countyscore
62.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.6Property Tax 96.6Safety 83.7

County Report Card

About Skagway Municipality, Alaska

Skagway outpaces the nation handily

Skagway's composite score of 62.1 ranks it in the 72nd percentile nationally, meaningfully above the U.S. median of 50.0. This small Southeast Alaska municipality punches well above its size in overall livability metrics.

Alaska's second-best county

At 62.1, Skagway ranks second among Alaska's counties, trailing only one other for overall livability. Its score of 11 points above Alaska's state average of 51.1 reflects exceptional strength in tax and safety dimensions.

Tax haven with genuine safety

Skagway boasts Alaska's lowest effective tax rate at 0.342%—driving its exceptional tax score of 96.6. Combined with a safety score of 83.7 and near-perfect risk management score of 99.6, the municipality offers rare security across fiscal and physical dimensions.

Schools and health services need attention

Health and education scores trail other strong areas, at 45.4 and 52.0 respectively, suggesting gaps in medical resources and school infrastructure for a community seeking comprehensive family support. Median household income of $78,594, while solid, lags Sitka's more remote mining-focused economy.

Best for security-conscious minimalists

Skagway appeals to retirees, small-business owners, and risk-averse individuals who prioritize tax efficiency, safety, and walkable frontier charm over expansive schools and hospitals. This is Alaska's most fiscally prudent and personally secure remote community.

Score breakdown

Tax96.6Cost23.5Safety83.7Health45.4Schools52Income82.3Risk99.6WaterComing SoonWeather52.3
🏛96.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠23.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼82.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡83.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤52.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱62.7
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

Haines Borough
Alaska
63
Juneau City and Borough
Alaska
49.5
Hoonah-Angoon Census Area
Alaska
70.2
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
57.3
Yakutat City and Borough
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51.5
Petersburg Borough
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Wrangell City and Borough
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Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
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65.5

Deep Dives

Skagway Municipality across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Skagway Municipality

via TaxByCounty

Skagway offers the lowest Alaska rates

Skagway's effective tax rate of 0.342% ranks in the bottom 5% nationwide, making this Southeast gateway one of America's lightest-taxed property jurisdictions. The median home valued at $430,000 carries an annual tax burden of just $1,472—nearly 45% below the national median tax bill of $2,690.

Skagway ranks lowest in Alaska

At 0.342%, Skagway's effective rate is the lowest among Alaska's major tax jurisdictions, roughly 56% below the state average of 0.772%. The median tax of $1,472 trails Alaska's statewide median by $715, making Skagway's small but scenic community exceptionally affordable from a tax perspective.

Clear tax advantage over regional peers

Skagway's 0.342% rate beats Wrangell (0.620%) and Sitka (0.472%), offering Southeast Alaska's most favorable tax climate. Even compared to distant Yakutat (0.762%), Skagway residents pay less than half the effective rate per dollar of home value.

What $430,000 home costs annually

The median Skagway home valued at $430,000 translates to approximately $1,472 in annual property taxes at the 0.342% rate. Even accounting for mortgage-related assessments, the total annual obligation reaches just $1,698, among Alaska's lowest property tax costs.

Review your assessment for overvaluation

Even in low-tax Skagway, some homeowners discover inflated valuations on their tax bills and successfully appeal for reductions. If your $430,000 home assessment seems high compared to recent sales, filing an appeal could trim your $1,472 annual tax bill further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Skagway Municipality

via CostByCounty

Skagway's rent-to-income ratio near state average

Skagway renters allocate 18.8% of income to housing costs, nearly matching Alaska's state average of 18.6% and remaining safely below the national 30% affordability threshold. While median household income of $78,594 is slightly above the national median, Alaska's remote location keeps rental prices elevated.

Middle-ground affordability across Alaska

Skagway's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% places it squarely in Alaska's mid-range for housing affordability, neither among the most nor least expensive communities. The municipality offers a balanced housing market compared to the state's extremes.

Skagway offers competitive rents

Skagway's $1,228 monthly rent is the lowest among Southeast Alaskan peers, including Sitka ($1,350) and Yakutat ($1,276), though income here is also lower at $78,594. Homeownership is more affordable, with median costs of $981 monthly, making Skagway attractive for those seeking to build equity.

Skagway's housing affordability math

Renters earning $78,594 annually pay $1,228 monthly, dedicating less than a fifth of gross income to rent. Owner-occupied households fare even better, with $981 monthly payments representing just 15% of household income on a $430,000 median home value.

Skagway for owner-occupants seeking value

Skagway stands out as Alaska's most affordable community for prospective homeowners, with below-average ownership costs and moderate home values. If you're planning to buy and stay in Alaska, Skagway offers rare ownership opportunities without the premium price tags of other communities.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Skagway Municipality

via IncomeByCounty

Skagway beats the national income bar

Skagway's median household income of $78,594 tops the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 5%, showing solid earning power for this small Southeast Alaska gateway. Per capita income of $53,798 is significantly above the national typical, reflecting robust individual earnings.

Second-tier earner in Alaska

Skagway's median household income of $78,594 sits just below Alaska's state average of $79,407, placing it firmly in the middle ranks statewide. Per capita income of $53,798 substantially exceeds the state average of $42,832, showing strong individual earnings.

Outpaces smaller Southeast Alaska peers

Skagway's $78,594 median income exceeds Wrangell ($64,545) and Southeast Fairbanks ($74,223), reflecting its seasonal tourism economy and service-sector employment. Its per capita income of $53,798 is notably higher than most regional neighbors.

Housing costs remain manageable

Skagway residents dedicate 18.8% of household income to rent—comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold—leaving room for savings and other expenses. The median home value of $430,000 is elevated but remains within reach for dual-income households earning near the median.

Season your income with savings

As a tourism-dependent community, Skagway households often experience seasonal income swings. Build a robust emergency fund and consider automatic contributions to retirement accounts to smooth earnings volatility and secure long-term financial health.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Skagway Municipality

via CrimeByCounty

Impressive Safety in Skagway

Skagway Municipality maintains a total crime rate of 383.7 per 100K, roughly 16% of the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the community a high safety score of 99.4.

One of Alaska’s Safest Destinations

Skagway’s safety score of 99.4 outpaces the Alaska average of 98.6. Furthermore, its total crime rate is less than half of the statewide average of 861.7, marking it as a secure refuge.

A Local Success in Public Safety

Skagway’s crime rate is significantly lower than Petersburg’s but slightly higher than Prince of Wales-Hyder. As a single-agency municipality, local law enforcement efforts are clearly reflected in these positive safety figures.

Zero Reported Violent Crimes

Skagway reported a violent crime rate of 0.0 per 100K in 2022, far better than the national average of 369.8. Every reported incident was property-related, occurring at a rate of 383.7 per 100K.

Guard Against Opportunistic Theft

While violent threats are absent, property crime remains the only statistical concern for Skagway residents. Implementing basic home security measures like locked doors can further reduce these already low property crime numbers.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Skagway Municipality

via HealthByCounty

Skagway's health picture remains incomplete

Life expectancy data for Skagway is not currently available, limiting direct comparison to the U.S. average of 76.1 years. However, 15.6% of residents report poor or fair health—slightly lower than the national average of 17.8%—suggesting the community enjoys baseline good health. With limited data, tracking trends over time will be crucial for understanding Skagway's true health trajectory.

Limited data reflects Skagway's small population

Skagway's life expectancy is not available for state comparison, though the borough's 15.6% poor/fair health rate sits slightly below Alaska's overall health burden. The uninsured rate of 15.9% matches the state average exactly, indicating comparable coverage gaps despite Skagway's remote location. Data scarcity reflects Skagway's small population but suggests healthcare outcomes track with state norms.

Skagway faces data limits among Southeast peers

Skagway's 15.6% poor/fair health rate is lower than Wrangell (17.2%) and Southeast Fairbanks (18.3%), a positive sign for community health. Primary care provider data is unavailable for Skagway, making direct comparison to Sitka (214 per 100K) or Southeast Fairbanks (57 per 100K) impossible. With only 183 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Skagway's behavioral health capacity lags behind regional and state leaders.

Remote access and hidden uninsured rates

Skagway's 15.9% uninsured rate matches the state average, but the borough's remoteness likely compounds access challenges for both insured and uninsured residents. Primary care provider counts are unavailable, but the mental health provider density of 183 per 100K suggests limited behavioral health specialists accessible locally. Daily reality: residents often travel to Juneau or other Alaska hubs for specialized care, making routine health maintenance essential.

Protect yourself despite remote challenges

Being uninsured in a remote community like Skagway increases financial risk when emergency care requires travel and hospitalization. Explore Alaska Medicaid, tribal health programs if you're Alaska Native, and marketplace insurance options designed for remote communities. Taking action now ensures you're covered before a health crisis forces difficult choices between healthcare and financial security.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Skagway Municipality

via SchoolsByCounty

A Single Hub for Skagway Students

The Skagway School District operates as a focused educational environment with just one central school serving the entire community. This single PK-12 institution supports a total enrollment of 152 students within the municipality's rural landscape.

High Investment with Selective Outcomes

Skagway invests heavily in its youth, spending $17,035 per pupil, which significantly exceeds the national average of $13,000. While the school score of 67.3 beats the state average, the 75% graduation rate remains below the national benchmark of 87%.

Unified Under the Skagway School District

The Skagway School District manages all 152 students in the area, providing a streamlined administrative approach. There are currently no charter schools in the municipality, meaning all public education is consolidated within the main district framework.

Personalized Learning in a Rural Setting

Education here is an intimate experience where the average school size is 152 students. Skagway School serves as the community's sole academic anchor, offering a purely rural setting for students from preschool through high school.

Find Your Home in Skagway

Families looking for a tight-knit community often choose Skagway for its high per-pupil investment and small-town atmosphere. Explore local housing options to find a residence within walking distance of the town's central educational hub.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Skagway Municipality

via RiskByCounty

Skagway ranks among America's safest places

Skagway's composite risk score of just 0.48 places it in the very lowest tier of U.S. natural disaster risk. This exceptional rating means Skagway residents face substantially lower hazard exposure than the typical American county.

Alaska's least risky community

Skagway holds the distinction of lowest natural disaster risk among Alaska's 29 counties, with a 0.48 score far below the state average of 35.22. The municipality's remote location and small population create minimal exposure to most major hazards.

Skagway stands apart in Southeast Alaska

Skagway's 0.48 score significantly undercuts neighboring Sitka (23.82) and other Southeast Alaskan communities. Only Wrangell (0.06) comes close, but both communities benefit from isolation and maritime climates that minimize wildfire and severe weather threats.

Earthquake remains the primary hazard

Earthquake risk at 43.89 dominates Skagway's otherwise minimal hazard landscape, a consequence of the region's seismic geography. All other risks—flood (0.25), wildfire (2.45), and tornado (0.03)—remain negligible by national standards.

Earthquake insurance is your key priority

Given Skagway's seismic setting, earthquake insurance through a private carrier or state program should be your primary protection. Standard homeowners policies will not cover earthquake damage, leaving uninsured property owners fully responsible for repairs.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Skagway Municipality

via WeatherByCounty

Cool maritime climate with moderate precipitation

Skagway’s 42.2°F annual average is approximately 12 degrees below the national median. Unlike its neighbors, it is relatively dry for Southeast Alaska, receiving 28.3 inches of precipitation. It experiences a temperate maritime climate with no extreme heat days.

Warmer and drier than the Alaska average

At 42.2°F, Skagway is notably warmer than the 35.9°F state average. Surprisingly, its 28.3 inches of precipitation is only about half of the statewide average of 54.8 inches. This makes it a unique outlier in the otherwise saturated Southeast region.

A dry pocket in a rainy region

Skagway is significantly drier than nearby Sitka, which receives over 150 inches of rain. Its 44.9 inches of annual snowfall is also much lower than Petersburg’s 85.6 inches. Temperature-wise, it remains consistent with the rest of the 42-45°F Panhandle group.

Distinct winters and the region's warmest summers

Winters average 27.6°F, which is colder than Sitka but still relatively mild for Alaska. Summer is the warmest in this group, with a July average of 58.7°F, though still without extreme heat. Annual snowfall is moderate for the area at 44.9 inches.

Versatile layering for changing coastal weather

Residents should prepare for a mix of rain and snow, though totals are more manageable than in neighboring boroughs. High-quality wind-resistant layers are helpful for the coastal breezes and 25.6°F January lows. Standard Alaska winter gear is sufficient for the moderate 44.9 inches of snow.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Skagway Municipality

via LawnByCounty

Optimal Growing Conditions in Skagway

Skagway earns a lawn difficulty score of 62.7, surpassing both the state average of 57.8 and the national median of 50.0. This makes it one of the more favorable places in Alaska to maintain a healthy greenspace.

Perfect Balance of Rain and Warmth

Annual precipitation of 28.3 inches sits just below the ideal range of 30-50 inches, suggesting a near-perfect balance for turf. With 835 growing degree days and zero extreme heat days, grass thrives without the stress of summer scorching.

Preparing Your Soil Foundation

Detailed soil composition data is not currently available for this municipality. Given the local terrain and high state-wide precipitation, residents should focus on establishing a thick layer of topsoil and testing for potential acidity before seeding.

Stable Moisture Levels All Year

The region currently reports 0% abnormally dry area and has experienced no weeks of drought over the last year. These stable conditions mean you can focus your efforts on nutrient management rather than emergency watering during the growing season.

Seeding for Success in Skagway

The growing window opens after the final frost on May 6 and closes by mid-October. Seeding in early summer allows the grass to capitalize on the 835 growing degree days before the October 17 frost arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skagway Municipality's county score?
Skagway Municipality, Alaska has a composite county score of 62.1 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 Skagway Municipality rank among counties in Alaska?
Skagway Municipality ranks #4 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 Skagway Municipality, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Skagway Municipality is $1,472, with an effective tax rate of 0.34%. This earns Skagway Municipality a tax score of 96.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Skagway Municipality?
The median household income in Skagway Municipality, Alaska is $78,594 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Skagway Municipality earns an income score of 82.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Skagway Municipality, Alaska a good place to live?
Skagway Municipality scores 62.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #4 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Skagway Municipality 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 Skagway Municipality with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.