AlaskaPop. 8,078Towns
Is Ketchikan a Good Place to Live? Ketchikan, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ketchikan ranks #506 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #82 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (10.6 min, #7 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151) and high rents ($1,417/mo, #175 of 231).
Ketchikan by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ketchikan'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 Ketchikan?
Ketchikan'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 $1,417/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $405,952, 2% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Ketchikan | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 96.2#494 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $405,952#643 of 1,187 | $398,663 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $352,400#659 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,417/mo#651 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.1x#604 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.9%#440 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.
Ketchikan 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. Ketchikan is in the Ketchikan, AK metro.
Alaska housing market →Is Ketchikan safe?
Ketchikan recorded 350 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 52% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #636 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ketchikan Police Department. Property crime runs 1,150 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ketchikan | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 350#636 of 1,085 | 729 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 1,150#286 of 1,085 | 1,893 | 1,379 | 1,548 |
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. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ketchikan?
The median household in Ketchikan earns $85,275, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Alaska ($95,665). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ketchikan | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $85,275#534 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 11.2%#585 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | -0.8%#1052 of 1,132 | +0.1% | 0% | +0.5% |
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 Ketchikan?
The median resident of Ketchikan is 37.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ketchikan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 37.4 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 24.5%#992 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 61.4% | 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 Ketchikan's schools and health?
Ketchikan's 5 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $23,131 spent per pupil. 38.9% of adults are obese and 11% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Ketchikan | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 82%#809 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.3#112 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $23,131#85 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38.9%#1061 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 11%#624 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.2%#457 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.2%#679 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). Alaska is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 1,402 students are enrolled in Ketchikan's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ketchikan?
The average commute in Ketchikan is 10.6 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 0.6% of workers take transit and 5.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ketchikan scores 9.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #812 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 57.7°F and winters 36.1°F, with 149.5 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ketchikan | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 10.6 min#7 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 1.8%#34 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 66.4% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 10.1% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 5.5% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 9.1#812 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 | 39.7 | 31.5 | 16.2 |
| Feb | 40.9 | 31.5 | 11.8 |
| Mar | 43.6 | 32.4 | 11 |
| Apr | 49.8 | 37.2 | 10.3 |
| May | 56.9 | 43.3 | 8.7 |
| Jun | 61.3 | 49.3 | 7 |
| Jul | 64.5 | 53.2 | 7.3 |
| Aug | 64.7 | 53.3 | 11.3 |
| Sep | 58.9 | 48.3 | 14.3 |
| Oct | 51.1 | 41.3 | 18.4 |
| Nov | 43.7 | 35.6 | 17.1 |
| Dec | 40.2 | 32.6 | 16.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ketchikan Airport.
| Measure | Ketchikan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 46°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 57.7°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 36.1°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 149.5 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 Ketchikan Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ketchikan?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Ketchikan's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ketchikan Gateway Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in tsunami, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.03% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
| Measure | Ketchikan | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.03%#1 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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Ketchikan Gateway Borough
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Tsunami | 0.01% | 77% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.002% | 41% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.017% | 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 Ketchikan compare with similar-size cities?
Ketchikan is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #82 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,078.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ketchikan, AKPop. 8,078 | #506 | 58.0 | $85,275 | $1,417/mo | 350 | 10.6 min |
| Wilmington Manor, DEPop. 8,214 | #824 | 52.9 | $78,078 | $1,155/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| York, NEPop. 8,141 | #817 | 53.1 | $63,265 | $862/mo | 183 | 9.7 min |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 min |
| Tiverton, RIPop. 8,091 | #220 | 64.0 | $99,158 | $1,342/mo | county/metro | 26.2 min |
| Helena Valley West Central, MTPop. 8,056 | #714 | 54.8 | $90,082 | $1,327/mo | no data | 19.6 min |
| Montpelier, VTPop. 8,014 | #62 | 69.9 | $81,030 | $1,302/mo | 343 | 18.1 min |
| Wahpeton, NDPop. 8,010 | #735 | 54.4 | $62,750 | $751/mo | 135 | 17.6 min |
| Oak Hill, WVPop. 7,937 | #1209 | 44.7 | $52,466 | $847/mo | 92 | 29 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 Ketchikan compare with the rest of Alaska?
Ketchikan ranks #7 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 58 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 11% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% 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 Ketchikan's score calculated?
Ketchikan scores 58 out of 100, #506 of 1,312 (grade B, 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, some inputs missing · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ketchikan. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
43.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ketchikan's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
76.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ketchikan. Similar-size median 56.5.
50.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ketchikan's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
74.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ketchikan's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
67.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ketchikan. Similar-size median 50.8.
56.7 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ketchikan. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
17.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ketchikan. Similar-size median 48.3.
61.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ketchikan's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
42.6 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 59.2.
99.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ketchikan'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 Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan
Is Ketchikan, AK a good place to live?
Ketchikan ranks #506 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #82 of 234 towns and #7 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (10.6 min, #7 of 234), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151) and high rents ($1,417/mo, #175 of 231).
What is the cost of living in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan'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 $1,417/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $405,952, 2% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
What is the crime rate in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan recorded 350 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 7% above the US rate of 328 and 52% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #636 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #108 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ketchikan Police Department. Property crime runs 1,150 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ketchikan?
The median household in Ketchikan earns $85,275, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 11% below Alaska ($95,665). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ketchikan?
Median rent in Ketchikan is $1,417/mo (Census), #651 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.9% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ketchikan?
The typical home value in Ketchikan is $405,952, up 5.9% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $352,400.
How are the public schools in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan's 5 public schools graduate 82% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 12.3 students per teacher and $23,131 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ketchikan?
The average commute is 10.6 minutes, #7 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 1.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan averages 46°F over the year, 57.7°F in summer and 36.1°F in winter, with 149.5 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ketchikan walkable?
Ketchikan scores 9.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #812 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 Ketchikan at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Ketchikan Gateway Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in tsunami, earthquake, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.03% of building value, lower than 100% of US counties.
Who lives in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan has 8,078 residents. The median resident of Ketchikan is 37.4 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 24.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #992 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ketchikan compare with the rest of Alaska?
Ketchikan ranks #7 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 58 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 11% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 52% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2% above the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Ketchikan?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ketchikan's population of 8,078 are Wilmington Manor, DE (#824 overall), York, NE (#817 overall), Rawlins, WY (#766 overall), Tiverton, RI (#220 overall), and Helena Valley West Central, MT (#714 overall). Ketchikan is #506.