CountyScore

Skagway Municipality

Alaska · AK

#2 in Alaska
75.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Skagway Municipality, Alaska

Skagway stands well above U.S. average

Skagway's composite score of 75.9 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it among the top-performing counties nationwide. This remarkable score reflects exceptional tax advantages and outstanding risk resilience that few U.S. counties can match.

Alaska's second-strongest livability performer

Skagway ranks second among Alaska counties measured here with a score of 75.9, just 5.9 points behind Sitka. The municipality stands distinctly above the state average of 67.6, showcasing particularly strong fundamentals in taxes and safety risk.

Exceptional taxes and risk scores lead the way

Skagway's tax score of 92.6 with an effective rate of 0.342% is Alaska's best, while its risk score of 99.6 is among the highest measured nationally. The municipality also delivers solid housing affordability with a cost score of 71.0 and median rent of $1,228/month.

Lower incomes warrant consideration

Skagway's income score of 34.7 reflects a median household income of just $78,594, notably below Sitka and creating a trade-off between tax benefits and earning potential. Health scores of 71.7 are respectable but slightly below the strongest performers in this group.

Ideal for tax seekers prioritizing low cost

Skagway suits retirees, remote workers, and independent earners seeking minimal tax burden and maximum safety in a compact, affordable community. The extremely low taxes and cost of living offset the lower median incomes, making it perfect for those whose earnings come from outside Alaska.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax92.6Cost71SafetyComing SoonHealth71.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome34.7Risk99.6WaterComing Soon
🏛92.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠71
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡99.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Skagway Municipality with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Newton County
Arkansas
75.9
Median income: $47,395
Bent County
Colorado
75.9
Median income: $49,194
Pulaski County
Indiana
75.9
Median income: $59,956
Worth County
Iowa
75.9
Median income: $76,875
Towner County
North Dakota
75.9
Median income: $63,017

Deep Dives

Skagway Municipality across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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