countyscore
61.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.6Property Tax 94.8Safety 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.

2040608010094.821.483.745.45282.999.652.3Tax94.8Cost21.4Safety83.7Health45.4Schools52Income82.9Risk99.6WaterWeather52.361.4/100
This county
National avg
4 above average1 below average

Skagway Municipality DNA

Doverall

How Skagway Municipality compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Skagway Municipality excels in 4 of 8 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (99.6/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (21.4/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
94.8+42.8
Cost
21.4-26.6
Safety
83.7+28.700000000000003
Health
45.4
Schools
52
Income
82.9+31.900000000000006
Risk
99.6+52.599999999999994
Weather
52.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Skagway Municipality

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$435,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,280/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$435,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$51,200/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum5.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $81,136/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Skagway Municipality across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skagway Municipality's county score?
Skagway Municipality, Alaska has a composite county score of 61.4 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 #6 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 $1,634, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Skagway Municipality a tax score of 94.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Skagway Municipality?
The median household income in Skagway Municipality, Alaska is $81,136 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Skagway Municipality earns an income score of 82.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Skagway Municipality, Alaska a good place to live?
Skagway Municipality scores 61.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #6 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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