58.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 100Schools 75.5Property Tax 72

County Report Card

About Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska

Wrangell holds its own nationally

Wrangell's score of 58.6 places it in the 68th percentile nationally, comfortably above the U.S. median of 50.0. This small Southeast Alaska borough demonstrates solid overall livability despite below-average income levels.

Among Alaska's stronger counties

Wrangell scores 58.6, placing it 7.5 points above Alaska's state average of 51.1 and ranking it near the top tier of the state's counties. This strength is driven by standout performance in schools and disaster risk management.

Schools and safety excel despite lower pay

Wrangell's school score of 75.5 is among the highest in this survey, and its perfect risk score of 100.0 signals exceptional disaster preparedness. These strengths create an environment where families can trust both classrooms and community resilience despite a median household income of $64,545.

Income and health trail behind

With a median household income of $64,545 and an income score of just 52.3, Wrangell lags more prosperous Alaskan communities in earning power. Health scores of 47.2 also suggest limited medical resources for a small, isolated community.

Ideal for school-focused working families

Wrangell suits middle-income families who prize excellent schools and small-town resilience over high wages and advanced healthcare. Teachers, fishermen, and remote workers raising children will find strong community support and genuine safety in this island borough.

204060801007238.347.275.552.310056.3Tax72Cost38.3SafetyHealth47.2Schools75.5Income52.3Risk100WaterWeather56.358.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average

Wrangell City and Borough DNA

Foverall

How Wrangell City and Borough compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Wrangell City and Borough excels in 3 of 7 measured dimensions, led by Disaster Risk (100/100). A few areas trail the national average, including Cost of Living (38.3/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
72+20
Cost
38.3-9.700000000000003
Health
47.2
Schools
75.5+21.5
Income
52.3
Risk
100+53
Weather
56.3
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Compare mortgage rates in Wrangell City and Borough

Whether buying or refinancing in Wrangell City and Borough, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$289,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,047/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$289,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $64,545/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

142.5

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Wrangell City and Borough across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Wrangell City and Borough

via TaxByCounty

Wrangell's moderate rates beat the nation

Wrangell's 0.620% effective tax rate outperforms the national median of 1.1%, placing this Southeast Alaska borough in the bottom 35% of U.S. counties for tax burden. The median home here costs $289,700 with annual taxes of $1,795—33% below the national median tax of $2,690.

Wrangell ranks mid-range in Alaska

At 0.620%, Wrangell's effective rate trails Alaska's statewide average of 0.772% by a modest margin, placing this timber-and-fishing community in the middle tier of state tax jurisdictions. The median tax of $1,795 represents about 82% of Alaska's median bill of $2,187.

Between Southeast Alaska's tax extremes

Wrangell's 0.620% sits between low-tax Skagway (0.342%) and higher-tax Yakutat (0.762%), positioning it as Southeast Alaska's median option. Compared to interior peers like Yukon-Koyukuk (0.862%), Wrangell offers a more favorable tax climate for coastal Southeast residents.

What $289,700 home costs annually

The median Wrangell home valued at $289,700 carries roughly $1,795 in annual property taxes at the 0.620% rate. Whether you're paying with or without a mortgage adjustment, Wrangell residents face consistent annual bills near $1,795, reflecting stable assessment practices.

Check if you're overassessed

Wrangell homeowners should periodically compare their assessed values to recent local sales to ensure accuracy and catch overvaluations. If your $289,700 assessment looks high compared to neighbors' recent sales prices, filing an appeal could lower your $1,795 annual bill.

Cost of Living in Wrangell City and Borough

via CostByCounty

Wrangell: tight budgets in a small town

Wrangell renters dedicate 19.5% of income to housing, slightly above Alaska's state average of 18.6%, while earning just $64,545—13% below the national median. The combination of lower incomes and elevated rents creates tighter housing affordability than most American communities.

Wrangell ranks among Alaska's most challenging

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.5%, Wrangell experiences above-average housing cost pressure within Alaska, landing it among the state's least affordable communities. The municipality's lower median income compounds this challenge.

Wrangell's lowest rents, lowest income

Wrangell offers the region's lowest rents at $1,047 monthly, undercutting Southeast Fairbanks ($1,304) and Sitka ($1,350), but the lowest median household income of $64,545 among these six counties offsets that advantage. Owner costs of $819 monthly are competitive, making homeownership relatively more attractive than renting.

Wrangell's budget-conscious housing math

Renters earning $64,545 annually spend $1,047 monthly on housing, consuming a notable chunk of take-home pay. Homeowners with $289,700 median home values pay $819 monthly—far more manageable at 15% of household income, suggesting ownership is worth pursuing here.

Wrangell for buyers seeking small-town living

Wrangell appeals to remote workers and retirees with modest incomes who prioritize ownership over renting. The low purchase prices and manageable ownership costs make building equity possible here, though renters should plan conservatively given the tight affordability picture.

Income & Jobs in Wrangell City and Borough

via IncomeByCounty

Wrangell falls short of U.S. median

Wrangell's median household income of $64,545 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by about 14%, placing it below the national middle class benchmark. Per capita income of $37,017 is notably lower than typical U.S. individual earnings, reflecting limited economic opportunities in this small Southeast borough.

Alaska's lower-income communities

Wrangell's median household income of $64,545 ranks well below Alaska's state average of $79,407, making it one of the state's lower-earning jurisdictions. Per capita income of $37,017 is substantially below the state average of $42,832, indicating economic constraints.

Struggles against Southeast peers

Wrangell earns significantly less than Sitka ($101,207), Skagway ($78,594), and Southeast Fairbanks ($74,223), reflecting its smaller economic base and limited job diversity. At $37,017 per capita, it trails most neighboring Southeast Alaska communities.

Housing costs strain household budgets

With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.5%, Wrangell households dedicate nearly a fifth of earnings to housing—above the healthy threshold and limiting discretionary spending. The median home value of $289,700 represents a substantial burden for families earning the area median.

Build stability through small steps

Wrangell's economic environment demands strategic financial management and patience. Start with a modest emergency fund, pay down high-cost debt, and explore employer retirement benefits to gradually build long-term security despite income constraints.

Schools in Wrangell City and Borough

via SchoolsByCounty

A Complete K-12 Rural System

Wrangell City and Borough provides a structured education system through one elementary, one middle, and one high school. Together, these three institutions serve a total student body of 264 residents.

Top-Tier Performance and Funding

Wrangell boasts an impressive 90% graduation rate, surpassing both the state average and the national benchmark of 87%. This success is backed by a robust per-pupil expenditure of $19,133 and a high school score of 79.7.

Dedicated Wrangell Public Schools

The Wrangell Public School District manages all educational facilities in the borough for its 264 students. The district maintains a traditional public school model with no charter schools currently operating in the area.

Small Classes in a Rural Hub

Students enjoy very small class sizes, with an average school enrollment of only 88 students. Evergreen Elementary is the largest campus with 130 children, while Stikine Middle School offers an even more intimate setting with 63 students.

Join a High-Achieving Community

With graduation rates and test scores well above the state average, Wrangell is an attractive destination for education-focused families. Look for homes within the borough to secure a spot in this high-performing rural district.

Disaster Risk in Wrangell City and Borough

via RiskByCounty

Wrangell ranks among America's safest communities

Wrangell's composite risk score of 0.06 represents one of the lowest natural disaster risk profiles in the entire United States. This exceptional rating means residents face minimal exposure to the major hazards that threaten most American communities.

Alaska's safest borough by a wide margin

At 0.06, Wrangell claims the lowest composite risk score in Alaska, substantially below the state average of 35.22. The borough's geographic isolation and maritime position create an unusually benign natural hazard environment.

Wrangell leads Southeast Alaska in disaster safety

Wrangell's 0.06 score edges out even Skagway (0.48) and dramatically undercuts Sitka (23.82), establishing it as Southeast Alaska's safest community. The pattern reflects the protective benefits of small, isolated coastal settlements.

Earthquake is the only meaningful hazard

Even Wrangell's largest risk—earthquake at 13.01—ranks as quite modest nationally, reflecting moderate seismic activity relative to other Ring of Fire communities. Flood (0.41), wildfire (1.53), and tornado (0.13) risks are negligible.

Basic earthquake coverage provides essential protection

While Wrangell's overall risk is minimal, earthquake insurance remains the prudent choice given its position in a seismically active region. Standard homeowners coverage will not protect against earthquake damage, making this the single most important policy addition.

Water Quality in Wrangell City and Borough

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Data Not Reported

Wrangell does not currently have drinking water health violation or grade data available for this reporting period. State averages indicate a violation rate of 1,249.1 per 100,000 people across Alaska.

High Bacterial Impairment in Wrangell Waters

An alarming 82.4% of the 17 assessed water bodies in Wrangell fail to meet federal standards. Top causes for these impairments include Fecal Coliform, Enterococcus, and residues as of the 2022 cycle.

Gaps in Federal Water Quality Records

The federal Water Quality Portal currently holds no monitoring sites or measurement records for Wrangell from the past five years. This absence of data makes it difficult to track trends in local water chemistry.

Stikine River Surges Above Typical Flow

The Stikine River near Wrangell is currently flowing at 91,900 cfs, which is 165% of its long-term average. This high discharge reflects a significant increase over the typical 55,753 cfs mean for this large drainage basin.

Caution Advised Due to Bacterial Impairment

With 82.4% of waters impaired by bacteria like Fecal Coliform, residents must avoid contact with untreated water. The surging Stikine River, running at 165% of normal flow, may further increase runoff-related contamination risks.

Weather & Climate in Wrangell City and Borough

via WeatherByCounty

A mild Alaskan outlier in the panhandle

Wrangell's 44.9°F annual average is much closer to the national median than most of Alaska. Its maritime climate avoids the extreme temperature swings found in the continental interior.

One of Alaska's warmest coastal regions

Wrangell stays significantly warmer than the state average of 35.9°F. Its 44.9°F average marks it as a temperate pocket within the generally frigid Alaskan landscape.

Leading the region in temperate weather

Wrangell is notably warmer than Yakutat, which averages 41.1°F annually. Both share the mild winters typical of the Southeast, though Wrangell's 33.6°F winter average is exceptionally high for the state.

Stable temperatures and gentle summers

Summer temperatures average a cool 56.9°F, while winters remain relatively mild at 33.6°F. The region records zero extreme heat days over 90°F, maintaining a narrow temperature range year-round.

Focus on moisture and mild winters

While specific snowfall data is limited, residents should prepare for the consistent dampness typical of the region. Heating needs are lower than in the interior, but high-quality waterproof gear remains a local necessity.

Lawn Care in Wrangell City and Borough

via LawnByCounty

Easiest Lawn Care in the State

Wrangell boasts an impressive lawn difficulty score of 69.1, significantly outperforming the state average of 57.8. This high score indicates that natural conditions here are exceptionally well-suited for low-maintenance turf compared to the rest of Alaska.

Mild Temperatures and Long Growth

Wrangell benefits from a long frost-free period and 821 growing degree days, providing ample time for grass to establish. With zero extreme heat days and a July average of 58.0°F, heat stress is virtually non-existent for local lawns.

Soil Prep for Lush Growth

Data on soil texture and pH is unavailable, but the lush local vegetation suggests a productive foundation. Lawns in this region typically require good aeration to handle the maritime moisture levels common to the Southeast panhandle.

No Drought Hazards in Wrangell

Drought is not a concern here, as 0% of the area is classified as abnormally dry and no weeks of drought occurred last year. You can generally rely on natural rainfall to keep your lawn hydrated without the need for irrigation systems.

Early Starts Lead to Healthy Turf

Spring seeding can begin as early as April 11, giving your lawn a massive head start compared to neighboring regions. The long season lasting until November 1 allows for strong root development of cool-season grass varieties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Wrangell City and Borough's county score?
Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska has a composite county score of 58.7 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 Wrangell City and Borough rank among counties in Alaska?
Wrangell City and Borough ranks #8 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 Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Wrangell City and Borough is $1,795, with an effective tax rate of 0.62%. This earns Wrangell City and Borough a tax score of 72/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Wrangell City and Borough?
The median household income in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska is $64,545 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Wrangell City and Borough earns an income score of 52.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska a good place to live?
Wrangell City and Borough scores 58.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #8 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Wrangell 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 Wrangell City and Borough with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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