countyscore
32.6
County Score
Cost of Living 70.2Lawn Care 50Weather & Climate 49.5

County Report Card

About Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska

Yukon-Koyukuk ranks in Alaska's bottom tier

With a composite score of 32.6, Yukon-Koyukuk places in the 13th percentile nationally, falling well below the U.S. median of 50.0. This vast interior region represents one of America's most livability-challenged communities.

Alaska's least livable county

Yukon-Koyukuk scores 32.6—nearly 19 points below Alaska's state average of 51.1—and ranks dead last among the state's counties. Every major dimension except cost reflects serious structural constraints across this sprawling subarctic region.

Affordable everything, if you can survive it

Yukon-Koyukuk's cost score of 70.2 is among the highest in this survey, with a median home value of $87,800 and median rent of $893/month. For the extremely budget-conscious or self-sufficient, housing affordability is genuinely exceptional.

Health, schools, water, income all crisis-level

This region faces compounding infrastructure and economic collapse: health score of 4.8, school score of 0.5, water score of 0.3, and median household income of just $52,642 create a perfect storm. These are not incremental challenges but fundamental gaps in basic services.

Only for the utterly self-reliant

Yukon-Koyukuk is not suitable for families, children, or anyone dependent on medical care, education, or municipal services. Only subsistence hunters, remote trappers, and those with independent wealth and complete self-sufficiency should consider this frontier region.

2040608010048.270.24.80.519.938.50.349.5Tax48.2Cost70.2Safety—Health4.8Schools0.5Income19.9Risk38.5Water0.3Weather49.532.6/100
This county
National avg
1 above average4 below average

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area DNA

Foverall

How Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (0.3/100), though Cost of Living (70.2/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.2
Cost
70.2+22.200000000000003
Health
4.8-45.2
Schools
0.5-53.5
Income
19.9-31.1
Risk
38.5-8.5
Water
0.3-57.7
Weather
49.5
Sponsored

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Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$87,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$893/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$87,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,642/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

75.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

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Fairbanks North Star Borough
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Matanuska-Susitna Borough
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Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
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Anchorage Municipality
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Northwest Arctic Borough
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Deep Dives

Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via TaxByCounty

Yukon-Koyukuk rates high but affordable

Yukon-Koyukuk's 0.862% effective tax rate exceeds the national median of 1.1% in percentage terms, yet the median home value of just $87,800 keeps annual taxes to only $757—71% below the national median tax of $2,690. This interior census area illustrates how modest property values can offset higher rates.

Alaska's highest effective tax rate

At 0.862%, Yukon-Koyukuk carries the highest effective tax rate among Alaska's major jurisdictions, exceeding the statewide average of 0.772% by 12%. Yet the median tax bill of $757 remains far below Alaska's median of $2,187, thanks to dramatically lower home values in this remote region.

Interior's steepest rate among analyzed counties

Yukon-Koyukuk's 0.862% significantly exceeds Southeast Fairbanks (0.712%) and all coastal Southeast boroughs, reflecting different municipal finance structures in Alaska's most remote interior. Despite this highest rate, actual tax dollars paid remain the lowest among these six counties due to minimal home valuations.

What $87,800 home costs annually

The median Yukon-Koyukuk home valued at $87,800 generates roughly $757 in annual property taxes at the 0.862% rate—the lowest actual bill among these six Alaska counties. With mortgage adjustments, the annual obligation reaches $761, making property ownership remarkably affordable despite the region's high effective rate.

Challenge your assessment if inflated

Even in Yukon-Koyukuk's tight market, homeowners should verify their assessments match recent comparable sales to catch overvaluations. If your $87,800 assessment seems high for your property, appealing could trim your $757 annual tax bill and improve your financial position.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via CostByCounty

Yukon-Koyukuk: lowest income, reasonable rents

Yukon-Koyukuk renters spend 20.4% of income on housing, above Alaska's state average and nearly double the national affordability standard. With a median household income of just $52,642—29% below the national median—this Interior Alaska region faces significant housing cost pressure despite the state's most modest rents.

Alaska's most income-constrained community

Yukon-Koyukuk ranks last among these six counties in median household income and near the top in rent-to-income ratio, making it Alaska's most economically constrained housing market. The region's remote interior location limits employment opportunities and income potential.

Lowest rents match lowest incomes

Yukon-Koyukuk's $893 monthly rent is Alaska's lowest in this comparison, yet the $52,642 median income makes even these bargain rents consume a significant share of household earnings. Owner costs of $453 monthly on $87,800 homes offer the most affordable pathway to equity building in the state.

Yukon-Koyukuk's tight financial picture

Renters earning $52,642 annually pay $893 monthly, leaving limited financial cushion for other essentials after housing. Homeowners face far better prospects, with $453 monthly payments representing just 10.3% of income—the lowest ownership ratio in this entire regional comparison.

Yukon-Koyukuk for resilient remote workers

Yukon-Koyukuk suits only those with remote income or strong local job prospects, given the region's income constraints. If you can secure stable, above-average income before relocating, Yukon-Koyukuk offers Alaska's most affordable homeownership and lowest cost of living.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via IncomeByCounty

Yukon-Koyukuk significantly trails U.S. earnings

Yukon-Koyukuk's median household income of $52,642 falls roughly 30% below the U.S. median of $74,755, making it one of America's lower-income regions. Per capita income of $32,096 is substantially below the national typical, reflecting limited economic opportunities in this vast Interior census area.

Alaska's lowest-income census area

Yukon-Koyukuk's median household income of $52,642 ranks well below Alaska's state average of $79,407, placing it among the state's most economically constrained regions. Per capita income of $32,096 is significantly lower than the state average of $42,832.

Earnings lag all nearby Alaska regions

Yukon-Koyukuk earns substantially less than all neighboring census areas and boroughs—Sitka ($101,207), Yakutat ($80,625), and Southeast Fairbanks ($74,223)—reflecting isolation and limited economic diversification. Its per capita income of $32,096 is the lowest in the comparison group.

Housing costs consume sizable income share

With a rent-to-income ratio of 20.4%, Yukon-Koyukuk households dedicate over one-fifth of earnings to housing, straining budgets and limiting savings capacity. The median home value of $87,800 is lowest in the state, but still represents a significant portion of median household income.

Seek stability through regional opportunity

Yukon-Koyukuk residents face economic headwinds requiring resilience and strategic planning. Prioritize emergency savings, explore regional employment growth sectors, and consider skills training that could unlock higher-wage opportunities within Alaska or beyond.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Schools in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via SchoolsByCounty

Expansive Network of Rural Schools

The Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area operates 28 public schools across a massive geographic region, serving 2,843 students. The infrastructure includes a mix of elementary, high, and correspondence schools managed by six different districts.

Challenges in Funding and Outcomes

Education metrics here show significant challenges, with a school score of 33.1 and a graduation rate of 66.3%. Per-pupil expenditure is reported at $3,314, which is notably lower than both state and national averages.

Six Districts Serving Diverse Needs

The Yukon-Koyukuk School District is the largest by school count with 10 campuses. However, the Nenana City School District handles a high volume of students through the CyberLynx Correspondence Program, which enrolls 1,673 individuals.

From Distance Learning to Tiny Villages

The area features a 100% rural locale mix with an average school size of 102 students. While CyberLynx is the largest program, many village schools like Fort Yukon serve fewer than 80 students in person.

Explore the Yukon-Koyukuk Region

Families in this region often rely on a mix of local village schools and robust correspondence programs. If you are moving to this vast area, research which of the six districts best aligns with your family's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via RiskByCounty

Yukon-Koyukuk faces Alaska's highest disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 61.55 and a Relatively Low rating, Yukon-Koyukuk exceeds the national average and ranks among the highest-risk census areas in the country. The region's interior boreal forest geography creates extreme wildfire exposure.

Alaska's most hazard-exposed census area

Yukon-Koyukuk's 61.55 score stands 75% above Alaska's state average of 35.22, making it the state's highest-risk region. This distinction reflects the census area's vast geographic size, sparse population, and wildfire-prone landscape.

Wildfire sets Yukon-Koyukuk apart statewide

Yukon-Koyukuk's 61.55 score exceeds all coastal Alaska communities and rivals Southeast Fairbanks (57.03) as the state's most hazard-exposed region. Both interior census areas share exceptionally high wildfire risk—93.00 for Yukon-Koyukuk and 97.11 for Southeast Fairbanks.

Wildfires and earthquakes define the risk

Wildfire risk reaches 93.00, making Yukon-Koyukuk one of Alaska's most fire-prone regions, while earthquake risk at 75.32 reflects circum-Pacific seismic activity. Flood (6.65) and tornado (0.67) risks remain secondary but should not be ignored.

Comprehensive coverage addresses dual threats

Homeowners must ensure wildfire coverage is explicitly included in their policy or purchase a separate rider given the 93.00 wildfire risk. Earthquake insurance is equally critical, and property owners should prioritize defensible space management and emergency evacuation planning.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via WaterByCounty

Severe Compliance Issues in Yukon-Koyukuk

Yukon-Koyukuk receives a Grade F due to a staggering 314 health violations over the last five years. The violation rate of 5,688.4 per 100,000 people is more than four times the Alaska state average.

Extensive Watershed Network Shows No Impairment

Despite drinking water issues, all 81 assessed water bodies in the county met Clean Water Act standards in the 2022 cycle. This 0% impairment rate is a positive signal for raw water health compared to the 16.1% state average.

Broad Monitoring Activity Across Fifty-Three Sites

Monitoring is highly active here, with 11,681 measurements recorded at 53 sites over the past five years. These efforts focus primarily on physical properties, inorganics, and metals across the vast census area.

Yukon River Flow Data Currently Unavailable

The primary USGS gauge for the Yukon River near Stevens Village is not currently reporting live discharge data. This gauge monitors a massive 194,000 square mile drainage area, but recent streamflow percentages are unavailable.

Urgent Need for Home Water Treatment

The extremely high violation rate of 5,688.4 per 100,000 people makes drinking water safety a critical concern. Residents should use certified filtration systems to address the 314 health violations recorded in the county.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via WeatherByCounty

One of the coldest places in America

The 25.3°F annual average here is more than 30 degrees below the national median. This vast region experiences a true subarctic climate with some of the lowest average temperatures in the country.

Falling far below the Alaska average

This area is significantly colder than the state average of 35.9°F. Its 25.3°F average reflects the harsh conditions of the Alaskan interior, far removed from the moderating influence of the ocean.

Colder than the Southeast Fairbanks area

At 25.3°F, Yukon-Koyukuk is slightly colder than its neighbor, Southeast Fairbanks, which averages 26.1°F. Both share a dry climate, with Yukon-Koyukuk receiving only 15.2 inches of total precipitation annually.

Severe winters and short, mild summers

Winter temperatures average a frozen -5.0°F, accompanied by 77.9 inches of annual snowfall. July offers a brief window of 59.6°F weather, but extreme heat days above 90°F are non-existent.

Survival requires extreme cold preparation

Reliable, high-capacity heating is a matter of survival given January averages of -9.2°F. Residents must manage nearly 78 inches of snow and keep specialized gear ready for months of sub-zero conditions.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Lawn Care in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area

via LawnByCounty

Average Difficulty in a Rugged Land

With a score of 50.0, this area matches the national average for lawn difficulty but stays below the 57.8 state average. Managing a lawn here requires patience, as the sub-arctic climate offers a very short window for success.

Dry Air and Intense Cold

Annual precipitation of 15.2 inches is significantly below the 30-inch ideal, often requiring supplemental irrigation. The 745 growing degree days provide enough warmth for growth, but the January average of -9.2°F tests the survival of even the toughest grasses.

Amending Soils for the Interior

Soil data is limited for this vast census area, though interior soils often require amendments to improve fertility and moisture retention. Focus on adding nitrogen-rich compost to kickstart growth during the brief summer months.

Coping with Dry Spells and Drought

This area is currently the driest in the group, with 22.1% of the land classified as abnormally dry and 7 weeks of drought last year. Residents should use mulch-mowing to return moisture to the soil and conserve water during the peak heat of July.

Short Seasons Demand Cold-Hardy Turf

Gardening begins after the May 25 frost and ends by September 8, leaving about 100 days for growth. Use only the most cold-tolerant grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass blends, to ensure your lawn survives the extreme interior winter temperatures.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area's county score?
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska has a composite county score of 32.6 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 Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area rank among counties in Alaska?
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area ranks #29 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 Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska?
The median annual property tax in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is $757, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area a tax score of 48.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area?
The median household income in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska is $52,642 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area earns an income score of 19.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska a good place to live?
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area scores 32.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 in Alaska. The best way to evaluate Yukon-Koyukuk 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 Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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