Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Wainwright, AK
Considering a move to Fort Wainwright, AK? This small, military-focused community of about 6,800 offers affordable housing with median home prices around $305,000 and average rents at $1,450. Residents enjoy short 16-minute commutes, a strong military support network, and easy access to healthcare at both military and civilian hospitals. While winters are extremely cold and crime rates are above national averages, the city boasts high educational attainment, a tight-knit feel, and proximity to the vibrant city of Fairbanks. Learn more about Fort Wainwright’s cost of living, schools, and lifestyle below.
Demographics - Fort Wainwright, AK
Demographics - Fort Wainwright, AK
Fort Wainwright is a small community of about 6,800 residents, characterized by a young median age of 24.7 and a notable military presence, with a higher proportion of males. The population is diverse, with over 15% Black residents and 10% non-English speakers, creating a vibrant, multicultural environment.
Population:
6,800
Density:
1,750 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.7
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
66.0%
Black:
15.0%
Asian:
3.5%
Others:
15.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Wainwright, AK?
The cost of living in Fort Wainwright is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 122. Housing remains relatively affordable for the region, as median home values are around $305,000 and average rents are $1,450, while utilities and groceries are also above average due to the remote Alaskan location.
Median House Value:
$305,000
Gross Rent:
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$610
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.0
Grocery:
131.0
Housing:
115.0
Utilities:
145.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
122.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Fort Wainwright, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fort Wainwright are higher than national averages, with about 495 violent crimes and 2,100 property crimes per 100,000 residents. This means residents face a 1 in 202 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime, so awareness and precautions are important.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
495
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,595
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 202
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Wainwright, AK year-round?
Fort Wainwright experiences harsh winters with temperatures often dropping to -20°F, while summers are mild, reaching up to 75°F. The area sees about 12 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny days nearly half the year, but residents should be prepared for extreme cold and seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
0°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Fort Wainwright have a median household income of $55,000 and a poverty rate of 8%, reflecting a stable, largely military-oriented population. The community is well-educated, with 97% holding at least a high school diploma and commutes averaging just 16 minutes, offering a close-knit, convenient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$55,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,800
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
8.0%
Non English Speakers:
10.0%
Rent:
$1,450
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
16.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
97.0%
Bachelors or More:
25.0%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Wainwright, AK?
Fort Wainwright families have access to local public schools such as Arctic Light Elementary, as well as higher education opportunities just 7 miles away at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The area is known for high levels of educational attainment and a supportive environment for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Arctic Light Elementary School
Street:
4167 Neely Rd
Phone:
907-356-2038
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
7,400
Healthcare
Healthcare is easily accessible in Fort Wainwright, with major facilities like Bassett Army Community Hospital and Fairbanks Memorial Hospital nearby. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and 94% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from strong medical and emergency services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bassett Army Community Hospital
Address:
4076 Neely Rd, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
Phone:
(907) 361-5172
Type:
General & Military
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
Address:
1650 Cowles St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone:
(907) 452-8181
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.0%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Wainwright, AK?
Fort Wainwright's housing market is primarily rental, with a median home price of $305,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,450. Home appreciation has been steady at 3.2% over the past year, and the area maintains a low foreclosure rate, making it a stable option for renters and buyers alike.
Median Home Price:
$305,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate:
5.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Drivers in Fort Wainwright are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located nearby in Fairbanks. The DMV offers standard services such as licensing and registration, and residents can find more information or schedule appointments through the official state website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1979 Peger Rd, 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.