Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska — County Report Card

AK

#19 in Alaska
47.9
County Score
Income & Jobs 76.1Property Tax 61.8Lawn Care 51.7

County Report Card

About Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska

Southeast Fairbanks slips below national average

With a composite score of 47.9, Southeast Fairbanks falls just shy of the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 45th percentile. This interior Alaska region faces livability headwinds compared to the broader U.S., though it outperforms some Alaskan neighbors.

Below Alaska's county average

Southeast Fairbanks scores 47.9, placing it below Alaska's state average of 51.1 and ranking it in the lower-middle tier of the state's counties. This positioning reflects structural challenges in health, education, and water infrastructure across the region.

Affordable homes in a rugged landscape

The region's cost score of 41.9 reflects the lowest median home values in this survey at $262,800, making it Alaska's most affordable option for homebuyers. Median rent of $1,304/month and a median income of $74,223 suggest working families can establish roots here without crushing debt.

Health, water, and education all lag

Health score of 39.8, school score of 49.0, and water score of 12.0 collectively paint a picture of stretched public services in a frontier region. These dimensions suggest residents trade urban convenience for both affordability and isolation.

For hardy homesteaders and budget seekers

Southeast Fairbanks suits self-reliant individuals and families drawn to remote Alaskan living who prioritize low housing costs over convenient medical, educational, and water services. This is not a county for those requiring robust public infrastructure or social amenities.

Score breakdown

Tax61.8Cost41.9SafetyComing SoonHealth39.8Schools49Income76.1Risk43Water12Weather49.4
🏛61.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠41.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼76.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
39.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓49
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
43
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧12
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤49.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱51.7
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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Deep Dives

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Southeast Fairbanks rates below national norm

Southeast Fairbanks' effective tax rate of 0.712% sits comfortably below the national median of 1.1%, placing this interior region in the lower 30% of U.S. counties. With a median home value of $262,800, residents pay $1,871 annually—30% less than the national median property tax of $2,690.

Slightly under Alaska's state average

Southeast Fairbanks' 0.712% effective rate nearly mirrors the Alaska statewide average of 0.772%, positioning this census area squarely in the middle of the state's tax landscape. The median tax bill of $1,871 falls just $316 below Alaska's median of $2,187.

Moderate rates for interior Alaska

Southeast Fairbanks sits between coastal Sitka (0.472%) and the interior Yukon-Koyukuk (0.862%), representing a balanced tax environment for Alaska's continental heartland. Compared to Southeast Alaska's lower-rate boroughs like Skagway, this region's 0.712% reflects the different economic structure of small interior communities.

What $262,800 home costs annually

A median Southeast Fairbanks home worth $262,800 generates approximately $1,871 in annual property taxes at the current 0.712% rate. Without mortgage adjustments included, homeowners face a straightforward annual bill near the state median, despite owning homes below Alaska's typical values.

Appeal if assessment exceeds actual value

Southeast Fairbanks homeowners should verify their assessments against comparable recent sales, as overvaluation is common even in smaller communities. If your $262,800 assessment appears inflated, contacting the assessor's office about an appeal could reduce your $1,871 annual obligation.

Cost of Living in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via CostByCounty

Southeast Fairbanks: Alaska's affordability challenge

Renters in Southeast Fairbanks spend 21.1% of income on housing, the highest ratio among these six communities and above Alaska's state average of 18.6%. Median household income of $74,223 nearly matches the national median, but Alaska's remote location pushes rental costs well above what those earnings typically support.

Among Alaska's least affordable communities

Southeast Fairbanks ranks among the state's most costly housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that strains household budgets more than almost any other Alaskan region. The combination of limited income and elevated rents creates genuine affordability pressure here.

Rents outpace neighboring areas

Southeast Fairbanks' $1,304 monthly rent exceeds neighbors like Wrangell ($1,047) and Yukon-Koyukuk ($893), while income lags behind Sitka and Skagway. This mismatch—highest rents paired with below-average incomes—makes housing here particularly challenging.

Where Southeast Fairbanks incomes strain

Renters earning $74,223 annually pay $1,304 monthly, leaving limited flexibility for other necessities after housing costs. Homeowners fare better with $684 monthly payments on $262,800 homes, suggesting ownership is more viable than renting in this market.

Southeast Fairbanks: weigh affordability carefully

If relocating to Southeast Fairbanks, consider pursuing homeownership rather than renting to maximize housing affordability. Securing strong local income before moving is essential, as housing costs here consume a larger share of household earnings than elsewhere in the region.

Income & Jobs in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Southeast Fairbanks matches U.S. average

Southeast Fairbanks Census Area's median household income of $74,223 essentially ties the national median of $74,755, making it a typical American earning zone. Per capita income of $38,918 falls slightly below the national typical, reflecting economic constraints in this remote region.

Middle-income Alaska community

Southeast Fairbanks' median household income of $74,223 sits modestly below Alaska's state average of $79,407, placing it in Alaska's earnings middle tier. Per capita income of $38,918 is well below the state average of $42,832, indicating lower individual earning power.

Income varies across Interior Alaska

Southeast Fairbanks earns less than Sitka ($101,207) and Yakutat ($80,625) but slightly more than Yukon-Koyukuk ($52,642), reflecting the region's economic diversity. Per capita income of $38,918 falls near the regional lower end, showing limited individual earning capacity.

Housing absorbs meaningful income share

At 21.1%, the rent-to-income ratio here exceeds the healthy 15% threshold, signaling housing costs squeeze household budgets more tightly than in wealthier Alaska regions. The median home value of $262,800 is lower than coastal peers but still represents a significant portion of median household income.

Prioritize debt reduction and savings

With tighter income-to-housing ratios, Southeast Fairbanks households should focus on eliminating high-interest debt and building modest but consistent savings. Even small regular contributions to retirement and emergency funds create a financial cushion against regional economic volatility.

Health in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via HealthByCounty

Southeast Fairbanks' life expectancy below national marks

At 75.4 years, Southeast Fairbanks residents' life expectancy falls short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years—a gap that widens when comparing to high-performing regions. With 18.3% reporting poor or fair health versus the national average of 17.8%, the census area carries a slightly heavier health burden. These figures point to structural challenges in healthcare access and community health infrastructure.

Southeast Fairbanks ranks below Alaska average

At 75.4 years, Southeast Fairbanks' life expectancy nearly matches Alaska's 75.6-year state average but lags behind higher-performing boroughs like Sitka (79.0 years). The uninsured rate of 16.1% exceeds the state average of 15.9% by 0.2 percentage points, reflecting slightly elevated coverage gaps. Combined, these metrics place Southeast Fairbanks in the state's middle tier for health outcomes.

Southeast Fairbanks struggles compared to Southeast peers

Southeast Fairbanks' 75.4-year life expectancy trails Sitka (79.0 years) and Wrangell (77.5 years) by meaningful margins—a gap that suggests lower community health investment or outcomes. With only 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Southeast Fairbanks has the lowest primary care density among comparable Southeast Alaska regions. The 240 mental health providers per 100K falls below Sitka's 2,994, widening disparities in behavioral health support.

Low provider density drives healthcare friction

Southeast Fairbanks' 16.1% uninsured rate is compounded by just 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—one of the lowest densities in Alaska. This scarcity means insured patients often wait weeks for appointments, while uninsured residents may defer care entirely due to provider shortages and cost concerns. Daily reality: residents routinely travel for specialty care, turning routine medical needs into multi-day undertakings.

Coverage becomes critical with limited access

In a region with sparse primary care options, being uninsured compounds the challenge of accessing needed treatment. Enroll in Alaska Medicaid or explore marketplace plans to ensure you can see one of the area's few available providers without financial catastrophe. Health coverage in Southeast Fairbanks isn't just insurance—it's your ticket to care when geographic and provider scarcity already make it hard to find.

Schools in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

Vast Rural Education Network

Twelve public schools serve the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, including two elementary schools and a variety of specialized learning centers. A total of 1,290 students are enrolled across two distinct school districts.

Meeting State Spending Norms

Per-pupil expenditure sits at $12,988, aligning closely with the national average but slightly trailing the Alaska state average. The graduation rate of 71.3% and a school score of 56.6 indicate room for growth compared to national standards.

Delta/Greely and Alaska Gateway Districts

The Delta/Greely School District is the largest provider here, educating 938 students across five schools. The Alaska Gateway School District manages an additional eight schools, though no charter schools are available in the area.

Small Schools Across Great Distances

Every school in the region is classified as rural, with an average enrollment of 108 students per campus. Delta Junction Elementary is the largest site with 359 students, while many other locations offer even smaller, more remote learning environments.

Settle Near Top Rural Schools

Prospective homeowners can find unique opportunities near Delta Junction or the Tok community. Consider the local school district boundaries as you search for a home in this expansive and scenic region.

Disaster Risk in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Southeast Fairbanks faces above-average disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 57.03 and a Relatively Low rating, Southeast Fairbanks exceeds the national average and ranks above most U.S. counties in natural disaster exposure. The region's risk profile reflects interior Alaska's susceptibility to wildfires and seismic activity.

Among Alaska's highest-risk census areas

Southeast Fairbanks scores 57.03 against Alaska's 35.22 state average, placing it in the upper tier of state risk. Only Yukon-Koyukuk (61.55) surpasses it, making this region one of Alaska's most hazard-exposed communities.

Wildfire risk sets Southeast Fairbanks apart

Southeast Fairbanks's 57.03 composite score exceeds coastal Sitka (23.82) and Skagway (0.48) by a wide margin, driven by interior location and boreal forest coverage. Only Yukon-Koyukuk (61.55) compares, as both regions share intense wildfire exposure.

Wildfires and earthquakes dominate the hazard mix

Wildfire risk explodes to 97.11—the highest in the state—reflecting Southeast Fairbanks's boreal forest geography and long fire season. Earthquake risk reaches 86.48, while flood (9.35) and tornado (0.76) risks remain secondary but notable threats.

Wildfire and earthquake preparedness are critical

Homeowners must ensure their standard policy includes wildfire coverage or purchase a separate rider given the 97.11 wildfire risk score. Earthquake insurance remains equally essential, and defensible space management around structures is a practical fire-prevention priority.

Weather & Climate in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

A subarctic climate far below national averages

With an annual average temperature of 26.1°F, this region sits nearly 30 degrees below the national median. It represents a classic subarctic climate where freezing conditions persist for much of the year.

Colder than the typical Alaskan landscape

The area's 26.1°F average is significantly colder than the statewide average of 35.9°F. This gap highlights the census area's position in the frigid interior compared to the state's more temperate coastal zones.

Slightly warmer than its western neighbors

Southeast Fairbanks is marginally warmer than the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, which averages 25.3°F. Both regions share a dry climate, receiving far less annual precipitation than the 54.8-inch state average.

Deep winter freezes and mild summer peaks

Winters are intense with a -4.3°F average and 41.5 inches of snowfall. July brings a mild average of 59.2°F, but the region never sees extreme heat days at or above 90°F.

Prepare for extreme sub-zero endurance

Residents must prioritize high-efficiency heating to withstand January lows that average -8.3°F. Heavy-duty winter gear and vehicle winterization are essential for safety during the long, snowy season.

Lawn Care in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area

via LawnByCounty

Tough Conditions in the Interior

This area faces a tougher challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 51.7, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 57.8. Growers must navigate a short, dry season to keep their turf resilient against the interior’s climate.

Scarce Rain and Short Summers

A meager 12.1 inches of annual precipitation falls far short of the 30-50 inches lawns ideally require. Combined with only 700 growing degree days and a very short season, this means grass grows slowly and requires careful supplemental watering.

Building Organic Matter for Retention

While specific soil pH and sand-clay ratios are not listed, the dry climate often results in compact soils. Adding organic matter is essential to help the ground retain the limited 12.1 inches of rain that falls each year.

Managing Regular Drought Cycles

Residents experienced four weeks of drought over the past year, highlighting the area's vulnerability to dry spells. To conserve water, keep grass heights longer to shade the soil and reduce evaporation during the dry interior summers.

Rapid Planting for Short Windows

The window for growth is tight, starting after the June 4 frost and ending abruptly by September 2. Choose cold-hardy cultivars like creeping red fescue that can survive the intense winter average temperature of -8.3°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Southeast Fairbanks Census Area's county score?
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 47.9 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 Southeast Fairbanks Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area ranks #19 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 Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area is $1,871, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Southeast Fairbanks Census Area a tax score of 61.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area?
The median household income in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska is $74,223 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Southeast Fairbanks Census Area earns an income score of 76.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #19 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Southeast Fairbanks 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 Southeast Fairbanks Census Area with other counties side by side.