Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Anchorage, AK
Thinking about moving to Anchorage, AK? Home to 287,145 residents, Anchorage offers a unique blend of city amenities and stunning wilderness, with a median home price of $373,200 and average rents around $1,340. The city features a low average commute of just 18.6 minutes, easy access to top hospitals, and reputable schools. While crime rates are higher than the national average, Anchorage boasts no state income or sales tax, making it a cost-effective choice for many. Embrace a distinct subarctic climate, abundant outdoor recreation, and a diverse, welcoming community as you plan your move.
Demographics - Anchorage, AK
Demographics - Anchorage, AK
Anchorage is home to about 287,145 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of 35.1 years. The city features a balanced gender ratio and a notable multicultural presence, with nearly 16% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
287,145
Density:
175 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.1
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.9%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.2%
Black:
5.9%
Asian:
8.8%
Others:
24.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Anchorage, AK?
The cost of living in Anchorage is above the national average, with a median home value of $373,200 and average monthly rent at $1,340. While utilities and groceries tend to be higher in price, residents benefit from 0% state income and sales tax, helping offset some expenses.
Median House Value:
$373,200
Gross Rent:
$1,340
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$190
Auto Insurance:
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$615
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
123.5
Grocery:
134.2
Housing:
116.1
Utilities:
143.7
Transportation:
110.8
Health Care:
132.3
Miscellaneous:
119.0
Crime
Is Anchorage, AK a safe place to live?
Anchorage has higher crime rates compared to many U.S. cities, with residents facing a 1 in 101 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of property crime. Awareness and proactive safety measures are important considerations for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
995
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,288
Crime Index:
5,283
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 101
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 23
Weather
What is the weather like in Anchorage, AK year-round?
Anchorage experiences a subarctic climate with long, snowy winters and mild summers; average winter highs reach only 23°F, while summer months top out near 68°F. The city receives about 16.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 41% of the year.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
27°F
Max:
46°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
25°F
Max:
44°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
41%
Neighbors
Local households enjoy a median income of $84,350, and the poverty rate stands at 9.4%. Most residents are highly educated, with over 94% holding at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are just under 19 minutes.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$84,350
Family Income:
$99,900
Per Capita Income:
$39,700
Income Male:
$52,400
Income Female:
$43,600
Poverty Rate:
9.4%
Non English Speakers:
15.9%
Rent:
$1,340
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
18.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
32.7%
Education
How are the schools in Anchorage, AK?
Anchorage offers a range of educational opportunities, including reputable public and private schools, and is home to the University of Alaska Anchorage. The city's schools are recognized for favorable student-teacher ratios and diverse academic programs.
Public Schools
Name:
West Anchorage High School
Street:
1700 Hillcrest Dr
Phone:
907-742-2500
Students:
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.3
Name:
Rogers Park Elementary School
Street:
1400 E Northern Lights Blvd
Phone:
907-742-4800
Students:
430
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.6
Private Schools
Name:
Grace Christian School
Street:
12407 Pintail St
Phone:
907-868-1203
Students:
510
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Alaska Pacific University
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
500
Healthcare
Anchorage provides strong healthcare access with major hospitals like Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Regional Hospital, and about 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people, healthcare services are readily available.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Address:
3200 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone:
(907) 562-2211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Alaska Regional Hospital
Address:
2801 Debarr Rd, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone:
(907) 276-1131
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.8%
Health Care Index:
78.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Anchorage, AK?
The housing market in Anchorage is moderately competitive, featuring a median home price of $373,200 and a 4.1% annual appreciation rate. About 61% of homes are owner-occupied, with a rental vacancy rate of 6.2%, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$373,200
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,340
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents can access vehicle and licensing services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Old Seward Highway. The Anchorage DMV provides comprehensive support for registration, licensing, and driving needs.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
1-855-269-5551
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.