AlaskaPop. 19,972Towns
Is Knik-Fairview a Good Place to Live? Knik-Fairview, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Knik-Fairview ranks #1057 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($96,437, #57 of 234), and trails on long commutes (38.2 min, #233 of 234) and high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230).
Knik-Fairview by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Knik-Fairview'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 Knik-Fairview: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is Knik-Fairview safe?
What is the cost of living in Knik-Fairview?
Knik-Fairview'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 $1,588/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $340,200.
| Measure | Knik-Fairview | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 94.3 · US 100 | 105.4#958 of 1,308 | 102.4 | 94.3 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $340,200#628 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,588/mo#781 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 19.8%#429 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 Knik-Fairview safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Knik-Fairview alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Knik-Fairview 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 Knik-Fairview?
The median household in Knik-Fairview earns $96,437, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Alaska ($95,665). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | Knik-Fairview | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $96,437#393 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 9.2%#431 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 Knik-Fairview?
The median resident of Knik-Fairview is 33.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 84.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Knik-Fairview | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 33.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 20.9%#1142 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 84.5% | 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 Knik-Fairview's schools and health?
We have too few school records for Knik-Fairview to describe its public schools. 38% of adults are obese and 8.5% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Knik-Fairview | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38%#1010 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.5%#145 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 17.5%#754 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). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
What are the commute and weather like in Knik-Fairview?
The average commute in Knik-Fairview is 38.2 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 0.7% of workers take transit and 9.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Knik-Fairview scores 4.1 of 20 (least walkable), #1311 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 58°F and winters 17.3°F, with 16.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Knik-Fairview | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 38.2 min#1297 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 25.8%#1300 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 70.7% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.2% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 9.9% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 4.1#1311 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 | 21 | 7.6 | 1 |
| Feb | 29.1 | 11.9 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 35.9 | 14.8 | 0.7 |
| Apr | 50.1 | 27.5 | 0.5 |
| May | 61.9 | 36.1 | 0.8 |
| Jun | 68.8 | 44.4 | 1.5 |
| Jul | 70.5 | 49.5 | 1.8 |
| Aug | 67.9 | 47.1 | 2.8 |
| Sep | 58 | 38.9 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 44.1 | 26.6 | 1.6 |
| Nov | 27.7 | 14.7 | 1.1 |
| Dec | 23.9 | 10.4 | 1.6 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Eklutna Wtp.
| Measure | Knik-Fairview | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 37°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 58°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 17.3°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 16.6 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 Eklutna Wtp.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Knik-Fairview?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Matanuska-Susitna Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
| Measure | Knik-Fairview | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 38 | 9#3 of 1,138 | 38 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.39%#1214 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 Matanuska-Susitna Borough: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Matanuska-Susitna Borough
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.31% | 100% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.013% | 87% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.025% | 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 Knik-Fairview compare with similar-size cities?
Knik-Fairview is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #186 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 19,972.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knik-Fairview, AKPop. 19,972 | #1057 | 48.8 | $96,437 | $1,588/mo | no data | 38.2 min |
| Westbrook, MEPop. 20,775 | #107 | 68.1 | $85,038 | $1,392/mo | 153 | 18.7 min |
| South Burlington, VTPop. 20,756 | #66 | 69.6 | $106,667 | $1,787/mo | 231 | 17.7 min |
| Makakilo, HIPop. 20,735 | #660 | 55.7 | $118,550 | $2,276/mo | no data | 32.8 min |
| Elko, NVPop. 20,696 | #1056 | 48.8 | $79,036 | $1,267/mo | 378 | 26.6 min |
| Vicksburg, MSPop. 20,589 | #1269 | 40.6 | $45,781 | $820/mo | 681 | 17.5 min |
| Erlanger, KYPop. 19,875 | #480 | 58.4 | $75,840 | $970/mo | 69 | 21.2 min |
| Sheridan, WYPop. 19,285 | #679 | 55.5 | $62,867 | $936/mo | 110 | 12.8 min |
| Ammon, IDPop. 19,064 | #868 | 52.2 | $86,121 | $1,372/mo | no data | 21.9 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 Knik-Fairview compare with the rest of Alaska?
Knik-Fairview ranks #18 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 1% 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 Knik-Fairview's score calculated?
Knik-Fairview scores 48.8 out of 100, #1057 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Knik-Fairview. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
53.4 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Knik-Fairview. Similar-size median 56.5.
54.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
Knik-Fairview's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
61.0 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Knik-Fairview. Similar-size median 50.8.
65.2 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Knik-Fairview. Similar-size median 48.3.
23.9 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Knik-Fairview's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
16.3 - EnvironmentCounty data · 6% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
53.4 - SafetyNot scored
No FBI figures from a police agency serving Knik-Fairview alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for Knik-Fairview.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for Knik-Fairview.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Knik-Fairview'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 Knik-Fairview 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 Knik-Fairview
Is Knik-Fairview, AK a good place to live?
Knik-Fairview ranks #1057 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #186 of 234 towns and #18 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($96,437, #57 of 234), and trails on long commutes (38.2 min, #233 of 234) and high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230).
What is the cost of living in Knik-Fairview?
Knik-Fairview'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 $1,588/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $340,200.
Is Knik-Fairview safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for Knik-Fairview alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a Knik-Fairview 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 Knik-Fairview?
The median household in Knik-Fairview earns $96,437, 16% above the US figure of $83,163 and 1% above Alaska ($95,665). 9.2% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in Knik-Fairview?
Median rent in Knik-Fairview is $1,588/mo (Census), #781 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 19.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Knik-Fairview?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Knik-Fairview is $340,200, #628 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Knik-Fairview?
We have too few school records for Knik-Fairview to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in Knik-Fairview?
The average commute is 38.2 minutes, #1297 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 25.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Knik-Fairview?
Knik-Fairview averages 37°F over the year, 58°F in summer and 17.3°F in winter, with 16.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Knik-Fairview walkable?
Knik-Fairview scores 4.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (least walkable), #1311 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 Knik-Fairview at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Matanuska-Susitna Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, wildfire, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.39% of building value, higher than 93% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Knik-Fairview?
Matanuska-Susitna Borough's air had a median air quality index of 9, and 92% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Knik-Fairview?
Knik-Fairview has 19,972 residents. The median resident of Knik-Fairview is 33.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 20.9% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1142 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 84.5% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Knik-Fairview compare with the rest of Alaska?
Knik-Fairview ranks #18 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 48.8 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 1% above the Alaska median.
What cities are similar in size to Knik-Fairview?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Knik-Fairview's population of 19,972 are Westbrook, ME (#107 overall), South Burlington, VT (#66 overall), Makakilo, HI (#660 overall), Elko, NV (#1056 overall), and Vicksburg, MS (#1269 overall). Knik-Fairview is #1057.