AlaskaPop. 5,881Towns
Is Chena Ridge a Good Place to Live? Chena Ridge, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Chena Ridge ranks #186 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #35 of 234 towns and #2 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($133,775, #11 of 234) and low poverty (2.8%, #11 of 234), and trails on high living costs (103.2, #202 of 230) and expensive homes ($395,500, #183 of 231).
Chena Ridge by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Chena Ridge's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Chena Ridge: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Chena Ridge safe?
What is the cost of living in Chena Ridge?
Chena Ridge's cost of living index is 103.2, 3% above the US level of 100 and #867 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,110/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $395,500.
| Measure | Chena Ridge | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 103.2#867 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $395,500#781 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,110/mo#345 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3x#182 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 10%#2 of 1,309 | — | 19.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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.
Is Chena Ridge safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Chena Ridge alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Chena Ridge crime rate or rank it on safety. Alaska as a whole records 729 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Chena Ridge?
The median household in Chena Ridge earns $133,775, 61% above the US figure of $83,163 and 40% above Alaska ($95,665). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Chena Ridge | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $133,775#93 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 2.8%#13 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Chena Ridge?
The median resident of Chena Ridge is 37.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 47.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Chena Ridge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.5 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 47.8%#301 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 75.7% | 65.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Chena Ridge's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Chena Ridge to describe its public schools. 34.1% of adults are obese and 7.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Chena Ridge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 34.1%#709 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 7.6%#75 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14%#144 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 6.5%#197 of 1,311 | 8.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Chena Ridge?
The average commute in Chena Ridge is 20.9 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 0% of workers take transit and 10.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Chena Ridge scores 4.2 of 20 (least walkable), #1308 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 60.3°F and winters -4.1°F, with 11.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Chena Ridge | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 20.9 min#415 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 2.6%#114 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 78.8% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 0.9% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.7% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 10.5% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 4.2#1308 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people 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 | 0.6 | -17.2 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 11.6 | -11.2 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 24.9 | -3.4 | 0.4 |
| Apr | 45.6 | 21.7 | 0.3 |
| May | 62.1 | 38.6 | 0.5 |
| Jun | 71.8 | 50.2 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 72.7 | 53.1 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 66.4 | 47.6 | 2.1 |
| Sep | 55.3 | 36.2 | 1.4 |
| Oct | 34.1 | 18.4 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 12.3 | -4.1 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 4.3 | -13 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fairbanks International Airport.
| Measure | Chena Ridge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 28.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 60.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | -4.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 11.7 in | 36.5 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fairbanks International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Chena Ridge?
Fairbanks North Star Borough's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 20 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fairbanks North Star Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
| Measure | Chena Ridge | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 20#971 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.25%#1049 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 234 places under 25,000 people we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fairbanks North Star Borough: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fairbanks North Star Borough
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.14% | 99% of counties |
| Landslide | 0.0016% | 97% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.045% | 95% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0019% | 93% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.029% | 1% 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 Chena Ridge compare with similar-size cities?
Chena Ridge is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #35 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 5,881.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chena Ridge, AKPop. 5,881 | #186 | 64.9 | $133,775 | $1,110/mo | no data | 20.9 min |
| Caribou, MEPop. 7,382 | #615 | 56.5 | $53,709 | $757/mo | 82 | 14.7 min |
| Kingston, RIPop. 7,332 | #215 | 64.1 | $107,404 | — | no data | 18.4 min |
| Elsmere, DEPop. 6,203 | #971 | 50.6 | $67,944 | $1,339/mo | 144 | 24.4 min |
| Lewistown, MTPop. 6,087 | #1094 | 48.0 | $48,750 | $1,007/mo | 639 | 12.7 min |
| Watford City, NDPop. 6,039 | #333 | 61.3 | $102,260 | $1,336/mo | 387 | 20.8 min |
| Ranchettes, WYPop. 5,949 | #180 | 65.0 | $121,445 | $831/mo | no data | 18.7 min |
| St. Johnsbury, VTPop. 5,859 | #334 | 61.3 | $53,711 | $912/mo | 203 | 19.2 min |
| Belle Fourche, SDPop. 5,804 | #1045 | 49.1 | $65,071 | $983/mo | 254 | 25.8 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 Chena Ridge compare with the rest of Alaska?
Chena Ridge ranks #2 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 64.9 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 40% above the Alaska median.
| 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 Chena Ridge's score calculated?
Chena Ridge scores 64.9 out of 100, #186 of 1,312 (grade A, which follows rank). It is scored on the 7 of 11 categories with local data; safety, education, growth, and outdoor access are 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, some inputs missing · 24% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Chena Ridge. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
85.9 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Chena Ridge. Similar-size median 56.5.
68.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Chena Ridge's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
65.7 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Chena Ridge. Similar-size median 50.8.
92.9 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Chena Ridge. Similar-size median 48.3.
46.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Chena Ridge's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
16.8 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
34.8 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Chena Ridge alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Chena Ridge.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Chena Ridge.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Chena Ridge's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 234 places under 25,000 people we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Chena Ridge 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 Chena Ridge
Is Chena Ridge, AK a good place to live?
Chena Ridge ranks #186 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #35 of 234 towns and #2 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($133,775, #11 of 234) and low poverty (2.8%, #11 of 234), and trails on high living costs (103.2, #202 of 230) and expensive homes ($395,500, #183 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Chena Ridge?
Chena Ridge's cost of living index is 103.2, 3% above the US level of 100 and #867 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,110/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $395,500.
Is Chena Ridge safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Chena Ridge alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Chena Ridge crime rate or rank it on safety. Alaska as a whole records 729 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Chena Ridge?
The median household in Chena Ridge earns $133,775, 61% above the US figure of $83,163 and 40% above Alaska ($95,665). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Chena Ridge?
Median rent in Chena Ridge is $1,110/mo (Census), #345 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 10% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Chena Ridge?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Chena Ridge is $395,500, #781 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Chena Ridge?
We have too few school records for Chena Ridge to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Chena Ridge?
The average commute is 20.9 minutes, #415 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 2.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Chena Ridge?
Chena Ridge averages 28.3°F over the year, 60.3°F in summer and -4.1°F in winter, with 11.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Chena Ridge walkable?
Chena Ridge scores 4.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (least walkable), #1308 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 Chena Ridge at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fairbanks North Star Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, landslide, and wildfire, with expected yearly losses of 0.25% of building value, higher than 82% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Chena Ridge?
Fairbanks North Star Borough's air had a median air quality index of 44, and 56% of measured days were rated good; 20 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Chena Ridge?
Chena Ridge has 5,881 residents. The median resident of Chena Ridge is 37.5 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 47.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #301 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 75.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Chena Ridge compare with the rest of Alaska?
Chena Ridge ranks #2 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 64.9 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 40% above the Alaska median.
What cities are similar in size to Chena Ridge?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Chena Ridge's population of 5,881 are Caribou, ME (#615 overall), Kingston, RI (#215 overall), Elsmere, DE (#971 overall), Lewistown, MT (#1094 overall), and Watford City, ND (#333 overall). Chena Ridge is #186.