Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Copper Center, AK
Thinking of moving to Copper Center, AK? This small community of 338 residents offers affordable housing, with a median home price around $180,000 and average rents near $980. While utilities and groceries cost more than the national average, Alaska’s lack of state income tax helps offset expenses. Residents enjoy a scenic, rural lifestyle, with crisp winters and mild summers, and a close-knit local school. Commutes are short, crime rates are moderate for the region, and nearby Glennallen provides essential healthcare and amenities.
Demographics - Copper Center, AK
Demographics - Copper Center, AK
Copper Center is a small, close-knit community with a population of 338 and a low population density of just 8 people per square mile. The median age is 46.7, reflecting a mature population, and the area is home to a significant Alaska Native community alongside White residents. About 15% of locals speak a language other than English at home, adding to the town's cultural diversity.
Population:
338
Density:
8 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.7
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
55.0%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
6.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Copper Center, AK?
Living in Copper Center comes with moderately priced housing—median home values are around $180,000 and average rent is $980—but higher costs for groceries and utilities reflect its remote Alaskan location. The overall cost of living index is above the national average, though the absence of state income tax helps balance expenses for residents. Monthly electricity bills and healthcare costs tend to be higher, so budgeting for these is important.
Median House Value:
$180,000
Gross Rent:
$980
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$240
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
144.0
Housing:
102.0
Utilities:
187.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
132.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Copper Center, AK a safe place to live?
Copper Center experiences moderate crime rates for the region, with a 1 in 312 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 59 chance of property crime. While the area is generally safe, property crime is more common than violent incidents, so residents should remain vigilant. The overall crime index indicates that safety is a consideration, but not a major deterrent for most families.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
2,020
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Copper Center, AK year-round?
Copper Center has a classic Alaskan climate, with cold winters that can drop to -20°F and mild summers reaching up to 70°F. The area receives about 12.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys roughly 45% sunny days. Seasonal changes are distinct, providing a true four-season experience for residents.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
10°F
Spring
Min:
15°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
44°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Residents of Copper Center enjoy a rural lifestyle with a median household income of $56,500 and a relatively high rate of homeownership. The community is well-educated, with over 90% having at least a high school diploma, though 17.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times are short, public transportation is virtually nonexistent, and the poverty rate stands at 17.8%.
Median Income:
$25,900
Household Income:
$56,500
Family Income:
$61,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$29,300
Income Female:
$22,700
Poverty Rate:
17.8%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$980
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
23.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Copper Center, AK?
Education in Copper Center centers around Kenny Lake School, a small public school with a low student-teacher ratio and an enrollment of about 85 students. Higher education opportunities are available nearby at the University of Alaska Fairbanks – Copper Basin campus, just 15 miles away in Glennallen. Although private schools are not present locally, families benefit from attentive public schooling and access to regional college courses.
Public Schools
Name:
Kenny Lake School
Street:
Mile 5 Edgerton Hwy
Phone:
907-822-3870
Students:
85
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Copper Basin
City:
Glennallen
State:
AK
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Healthcare services in Copper Center are anchored by the nearby Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen, offering primary and urgent care with emergency services. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and there are 1.2 physicians per 1,000 people, which is typical for a rural area. While specialized care may require travel, essential medical needs are well-covered locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cross Road Medical Center
Address:
Mile 186.5 Richardson Hwy, Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone:
(907) 822-3203
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Copper Center, AK?
The housing market in Copper Center is stable, with a median home price of $180,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 79%. Homes have seen steady appreciation at 3.2% over the past year, and the rental vacancy rate is a moderate 8.5%. New construction is limited, reflecting the area's small size and rural character.
Median Home Price:
$180,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$980
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Copper Center residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office located in nearby Glennallen at Mile 186.5 Richardson Hwy. The DMV provides standard licensing and vehicle registration services, and information can be accessed online or by phone. This regional facility ensures residents have convenient access to essential motor vehicle services.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Mile 186.5 Richardson Hwy, Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone:
(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.