AlaskaPop. 32,083Small cities
Is Fairbanks a Good Place to Live? Fairbanks, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Fairbanks ranks #1040 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #166 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.5 min, #12 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (843 per 100,000, #163 of 174) and low graduation rates (77%, #170 of 191).
Fairbanks by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Fairbanks'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 Fairbanks?
Fairbanks'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 $1,496/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,391, 23% below the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Fairbanks | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 103.2#867 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $305,391#390 of 1,187 | $398,663 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,840/mo#608 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $268,400#445 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,496/mo#720 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 3.7x#469 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 24.4%#937 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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.
Fairbanks 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. Fairbanks is in the Fairbanks, AK metro.
Alaska housing market →Is Fairbanks safe?
Fairbanks recorded 843 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.6 times the US rate of 328 and 16% above Alaska's 729. That ranks #1017 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #163 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fairbanks Police Department. Property crime runs 3,026 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Fairbanks | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 843#1017 of 1,085 | 729 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 3,026#957 of 1,085 | 1,893 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Fairbanks?
The median household in Fairbanks earns $73,534, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Fairbanks | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $73,534#738 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.5%#705 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.7%#387 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Fairbanks?
The median resident of Fairbanks is 29 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Fairbanks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 29 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 26.2%#929 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 39.8% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Fairbanks's schools and health?
Fairbanks's 11 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $17,616 spent per pupil. 35.5% of adults are obese and 7.9% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Fairbanks | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 17.6#798 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $17,616#367 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.5%#815 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 7.9%#92 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 17.7%#799 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.9%#864 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,476 students are enrolled in Fairbanks's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Fairbanks?
The average commute in Fairbanks is 14.5 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 1.1% of workers take transit and 5.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Fairbanks scores 9.5 of 20 (below average walkable), #750 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 58.8°F and winters -4.5°F, with 12.2 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Fairbanks | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 14.5 min#50 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.2%#67 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 65.7% | 66.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.1% | 0.7% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 9.2% | 6.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 2.7% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 5.3% | 8.4% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.5#750 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 | -2.3 | -15.4 | 0.6 |
| Feb | 10.1 | -8.9 | 0.5 |
| Mar | 24.6 | -0.8 | 0.4 |
| Apr | 45.6 | 22.4 | 0.3 |
| May | 62 | 37.1 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 71 | 47.9 | 1.6 |
| Jul | 71.8 | 51.5 | 2.3 |
| Aug | 65 | 46 | 2.3 |
| Sep | 53.6 | 34.7 | 1.5 |
| Oct | 32.3 | 18 | 0.8 |
| Nov | 9.9 | -3.4 | 0.8 |
| Dec | 1.2 | -11.8 | 0.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fairbanks Airport #2.
| Measure | Fairbanks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 27.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 58.8°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | -4.5°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 12.2 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Fairbanks Airport #2.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Fairbanks?
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 | Fairbanks | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 44#571 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| 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 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 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 Fairbanks compare with similar-size cities?
Fairbanks is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #166 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 32,083.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks, AKPop. 32,083 | #1040 | 49.2 | $73,534 | $1,496/mo | 843 | 14.5 min |
| Houma, LAPop. 32,392 | #1078 | 48.4 | $58,194 | $1,058/mo | 489 | 19.7 min |
| Laramie, WYPop. 32,234 | #341 | 61.1 | $55,613 | $925/mo | 93 | 14 min |
| Nicholasville, KYPop. 32,197 | #503 | 58.0 | $68,503 | $1,147/mo | 197 | 24 min |
| Bangor, MEPop. 31,938 | #698 | 55.0 | $59,942 | $1,055/mo | 242 | 16.6 min |
| Naugatuck, CTPop. 31,800 | #223 | 63.9 | $96,324 | $1,369/mo | 56 | 33.3 min |
| Carlsbad, NMPop. 31,746 | #1004 | 50.0 | $72,306 | $1,236/mo | 576 | 22.3 min |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #156 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 | 27.9 min |
| Shawnee, OKPop. 31,671 | #1044 | 49.1 | $55,815 | $936/mo | 483 | 20.2 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 Fairbanks compare with the rest of Alaska?
Fairbanks ranks #17 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 49.2 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 23% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below 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 Fairbanks's score calculated?
Fairbanks scores 49.2 out of 100, #1040 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 Fairbanks. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Fairbanks's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
31.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Fairbanks. Similar-size median 52.2.
58.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Fairbanks's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
49.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Fairbanks's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
66.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Fairbanks. Similar-size median 46.7.
56.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Fairbanks. Similar-size median 44.2.
33.4 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Fairbanks. Similar-size median 47.3.
60.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Fairbanks's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
44.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
34.8 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Fairbanks's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
Is Fairbanks, AK a good place to live?
Fairbanks ranks #1040 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #166 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (14.5 min, #12 of 208), and trails on high violent crime (843 per 100,000, #163 of 174) and low graduation rates (77%, #170 of 191).
What is the cost of living in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks'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 $1,496/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $305,391, 23% below the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
What is the crime rate in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks recorded 843 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.6 times the US rate of 328 and 16% above Alaska's 729. That ranks #1017 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #163 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Fairbanks Police Department. Property crime runs 3,026 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Fairbanks?
The median household in Fairbanks earns $73,534, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 23% below Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 4.5% (US 4.3%). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Fairbanks?
Median rent in Fairbanks is $1,496/mo (Census), #720 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,840/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24.4% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Fairbanks?
The typical home value in Fairbanks is $305,391, up 4.3% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $268,400.
How are the public schools in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks's 11 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 17.6 students per teacher and $17,616 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Fairbanks?
The average commute is 14.5 minutes, #50 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 2.2% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Fairbanks?
Fairbanks averages 27.6°F over the year, 58.8°F in summer and -4.5°F in winter, with 12.2 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Fairbanks walkable?
Fairbanks scores 9.5 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #750 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks?
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 Fairbanks?
Fairbanks has 32,083 residents. The median resident of Fairbanks is 29 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 26.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #929 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 39.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Fairbanks compare with the rest of Alaska?
Fairbanks ranks #17 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 49.2 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 23% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Fairbanks?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Fairbanks's population of 32,083 are Houma, LA (#1078 overall), Laramie, WY (#341 overall), Nicholasville, KY (#503 overall), Bangor, ME (#698 overall), and Naugatuck, CT (#223 overall). Fairbanks is #1040.