Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fairbanks, AK
Thinking about moving to Fairbanks, AK? The city is home to about 32,700 residents, offering affordable housing with a median home price of $246,000 and average rents around $1,250. While cost of living is above the national average, unique Alaska perks include no state income tax and quick commutes averaging just 16 minutes. Fairbanks boasts a youthful vibe, access to outdoor adventure, a major university, and distinctive seasons with long summer days—though you’ll want to be ready for cold winters and higher-than-average crime rates. Explore the local schools, housing, and community resources to see if the Golden Heart City is right for you!
Demographics - Fairbanks, AK
Demographics - Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks is a vibrant city of about 32,700 residents, with a youthful median age of 29.9 and a population density of 1,090 people per square mile. The community is diverse, with 62% identifying as White and notable representation from Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, while over 11% speak a language other than English at home. The city has a slightly higher proportion of males to females, which reflects its unique demographic makeup.
Population:
32,702
Density:
1,090 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.9
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
62.0%
Black:
8.1%
Asian:
4.4%
Others:
25.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fairbanks, AK?
Living in Fairbanks comes with a cost of living index of 118.2, meaning expenses are above the national average, especially for utilities and healthcare. The median home value is $246,000, and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,250, but residents benefit from no state income tax. Monthly electricity charges tend to run higher due to the climate, so budget accordingly when considering a move.
Median House Value:
$246,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
118.2
Grocery:
124.5
Housing:
104.6
Utilities:
156.0
Transportation:
117.3
Health Care:
137.2
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Fairbanks, AK a safe place to live?
Fairbanks experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 813 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 3,232 per 100,000. Residents have about a 1 in 123 chance of being a victim of violent crime and 1 in 31 for property crime. It's important for newcomers to consider neighborhood safety and take common-sense precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
813
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,232
Crime Index:
4,045
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 123
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Fairbanks, AK year-round?
Fairbanks is known for its dramatic seasonal shifts, featuring cold winters with temperatures ranging from -16°F to 2°F and mild summers peaking at 73°F. The city enjoys about 50% sunny days and receives 11.3 inches of rainfall annually, making for distinct and memorable seasons. Residents experience long daylight hours in summer and extended darkness in winter, so being prepared for seasonal changes is key.
Winter
Min:
-16°F
Max:
2°F
Spring
Min:
13°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
73°F
Fall
Min:
19°F
Max:
47°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Households in Fairbanks typically earn a median income of $68,850, with a poverty rate of 12.8% and an unemployment rate of 5.8%. The average commute is a quick 16 minutes, while over 92% of adults have at least a high school diploma. The community is a mix of renters and homeowners, with most people commuting by car and only a small percentage using public transportation.
Median Income:
$29,600
Household Income:
$68,850
Family Income:
$82,100
Per Capita Income:
$32,400
Income Male:
$40,500
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
12.8%
Non English Speakers:
11.2%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
5.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.6%
Commute Time:
15.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
24.8%
Education
How are the schools in Fairbanks, AK?
Fairbanks offers robust educational options, including several public and private schools and the University of Alaska Fairbanks with approximately 7,000 students. Public high schools like Lathrop and West Valley provide a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities, and the area is served by both large and small private institutions. The city’s higher education presence fosters a youthful, dynamic atmosphere and supports lifelong learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Lathrop High School
Street:
901 Airport Way
Phone:
907-456-7794
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.1
Name:
West Valley High School
Street:
3800 Geist Rd
Phone:
907-479-4221
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Monroe Catholic High School
Street:
615 Monroe St
Phone:
907-452-2044
Students:
160
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Fairbanks is anchored by Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, providing comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The city offers 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 89% of locals have health insurance coverage. Access to medical care is generally reliable, supporting residents’ overall well-being.
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:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.9%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fairbanks, AK?
The Fairbanks housing market is relatively affordable for Alaska, with a median home price of $246,000 and an owner-occupied rate of just under 50%. Rental vacancy rates are moderate at 8.4%, and home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year. New construction is limited, so buyers may find a mix of older and newer homes.
Median Home Price:
$246,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
49.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Fairbanks are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located at 1979 Peger Road. Residents can access licensing, registration, and title services both in person and online. For questions, the DMV can be reached at (855) 269-5551 or through their official website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1979 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.