage now

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake damage, making separate earthquake insurance essential for Sitka properties. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program should also be a priority given the county's 34.00 flood risk score and coastal location.

Weather & Climate in Sitka City and Borough

via WeatherByCounty

Extreme precipitation defines this coastal hub

Sitka averages 43.9°F annually, which is mild for Alaska but cool compared to the national average. The standout data is the 152.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is roughly five times the national average. This creates a unique temperate rainforest environment with no extreme heat.

A maritime warm spot with record rain

Sitka is much warmer than the state average of 35.9°F and is among the wettest places in Alaska. Its 152.8 inches of precipitation dwarfs the state average of 54.8 inches. This oceanic climate ensures that temperatures rarely drop to the extremes seen in the interior.

The wettest of its coastal neighbors

Sitka receives 152.8 inches of rain, far exceeding Petersburg (110.2") and Prince of Wales-Hyder (104.9"). It also sees more snow than its southern neighbors, averaging 101.8 inches per year. It shares a similar 43-44°F temperature range with other Southeast Alaska counties.

Wet winters and cool, misty summers

Winters are mild at 34.7°F but very snowy, with an annual total of 101.8 inches. July is cool and often cloudy, averaging 55.8°F with no extreme heat days over 90°F. The year is characterized by consistent moisture rather than temperature swings.

Plan for water in every form

Commercial-grade rain gear is a necessity for the nearly 153 inches of annual precipitation. Homeowners must prioritize drainage and roof maintenance to handle the heavy combination of rain and 101.8 inches of snow. Cooling is not a concern, as summer temperatures remain very mild.

Lawn Care in Sitka City and Borough

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Care in a Maritime Climate

Sitka’s lawn difficulty score of 53.8 sits slightly above the national average of 50.0, indicating manageable conditions. While its score trails the state average of 57.8, the maritime climate provides a consistent environment for growth despite a missing USDA hardiness classification.

Managing Extreme Rainfall in Sitka

With a staggering 152.8 inches of annual precipitation, Sitka receives triple the ideal upper limit of 50 inches for lawns. This saturation pairs with a low 564 growing degree days, meaning mowing schedules must prioritize drainage and moss control over irrigation.

Navigating High-Moisture Soil Conditions

Local soil data for pH and texture is currently limited for this borough. However, the region's extreme rainfall typically leads to acidic, leached conditions that require soil testing for drainage capacity to ensure roots do not rot in the damp environment.

Abundant Water Supply Minimizes Drought Risk

Sitka spent zero weeks in drought this past year and maintains 0% coverage of abnormally dry conditions. Because moisture is constant and exceeds the state average of 53.5 inches, water conservation efforts are rarely needed for lawn survival here.

Maximize the Frost-Free Season

Hardier cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue perform best between the last frost on April 21 and the first frost on October 31. Aim to seed in late spring once the soil warms enough to support the limited 564 growing degree days available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sitka City and Borough's county score?
Sitka City and Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 57.3 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 Sitka City and Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Sitka City and Borough ranks #9 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 Sitka City and Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Sitka City and Borough is $2,086, with an effective tax rate of 0.47%. This earns Sitka City and Borough a tax score of 88.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Sitka City and Borough?
The median household income in Sitka City and Borough, Alaska is $101,207 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Sitka City and Borough earns an income score of 95.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Sitka City and Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Sitka City and Borough scores 57.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #9 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Sitka City and 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 Sitka City and Borough with other counties side by side.