AlaskaPop. 288,976Big cities
Is Anchorage a Good Place to Live? Anchorage, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Anchorage ranks #888 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #30 of 53 big cities and #15 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.8 min, #4 of 53) and high household income ($103,284, #6 of 53), and trails on high violent crime (1,027 per 100,000, #45 of 50) and high living costs (105.4, #41 of 53).
Anchorage by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Anchorage's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Anchorage?
Anchorage's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,489/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $422,785, 6% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Anchorage | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.9 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 100.9 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $402,439 · US $368,697 | $422,785#675 of 1,187 | $398,663 | $402,439 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,742/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,802/mo#577 of 1,115 | — | $1,742/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $378,400 | $395,900#783 of 1,309 | — | $378,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,528/mo | $1,489/mo#713 of 1,309 | — | $1,528/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 3.8x#506 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.1% | 17.3%#184 of 1,309 | — | 23.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Anchorage housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Anchorage is in the Anchorage, AK metro.
Alaska housing market →Is Anchorage safe?
Anchorage recorded 1,027 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 41% above Alaska's 729. That ranks #1042 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Anchorage Police Department. Property crime runs 3,335 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Anchorage | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 492 · US 328 | 1,027#1042 of 1,085 | 729 | 492 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,282 · US 1,548 | 3,335#991 of 1,085 | 1,893 | 2,282 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Anchorage?
The median household in Anchorage earns $103,284, 24% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Anchorage | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $78,050 · US $83,163 | $103,284#296 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $78,050 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.1% · US 4.3% | 3.9%#434 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 4.1% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 14.8% | 8.9%#409 of 1,312 | — | 14.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Anchorage?
The median resident of Anchorage is 35.2 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 38.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #502 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Anchorage | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.3 | 35.2 | 35.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 39.5% | 38.7%#502 of 1,312 | 39.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 52.9% | 63.9% | 52.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Anchorage's schools and health?
Anchorage's 71 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $16,636 spent per pupil. 35.2% of adults are obese and 9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.8% and 11.8%.
| Measure | Anchorage | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 84.7% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 84.7% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 15.9 | 17.8#816 of 1,188 | — | 15.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,888 | $16,636#440 of 1,188 | — | $14,888 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.8% | 35.2%#789 of 1,311 | — | 33.8% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.8% | 9%#216 of 1,311 | — | 11.8% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.4% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | — | 17.4% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 9.7%#622 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 33,922 students are enrolled in Anchorage's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Anchorage?
The average commute in Anchorage is 18.8 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 1.4% of workers take transit and 10.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Anchorage scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 55.7°F and winters 16.5°F, with 22.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Anchorage | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 23 min | 18.8 min#245 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 23 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 67.4% | 69.9% | 66.8% | 67.4% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.4% | 0.7% | 1.4% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.9% | 2.6% | 6.5% | 1.9% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.4% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0.4% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 14.3% | 10.9% | 8.4% | 14.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 10#694 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20.9 | 6.4 | 2.3 |
| Feb | 28 | 11.6 | 1.6 |
| Mar | 35.3 | 14.7 | 1.6 |
| Apr | 47.1 | 26.5 | 0.8 |
| May | 58 | 35.7 | 0.9 |
| Jun | 65.4 | 43.7 | 1.3 |
| Jul | 67.4 | 47.9 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 64.5 | 44.9 | 2.6 |
| Sep | 56 | 37.2 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 42.1 | 25.7 | 2.5 |
| Nov | 26.4 | 12.9 | 1.7 |
| Dec | 23.3 | 8.9 | 2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Eagle Rvr Nature Ctr.
| Measure | Anchorage | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.2°F | 35.5°F | 61.2°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.8°F | 55.7°F | 76.8°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.8°F | 16.5°F | 43.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 33.3 in | 22.6 in | 33.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Eagle Rvr Nature Ctr.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Anchorage?
Anchorage Municipality's air had a median air quality index of 26, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Anchorage Municipality's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.36% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Anchorage | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 48 | 26#43 of 1,138 | 48 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.36%#1149 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Anchorage Municipality: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Anchorage Municipality
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.31% | 100% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0034% | 64% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Anchorage compare with similar-size cities?
Anchorage is one of 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track and ranks #30 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 288,976.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #888 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 | 18.8 min |
| Lincoln, NEPop. 294,856 | #390 | 60.2 | $71,867 | $1,086/mo | 427 | 18.4 min |
| Jersey City, NJPop. 294,078 | #369 | 60.5 | $97,710 | $2,007/mo | 487 | 36.8 min |
| Durham, NCPop. 291,467 | #537 | 57.4 | $81,619 | $1,508/mo | 507 | 22.3 min |
| Plano, TXPop. 290,594 | #261 | 62.9 | $112,253 | $1,841/mo | 147 | 25.4 min |
| St. Louis, MOPop. 288,512 | #1200 | 45.0 | $56,160 | $997/mo | 1,230 | 22.1 min |
| Gilbert, AZPop. 280,262 | #224 | 63.8 | $122,551 | $2,110/mo | 117 | 25.9 min |
| North Las Vegas, NVPop. 278,595 | #1042 | 49.1 | $79,542 | $1,705/mo | 362 | 26.7 min |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #161 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 | 19.4 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Anchorage compare with the rest of Alaska?
Anchorage ranks #15 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 8% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Alaska home.
| City | Rank in AK | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #1 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 |
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #2 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data |
| Gateway, AKPop. 6,845 | #3 | 64.4 | $137,772 | $1,741/mo | no data |
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #4 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 |
| Bethel, AKPop. 6,312 | #5 | 60.8 | $117,255 | $1,678/mo | 1,278 |
| Sterling, AKPop. 6,323 | #6 | 58.8 | $102,415 | $1,248/mo | no data |
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #7 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 |
| Kenai, AKPop. 7,641 | #8 | 57.6 | $87,083 | $1,138/mo | 344 |
| Kalifornsky, AKPop. 8,663 | #9 | 55.3 | $93,508 | $1,394/mo | no data |
| South Lakes, AKPop. 6,180 | #10 | 54.8 | $98,141 | $1,178/mo | no data |
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #11 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data |
| Palmer, AKPop. 6,268 | #12 | 53.5 | $72,201 | $1,125/mo | 206 |
| College, AKPop. 11,924 | #13 | 52.9 | $83,895 | $1,454/mo | no data |
| Badger, AKPop. 18,677 | #14 | 52.0 | $97,183 | $1,629/mo | no data |
| Anchorage, AKPop. 288,976 | #15 | 51.9 | $103,284 | $1,489/mo | 1,027 |
| Tanaina, AKPop. 9,646 | #16 | 51.4 | $105,536 | $1,398/mo | no data |
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #17 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 |
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #18 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data |
| Wasilla, AKPop. 9,720 | #19 | 47.6 | $67,234 | $1,153/mo | 432 |
| Meadow Lakes, AKPop. 8,689 | #20 | 44.6 | $81,699 | $1,377/mo | no data |
All 20 Alaska cities we track, by overall score. Alaska statewide: median income $95,665, violent crime 729.3 per 100,000.
How is Anchorage's score calculated?
Anchorage scores 51.9 out of 100, #888 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Alaska's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Anchorage. Similar-size median 53.8.
65.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Anchorage's police agency. Similar-size median 60.5.
19.4 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Anchorage. Similar-size median 54.8.
58.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Anchorage's public schools. Similar-size median 52.2.
52.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Anchorage's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 62.2.
59.8 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Anchorage. Similar-size median 47.2.
68.8 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Anchorage. Similar-size median 42.4.
40.5 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Anchorage. Similar-size median 53.7.
53.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Anchorage's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
47.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 48.1.
48.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Anchorage's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 53 cities of 250,000 to 500,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Anchorage has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Anchorage
Is Anchorage, AK a good place to live?
Anchorage ranks #888 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #30 of 53 big cities and #15 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (18.8 min, #4 of 53) and high household income ($103,284, #6 of 53), and trails on high violent crime (1,027 per 100,000, #45 of 50) and high living costs (105.4, #41 of 53).
What is the cost of living in Anchorage?
Anchorage's cost of living index is 105.4, 5% above the US level of 100 and #958 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,489/mo against $1,528/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $422,785, 6% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
What is the crime rate in Anchorage?
Anchorage recorded 1,027 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 3.1 times the US rate of 328 and 41% above Alaska's 729. That ranks #1042 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #45 of 50 big cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Anchorage Police Department. Property crime runs 3,335 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Anchorage?
The median household in Anchorage earns $103,284, 24% above the US figure of $83,163 and 8% above Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 3.9% (US 4.3%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Anchorage?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,489/mo (Census), #713 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,802/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.3% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Anchorage?
The typical home value in Anchorage is $422,785, up 5.3% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $395,900.
How are the public schools in Anchorage?
Anchorage's 71 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 17.8 students per teacher and $16,636 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Anchorage?
The average commute is 18.8 minutes, #245 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Anchorage?
Anchorage averages 35.5°F over the year, 55.7°F in summer and 16.5°F in winter, with 22.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Anchorage walkable?
Anchorage scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Anchorage at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Anchorage Municipality's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.36% of building value, higher than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Anchorage?
Anchorage Municipality's air had a median air quality index of 26, and 79% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Anchorage?
Anchorage has 288,976 residents. The median resident of Anchorage is 35.2 years old, against 35.3 in similar-size cities. 38.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #502 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Anchorage compare with the rest of Alaska?
Anchorage ranks #15 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 8% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 41% above the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Anchorage?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Anchorage's population of 288,976 are Lincoln, NE (#390 overall), Jersey City, NJ (#369 overall), Durham, NC (#537 overall), Plano, TX (#261 overall), and St. Louis, MO (#1200 overall). Anchorage is #888.