Alaska
Alaska ranks #42 of 50 US states in 2026 with a composite score of 41.0/100 and a C grade. Its strongest category is Outdoor Access (100/100) and its weakest is Education (0/100).
How Does Alaska Rank For...
Weights vary by lifestyle. Families prioritize education & safety; retirees prioritize fiscal health & healthcare. See methodology →
Top Strengths
Areas to Watch
Category Breakdown
12-Month Composite Trend
IllustrativeCities in Alaska
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205 | Palmer | B+ | 60.0 | 6,141 | $70,550 | 200.1 | — |
| 293 | Kenai | B+ | 57.7 | 7,562 | $74,907 | 347.7 | — |
| 362 | Bethel | B | 56.2 | 6,313 | $109,718 | 1376.7 | — |
| 370 | Ketchikan | B | 56.0 | 8,151 | $76,835 | 299.3 | — |
| 522 | Sitka city and | C+ | 52.5 | 8,393 | $101,207 | 227.5 | — |
| 536 | Anchorage | C+ | 52.2 | 286,075 | $94,437 | — | 104.5 |
| 546 | Wasilla | C+ | 52.1 | 9,435 | $70,756 | 558.6 | — |
| 590 | Chena Ridge | C+ | 51.1 | 5,927 | $140,722 | — | — |
| 668 | Gateway | C | 49.0 | 6,716 | $137,150 | — | — |
| 691 | Fairbanks | C | 48.5 | 32,242 | $72,077 | 594.5 | 99.4 |
| 706 | Sterling | C | 48.2 | 6,776 | $110,341 | — | — |
| 725 | Juneau city and | C | 47.5 | 31,969 | $100,513 | 512.7 | — |
| 743 | College | C | 47.0 | 11,730 | $76,831 | — | 90.7 |
| 805 | Badger | D | 45.0 | 19,033 | $98,042 | — | — |
| 806 | Kalifornsky | D | 45.0 | 8,136 | $91,081 | — | — |
| 816 | North Lakes | D | 44.7 | 10,583 | $102,785 | — | — |
| 846 | South Lakes | D | 43.6 | 6,132 | $89,632 | — | — |
| 885 | Tanaina | D | 42.3 | 9,738 | $95,587 | — | — |
| 890 | Knik-Fairview | D | 42.0 | 18,921 | $95,000 | — | — |
| 928 | Meadow Lakes | D | 40.4 | 8,994 | $81,250 | — | — |
Best Cities in Alaska for...
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Alaska Rankings Overview
Alaska earns an overall grade of C with a composite score of 41 out of 100, ranking #42 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Outdoor Access (100/100) while its biggest challenge is Education (0/100).
Economy & Employment in Alaska
With an unemployment rate of 5.3% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Alaska performs below average on economic indicators. The median household income is $84,143, which ranks above the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Alaska
Alaska's violent crime rate of 724 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety. This is significantly above the national average of 350 per 100,000.
Health & Education in Alaska
Alaska ranks #30 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #50 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates. Life expectancy in Alaska is 76.6 years, and the high school graduation rate is 80%.
Taxes & Fiscal Health in Alaska
Alaska's total tax burden is 4.93% of personal income, which is below the national average of 8.74%. Alaska has no state income tax. The effective property tax rate is 1.16% and the combined state and local sales tax rate is 1.82%.
Housing & Affordability in Alaska
The median home price in Alaska is $383,000, below the national average of $394,620. The cost of living index is 102 (where 100 equals the national average), roughly in line with national costs. The price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Environment in Alaska
Alaska has a median air quality index of 25 (EPA AirData), better than the national average. 33% of the state's electricity comes from renewable sources, an above-average share. The FEMA natural disaster risk score is 100 (above average risk).
Growth & Migration in Alaska
Alaska's population growth rate is +0.3% year over year. The net domestic migration rate is -5.1 per 1,000 residents, indicating significant outward migration. 74.2% of households have broadband internet access.
Best Cities in Alaska
The top-ranked cities in Alaska based on our composite scoring are Palmer, Kenai, and Bethel. These cities score highest across economy, safety, health, and affordability metrics among the cities we track in Alaska.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alaska's overall ranking?
Alaska ranks #42 out of 50 states with a composite score of 41/100 and a grade of C.
Is Alaska a good place to live?
Alaska scores 41/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Alaska?
The violent crime rate in Alaska is 724 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Alaska's economy compare?
Alaska's median household income is $84,143 with an unemployment rate of 5.3%. The unemployment rate is above the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is above the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Alaska?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Alaska are Palmer, Kenai, and Bethel.
How does Alaska rank for families?
Alaska ranks #49 of 50 states for families with a score of 30.4/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing education, safety, housing.
How does Alaska rank for retirees?
Alaska ranks #33 of 50 states for retirees with a score of 55.4/100. This is a lower-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing health, fiscal, housing.
How does Alaska rank for remote workers?
Alaska ranks #23 of 50 states for remote workers with a score of 56/100. This is a mid-tier ranking based on weights emphasizing housing, economy, outdoor.