AlaskaPop. 9,720Towns
Is Wasilla a Good Place to Live? Wasilla, Alaska: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Wasilla ranks #1119 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.5%, #11 of 151), and trails on long commutes (29.8 min, #213 of 234) and high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230).
Wasilla by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Wasilla'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 Wasilla?
Wasilla'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 $1,153/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $425,040, 7% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
| Measure | Wasilla | 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 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $325,401 · US $368,697 | $425,040#680 of 1,187 | $398,663 | $325,401 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,583/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,870/mo#626 of 1,115 | — | $1,583/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $280,200 | $358,400#679 of 1,309 | — | $280,200 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,138/mo | $1,153/mo#391 of 1,309 | — | $1,138/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7x | 5.3x#901 of 1,309 | — | 3.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.3% | 20.6%#523 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.
Wasilla 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. Wasilla is in the Anchorage, AK metro.
Alaska housing market →Is Wasilla safe?
Wasilla recorded 432 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% above the US rate of 328 and 41% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #763 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #120 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wasilla Police Department. Property crime runs 3,627 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Wasilla | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 220 · US 328 | 432#763 of 1,085 | 729 | 220 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,379 · US 1,548 | 3,627#1023 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 Wasilla?
The median household in Wasilla earns $67,234, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Alaska ($95,665). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Wasilla | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,239 · US $83,163 | $67,234#870 of 1,312 | $95,665 | $73,239 | $83,163 |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.4% | 17.5%#1015 of 1,312 | — | 11.4% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size 0% · US +0.5% | +2.5%#66 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 Wasilla?
The median resident of Wasilla is 34.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1112 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Wasilla | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 38.6 | 34.8 | 38.6 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 29.2% | 21.7%#1112 of 1,312 | 29.2% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.1% | 48.2% | 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 Wasilla's schools and health?
Wasilla's 3 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $15,575 spent per pupil. 38.4% of adults are obese and 9.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 34.5% and 10.7%.
| Measure | Wasilla | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 87% | 86%#647 of 1,063 | 77.8% | 87% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.1 | 17.9#828 of 1,188 | — | 14.1 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,825 | $15,575#510 of 1,188 | — | $14,825 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 34.5% | 38.4%#1033 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% | 17.4%#730 of 1,311 | — | 16.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 8.6% | 10.6%#729 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. 1,843 students are enrolled in Wasilla's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Wasilla?
The average commute in Wasilla is 29.8 minutes (Alaska 19.8); 1% of workers take transit and 8.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Wasilla scores 8.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #895 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 56°F and winters 19.4°F, with 18.8 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Wasilla | AlaskaAK | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 20.4 min | 29.8 min#1094 of 1,312 | 19.8 min | 20.4 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.8% | 14%#1203 of 1,312 | 5.2% | 4.8% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75% | 72.8% | 66.8% | 75% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1% | 0.7% | 0.3% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2% | 1.2% | 6.5% | 2% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0% | 0.2% | 0.9% | 0% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 9.5% | 8.3% | 8.4% | 9.5% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.7#895 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 | 23.7 | 10.9 | 0.7 |
| Feb | 28.8 | 14.3 | 0.9 |
| Mar | 33.8 | 18.5 | 0.6 |
| Apr | 46.5 | 28.9 | 0.4 |
| May | 58.3 | 37.3 | 1.1 |
| Jun | 64 | 44.8 | 1.8 |
| Jul | 66.8 | 49.7 | 2.6 |
| Aug | 63.6 | 47 | 3.4 |
| Sep | 54.6 | 39.5 | 2.9 |
| Oct | 42.4 | 29 | 1.8 |
| Nov | 29.7 | 16.7 | 1.2 |
| Dec | 25.3 | 13.6 | 1.5 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Anderson Lake.
| Measure | Wasilla | 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 | 56°F | 69.6°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 26.8°F | 19.4°F | 26.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.5 in | 18.8 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 Anderson Lake.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Wasilla?
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 | Wasilla | 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 Wasilla compare with similar-size cities?
Wasilla is one of 234 places under 25,000 people we track and ranks #197 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 9,720.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasilla, AKPop. 9,720 | #1119 | 47.6 | $67,234 | $1,153/mo | 432 | 29.8 min |
| Cody, WYPop. 10,276 | #398 | 60.1 | $72,570 | $1,051/mo | 124 | 9.5 min |
| Exeter, NHPop. 9,964 | #158 | 65.9 | $87,346 | $1,711/mo | county/metro | 24 min |
| Cross Lanes, WVPop. 9,671 | #1198 | 45.1 | $63,537 | $949/mo | no data | 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 |
| Wakefield-Peace Dale, RIPop. 9,302 | #282 | 62.5 | $106,551 | $1,258/mo | no data | 24 min |
| Bennington, VTPop. 9,245 | #603 | 56.7 | $54,257 | $1,115/mo | county/metro | 17.2 min |
| Gretna, NEPop. 9,193 | #173 | 65.3 | $123,992 | $1,540/mo | no data | 21.1 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 Wasilla compare with the rest of Alaska?
Wasilla ranks #19 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 30% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% 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 Wasilla's score calculated?
Wasilla scores 47.6 out of 100, #1119 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Wasilla. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 41.9.
28.0 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Wasilla's police agency. Similar-size median 81.4.
53.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Wasilla. Similar-size median 56.5.
51.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Wasilla's public schools. Similar-size median 62.6.
54.2 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Wasilla's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 74.8.
65.5 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Wasilla. Similar-size median 50.8.
37.2 - GrowthCity data, some inputs missing · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Wasilla. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 35.2.
64.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Wasilla. Similar-size median 48.3.
35.3 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Wasilla's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
40.5 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 59.2.
53.4 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Wasilla'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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla
Is Wasilla, AK a good place to live?
Wasilla ranks #1119 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #197 of 234 towns and #19 of 20 in Alaska. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+2.5%, #11 of 151), and trails on long commutes (29.8 min, #213 of 234) and high living costs (105.4, #205 of 230).
What is the cost of living in Wasilla?
Wasilla'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 $1,153/mo against $1,138/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $425,040, 7% above the typical Alaska home ($398,663).
What is the crime rate in Wasilla?
Wasilla recorded 432 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 32% above the US rate of 328 and 41% below Alaska's 729. That ranks #763 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #120 of 146 towns, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Wasilla Police Department. Property crime runs 3,627 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Wasilla?
The median household in Wasilla earns $67,234, 19% below the US figure of $83,163 and 30% below Alaska ($95,665). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 2.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Wasilla?
Median rent in Wasilla is $1,153/mo (Census), #391 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,870/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 20.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Wasilla?
The typical home value in Wasilla is $425,040, up 7.1% in a year, against $398,663 for Alaska and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $358,400.
How are the public schools in Wasilla?
Wasilla's 3 public schools graduate 86% of students in four years (Alaska 77.8%), with 17.9 students per teacher and $15,575 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Wasilla?
The average commute is 29.8 minutes, #1094 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 19.8 minutes across Alaska. 14% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Wasilla?
Wasilla averages 37°F over the year, 56°F in summer and 19.4°F in winter, with 18.8 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Wasilla walkable?
Wasilla scores 8.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #895 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 Wasilla 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 Wasilla?
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 Wasilla?
Wasilla has 9,720 residents. The median resident of Wasilla is 34.8 years old, against 38.6 in similar-size cities. 21.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1112 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 48.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Wasilla compare with the rest of Alaska?
Wasilla ranks #19 of the 20 Alaska cities we track, with a score of 47.6 against Alaska's statewide 44.3. Its households earn 30% below the Alaska median. Violent crime is 41% below the statewide rate. Homes are 7% above the typical Alaska home.
What cities are similar in size to Wasilla?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Wasilla's population of 9,720 are Cody, WY (#398 overall), Exeter, NH (#158 overall), Cross Lanes, WV (#1198 overall), Brewer, ME (#527 overall), and Evergreen, MT (#991 overall). Wasilla is #1119.