AlaskaPop. 31,794Small cities
Is Juneau a Good Place to Live? Juneau, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Juneau ranks #237 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.1 min, #15 of 208) and high household income ($101,661, #38 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($449,300, #174 of 208) and high violent crime (487 per 100,000, #141 of 174).
Juneau by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Juneau'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 Juneau?
Juneau's cost of living index is 96.2, 4% below the US level of 100 and #494 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,444/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $476,877, 20% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Juneau | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 96.2#494 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $476,877#772 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 | $2,492/mo#913 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $449,300#886 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,444/mo#679 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17%#155 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.
Juneau 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. Juneau is in the Juneau, AK metro.
Alaska housing market →Is Juneau safe?
Juneau recorded 487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 33% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #826 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #141 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Juneau Police Department. Property crime runs 1,919 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Juneau | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 487#826 of 1,085 | 729 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,919#678 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 Juneau?
The median household in Juneau earns $101,661, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Juneau | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $101,661#321 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.4%#212 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.9%#409 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.1%#597 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 Juneau?
The median resident of Juneau is 40 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #436 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Juneau | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 41.2%#436 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 63.6% | 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 Juneau's schools and health?
Juneau's 12 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $20,767 spent per pupil. 35.3% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Juneau | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 16.4#676 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $20,767#171 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35.3%#796 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 15.3%#301 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.5%#449 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. 3,977 students are enrolled in Juneau's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Juneau?
The average commute in Juneau is 15.1 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 2.3% of workers take transit and 13% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Juneau scores 10.2 of 20 (below average walkable), #678 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 56.5°F and winters 31.7°F, with 89.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Juneau | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 15.1 min#63 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 1.9%#45 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 63.9% | 66.8% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 2.3% | 0.7% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 6.5% | 6.5% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.4% | 0.9% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 13% | 8.4% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10.2#678 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 | 34.1 | 26.5 | 5.9 |
| Feb | 36.7 | 27.7 | 5.2 |
| Mar | 39.4 | 29.6 | 6.2 |
| Apr | 48.6 | 35.8 | 4.8 |
| May | 57.3 | 43.1 | 5.1 |
| Jun | 62.2 | 49 | 4.9 |
| Jul | 62.9 | 51.8 | 6.2 |
| Aug | 62.4 | 51 | 7.8 |
| Sep | 55.9 | 46.3 | 12.7 |
| Oct | 47.9 | 39.4 | 12.3 |
| Nov | 39.9 | 32.1 | 8.8 |
| Dec | 36.3 | 28.7 | 9.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Juneau Downtown.
| Measure | Juneau | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 43.5°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 56.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 31.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 89.6 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 Juneau Downtown.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Juneau?
Juneau City and Borough's air had a median air quality index of 23, and 84% 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 Juneau City and Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, earthquake, and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.05% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
| Measure | Juneau | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 23#36 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.05%#2 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 Juneau City and Borough: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Juneau City and Borough
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Winter weather | 0.0018% | 91% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.018% | 85% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.0033% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.02% | 0% 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 Juneau compare with similar-size cities?
Juneau is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #45 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 31,794.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau, AKPop. 31,794 | #237 | 63.5 | $101,661 | $1,444/mo | 487 | 15.1 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 |
| Summerlin South, NVPop. 31,354 | #332 | 61.3 | $117,035 | $2,509/mo | no data | 23.4 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 Juneau compare with the rest of Alaska?
Juneau ranks #4 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 63.5 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 6% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 33% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% 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 Juneau's score calculated?
Juneau scores 63.5 out of 100, #237 of 1,312 (grade A, 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 Juneau. Similar-size median 52.9.
67.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Juneau's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
62.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Juneau. Similar-size median 52.2.
61.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Juneau's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
66.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Juneau's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
63.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Juneau. Similar-size median 46.7.
68.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Juneau. Similar-size median 44.2.
44.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Juneau. Similar-size median 47.3.
64.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Juneau's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
48.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
96.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Juneau'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 Juneau 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 Juneau
Is Juneau, AK a good place to live?
Juneau ranks #237 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #45 of 208 small cities and #4 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (15.1 min, #15 of 208) and high household income ($101,661, #38 of 208), and trails on expensive homes ($449,300, #174 of 208) and high violent crime (487 per 100,000, #141 of 174).
What is the cost of living in Juneau?
Juneau's cost of living index is 96.2, 4% below the US level of 100 and #494 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,444/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $476,877, 20% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
What is the crime rate in Juneau?
Juneau recorded 487 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 48% above the US rate of 328 and 33% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #826 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #141 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Juneau Police Department. Property crime runs 1,919 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Juneau?
The median household in Juneau earns $101,661, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 3.4% (US 4.3%). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Juneau?
Median rent in Juneau is $1,444/mo (Census), #679 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,492/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Juneau?
The typical home value in Juneau is $476,877, up 4.8% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $449,300.
How are the public schools in Juneau?
Juneau's 12 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 16.4 students per teacher and $20,767 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Juneau?
The average commute is 15.1 minutes, #63 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 1.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Juneau?
Juneau averages 43.5°F over the year, 56.5°F in summer and 31.7°F in winter, with 89.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Juneau walkable?
Juneau scores 10.2 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #678 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 Juneau at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Juneau City and Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in winter weather, earthquake, and tsunami, with expected yearly losses of 0.05% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Juneau?
Juneau City and Borough's air had a median air quality index of 23, and 84% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Juneau?
Juneau has 31,794 residents. The median resident of Juneau is 40 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 41.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #436 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.6% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Juneau compare with the rest of Alaska?
Juneau ranks #4 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 63.5 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 6% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 33% below the statewide rate. Homes are 20% above the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Juneau?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Juneau's population of 31,794 are Laramie, WY (#341 overall), Nicholasville, KY (#503 overall), Bangor, ME (#698 overall), Naugatuck, CT (#223 overall), and Carlsbad, NM (#1004 overall). Juneau is #237.