AlaskaPop. 8,368Towns
Is Sitka a Good Place to Live? Sitka, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Sitka ranks #85 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #18 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13 min, #27 of 234) and high household income ($101,727, #45 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($450,300, #200 of 231) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151).
Sitka by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Sitka'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 Sitka?
Sitka'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 $1,341/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $486,534, 22% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Sitka | 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 | $486,534#793 of 1,187 | $398,663 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $450,300#890 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,341/mo#582 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 15.8%#88 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.
Sitka 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.
Alaska housing market →Is Sitka safe?
Sitka recorded 242 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #442 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #79 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sitka Police Department. Property crime runs 507 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Sitka | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 242#442 of 1,085 | 729 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 507#27 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 Sitka?
The median household in Sitka earns $101,727, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Sitka | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $101,727#318 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.3% · US 4.3% | 3%#98 of 1,058 | 4.7% | 3.3% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 7.5%#286 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 Sitka?
The median resident of Sitka is 39.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Sitka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 39.7 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 34.3%#639 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 61.7% | 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 Sitka's schools and health?
Sitka's 5 public schools graduate 89.8% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $26,869 spent per pupil. 30.1% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Sitka | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 89.8%#432 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 12.7#145 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $26,869#37 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 30.1%#398 of 1,311 | — | 34.5% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.7% | 9.6%#319 of 1,311 | — | 10.7% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.8% | 14.8%#241 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 8.5%#449 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. 1,421 students are enrolled in Sitka's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Sitka?
The average commute in Sitka is 13 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 0.1% of workers take transit and 7.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Sitka scores 12.9 of 20 (above average walkable), #342 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 54.1°F and winters 33.8°F, with 102.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Sitka | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 13 min#29 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 60.7% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 16.1% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 2.7% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 7.5% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 12.9#342 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 | 37.1 | 29.2 | 9.6 |
| Feb | 39 | 29.5 | 6.5 |
| Mar | 41.6 | 29.9 | 6.4 |
| Apr | 48.7 | 33.9 | 5 |
| May | 54.3 | 39.2 | 4.1 |
| Jun | 58.1 | 45.1 | 3.6 |
| Jul | 60.4 | 49.8 | 5.5 |
| Aug | 61.8 | 49.6 | 9.6 |
| Sep | 57.3 | 45.4 | 13.8 |
| Oct | 49.1 | 38.8 | 14.8 |
| Nov | 41.5 | 32.7 | 12.1 |
| Dec | 37.9 | 30.2 | 11 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Sitka 1 Ne.
| Measure | Sitka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 43.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 69.6°F | 54.1°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 33.8°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 102.1 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 Sitka 1 Ne.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Sitka?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Sitka's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sitka City and Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, volcanic activity, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Sitka | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.18%#860 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 Sitka City and Borough: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Sitka City and Borough
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Landslide | 0.0032% | 97% of counties |
| Volcanic activity | 0.0022% | 97% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.063% | 93% of counties |
| Tsunami | 0.078% | 93% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.015% | 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 Sitka compare with similar-size cities?
Sitka is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #18 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 8,368.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitka, AKPop. 8,368 | #85 | 68.9 | $101,727 | $1,341/mo | 242 | 13 min |
| Gering, NEPop. 8,550 | #672 | 55.6 | $75,093 | $823/mo | 105 | 15.1 min |
| Harrisburg, SDPop. 8,519 | #276 | 62.7 | $108,724 | $1,362/mo | no data | 21.9 min |
| Seaford, DEPop. 8,485 | #1167 | 46.2 | $54,016 | $1,176/mo | 641 | 28.1 min |
| Hanover, NHPop. 8,479 | #1 | 80.8 | $153,281 | $2,254/mo | 17 | 19 min |
| Barre, VTPop. 8,412 | #852 | 52.5 | $65,625 | $1,093/mo | 533 | 18.6 min |
| Miles City, MTPop. 8,407 | #713 | 54.8 | $67,727 | $926/mo | 356 | 10.8 min |
| Greenville, RIPop. 8,296 | #439 | 59.3 | $97,234 | $1,264/mo | no data | 24.4 min |
| Rawlins, WYPop. 8,129 | #766 | 53.9 | $64,773 | $741/mo | 114 | 13.3 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 Sitka compare with the rest of Alaska?
Sitka ranks #1 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 68.9 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 6% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% 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 Sitka's score calculated?
Sitka scores 68.9 out of 100, #85 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 Sitka. Similar-size median 41.9.
70.2 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Sitka's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
87.9 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Sitka. Similar-size median 56.5.
67.7 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Sitka's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
85.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Sitka's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
64.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Sitka. Similar-size median 50.8.
70.7 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Sitka. Similar-size median 35.2.
36.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Sitka. Similar-size median 48.3.
69.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Sitka's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
62.6 - 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.
33.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Sitka'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 Sitka 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 Sitka
Is Sitka, AK a good place to live?
Sitka ranks #85 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #18 of 234 towns and #1 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (13 min, #27 of 234) and high household income ($101,727, #45 of 234), and trails on expensive homes ($450,300, #200 of 231) and a shrinking population (-0.8%, #127 of 151).
What is the cost of living in Sitka?
Sitka'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 $1,341/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $486,534, 22% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
What is the crime rate in Sitka?
Sitka recorded 242 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 26% below the US rate of 328 and 67% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #442 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #79 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Sitka Police Department. Property crime runs 507 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Sitka?
The median household in Sitka earns $101,727, 22% above the US figure of $83,163 and 6% above Alaska ($95,665). Unemployment is 3% (US 4.3%). 7.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.8% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Sitka?
Median rent in Sitka is $1,341/mo (Census), #582 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 15.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Sitka?
The typical home value in Sitka is $486,534, down 8% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $450,300.
How are the public schools in Sitka?
Sitka's 5 public schools graduate 89.8% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 12.7 students per teacher and $26,869 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Sitka?
The average commute is 13 minutes, #29 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Sitka?
Sitka averages 43.3°F over the year, 54.1°F in summer and 33.8°F in winter, with 102.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Sitka walkable?
Sitka scores 12.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #342 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 Sitka at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Sitka City and Borough's biggest natural hazard losses in landslide, volcanic activity, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 67% of US counties.
Who lives in Sitka?
Sitka has 8,368 residents. The median resident of Sitka is 39.7 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 34.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #639 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Sitka compare with the rest of Alaska?
Sitka ranks #1 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 68.9 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 6% above the Alaska median. Violent crime is 67% below the statewide rate. Homes are 22% above the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Sitka?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Sitka's population of 8,368 are Gering, NE (#672 overall), Harrisburg, SD (#276 overall), Seaford, DE (#1167 overall), Hanover, NH (#1 overall), and Barre, VT (#852 overall). Sitka is #85.