AlaskaPop. 10,223Towns
Is North Lakes a Good Place to Live? North Lakes, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
North Lakes ranks #734 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($101,679, #46 of 234), and trails on long commutes (30.3 min, #217 of 234) and high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230).
North Lakes by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with North Lakes'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 North Lakes: no police agency reports to the FBI for it alone. See Is North Lakes safe?
What is the cost of living in North Lakes?
North Lakes'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 $1,441/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $357,600.
| Measure | North Lakes | 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 | $357,600#676 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,441/mo#674 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% | 17%#155 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 North Lakes safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for North Lakes alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a North Lakes 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 North Lakes?
The median household in North Lakes earns $101,679, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Alaska ($95,665). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
| Measure | North Lakes | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $101,679#320 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 7.3%#264 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 North Lakes?
The median resident of North Lakes is 36.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #949 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | North Lakes | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 36.2 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 25.7%#949 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 78.4% | 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 North Lakes's schools and health?
We have too few school records for North Lakes to describe its public schools. 36.9% of adults are obese and 8.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | North Lakes | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 36.9%#939 of 1,311 | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 8.6%#159 of 1,311 | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 16.4%#496 of 1,311 | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 9.2%#551 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 North Lakes?
The average commute in North Lakes is 30.3 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 0% of workers take transit and 15.8% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index North Lakes scores 5.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #1295 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 57.3°F and winters 18.2°F, with 12.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | North Lakes | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 30.3 min#1123 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 13.5%#1193 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 71.2% | 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% | 0.5% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 15.8% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 5.8#1295 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 | 22.4 | 8.3 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 28.3 | 13.2 | 0.7 |
| Mar | 33.9 | 17.2 | 0.5 |
| Apr | 47.8 | 29.8 | 0.3 |
| May | 59.1 | 38.8 | 0.6 |
| Jun | 65.7 | 46.9 | 1 |
| Jul | 67.6 | 50.7 | 1.6 |
| Aug | 64.6 | 48.2 | 2.3 |
| Sep | 55.8 | 40.8 | 2.1 |
| Oct | 42.3 | 28.6 | 1.3 |
| Nov | 28.9 | 15.6 | 0.7 |
| Dec | 25.1 | 11.4 | 1 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Palmer Airport.
| Measure | North Lakes | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 37.1°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 57.3°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 18.2°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 12.6 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 Palmer Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in North Lakes?
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 | North Lakes | 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 North Lakes compare with similar-size cities?
North Lakes is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #126 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 10,223.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Lakes, AKPop. 10,223 | #734 | 54.4 | $101,679 | $1,441/mo | no data | 30.3 min |
| Brandon, SDPop. 10,996 | #60 | 70.0 | $110,806 | $976/mo | 46 | 18.4 min |
| Essex Junction, VTPop. 10,803 | #49 | 70.9 | $89,257 | $1,544/mo | no data | 19.2 min |
| Chalco, NEPop. 10,595 | #622 | 56.4 | $85,672 | $1,195/mo | no data | 20.1 min |
| Vienna, WVPop. 10,518 | #1108 | 47.8 | $60,388 | $809/mo | 174 | 20.5 min |
| Cody, WYPop. 10,276 | #398 | 60.1 | $72,570 | $1,051/mo | 124 | 9.5 min |
| Hampton, NHPop. 10,101 | #238 | 63.5 | $97,163 | $1,654/mo | county/metro | 25.8 min |
| Brewer, MEPop. 9,652 | #527 | 57.7 | $66,613 | $1,086/mo | 31 | 16.9 min |
| Evergreen, MTPop. 9,611 | #991 | 50.3 | $76,446 | $1,166/mo | no data | 19.6 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 North Lakes compare with the rest of Alaska?
North Lakes ranks #11 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 54.4 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 6% 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 North Lakes's score calculated?
North Lakes scores 54.4 out of 100, #734 of 1,312 (grade C+, 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 North Lakes. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
58.0 - HealthCity data · 19% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in North Lakes. Similar-size median 56.5.
57.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 16% of score
North Lakes's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
62.0 - Household financesCity data · 13% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in North Lakes. Similar-size median 50.8.
71.0 - TransportationCity data · 11% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in North Lakes. Similar-size median 48.3.
41.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 11% of score
The EPA's walkability index across North Lakes's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
25.3 - 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 North Lakes alone.
— - EducationNot scored
Too few school records for North Lakes.
— - GrowthNot scored
The Census does not estimate yearly population for North Lakes.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: North Lakes'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 North Lakes 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 North Lakes
Is North Lakes, AK a good place to live?
North Lakes ranks #734 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #126 of 234 towns and #11 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for high household income ($101,679, #46 of 234), and trails on long commutes (30.3 min, #217 of 234) and high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230).
What is the cost of living in North Lakes?
North Lakes'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 $1,441/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $357,600.
Is North Lakes safe?
No police agency reports crime to the FBI for North Lakes alone, which is typical of places policed by a county sheriff, so we don't publish a North Lakes 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 North Lakes?
The median household in North Lakes earns $101,679, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Alaska ($95,665). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line.
How much is rent in North Lakes?
Median rent in North Lakes is $1,441/mo (Census), #674 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 17% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in North Lakes?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in North Lakes is $357,600, #676 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in North Lakes?
We have too few school records for North Lakes to describe its public schools.
How long is the commute in North Lakes?
The average commute is 30.3 minutes, #1123 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 13.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in North Lakes?
North Lakes averages 37.1°F over the year, 57.3°F in summer and 18.2°F in winter, with 12.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is North Lakes walkable?
North Lakes scores 5.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1295 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 North Lakes 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 North Lakes?
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 North Lakes?
North Lakes has 10,223 residents. The median resident of North Lakes is 36.2 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 25.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #949 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 78.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does North Lakes compare with the rest of Alaska?
North Lakes ranks #11 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 54.4 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 6% above the Alaska median.
What cities are similar in size to North Lakes?
The tracked cities in other states closest to North Lakes's population of 10,223 are Brandon, SD (#60 overall), Essex Junction, VT (#49 overall), Chalco, NE (#622 overall), Vienna, WV (#1108 overall), and Cody, WY (#398 overall). North Lakes is #734.