Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ester, AK
Ester, AK is a close-knit community of about 2,400 people located just outside Fairbanks, offering affordable homes with a median value of $255,000 and average rents around $1,180. Residents enjoy a distinctly Alaskan lifestyle with cold winters and mild summers, plus a reasonable 22-minute average commute. The area maintains a low cost of living compared to urban Alaska, has access to quality healthcare and schools nearby, and is ideal for those seeking a quieter, nature-forward environment with small-town charm.
Demographics - Ester, AK
Ester, Alaska is home to around 2,430 residents, with a median age of 37 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The community is predominantly White, but also includes a mix of other ethnic backgrounds, and about 7% of the population speaks a language other than English at home. Its low population density and balanced age range contribute to Ester's relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
2,430
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
84.1%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
12.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ester, AK?
The cost of living in Ester is moderately above the national average, with a median home value of $255,000 and typical monthly rent at $1,180. Utilities, especially electricity, can be higher due to Alaska’s climate, but residents benefit from no state income tax. Overall, housing costs are reasonable for the region, making Ester accessible for families and individuals seeking value near Fairbanks.
Median House Value:
$255,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,590
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
114.0
Grocery:
124.0
Housing:
98.0
Utilities:
147.0
Transportation:
112.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Ester, AK a safe place to live?
Ester experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 385 incidents per 100,000 people, but property crime occurs more frequently. While the chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 260, property crime risk is higher at about 1 in 45. Most residents feel secure, though basic precautions are recommended.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
385
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,585
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 260
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Ester, AK year-round?
Ester’s climate features long, cold winters with lows dipping to -16°F, while summers are mild and pleasant with highs reaching 73°F. The area receives just over 11 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 54% of the year. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering a true taste of Interior Alaska’s weather.
Winter
Min:
-16°F
Max:
2°F
Spring
Min:
13°F
Max:
46°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
44°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Ester’s residents enjoy a strong sense of community, with a median household income of $63,400 and a poverty rate of 13.5%. Most adults are high school graduates, and over a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute is about 22 minutes, reflecting the area’s blend of rural tranquility and proximity to Fairbanks.
Median Income:
$32,200
Household Income:
$63,400
Family Income:
$72,500
Per Capita Income:
$31,800
Income Male:
$42,100
Income Female:
$34,000
Poverty Rate:
13.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.0%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.1%
Bachelors or More:
35.0%
Education
How are the schools in Ester, AK?
Ester families benefit from access to quality education, including local public schools like University Park Elementary and nearby options such as Spruce Tree Montessori. The University of Alaska Fairbanks, just three miles away, offers higher education opportunities for students of all ages. With strong educational attainment among residents, the community values learning and development.
Public Schools
Name:
University Park Elementary School
Street:
554 Loftus Rd
Phone:
907-479-6963
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Private Schools
Name:
Spruce Tree Montessori School
Street:
504 Fairbanks St, Fairbanks, AK
Phone:
907-479-8733
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
6,800
Healthcare
Residents of Ester have access to quality medical care, with Fairbanks Memorial Hospital located nearby and a physician-to-population ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance, supporting a high standard of health and wellness in the community. Healthcare services are comprehensive, including emergency and general care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Address:
1650 Cowles St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone:
(907) 452-8181
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
68.7
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ester, AK?
Ester’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $255,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 68%. Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,180, and the area sees modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$255,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.9%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For driver services, Ester residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Fairbanks, located at 1979 Peger Rd. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services conveniently close to home. Online resources and local support make vehicle and licensing needs easy to manage.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1979 Peger Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
(907) 451-2920
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.