Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Girdwood, AK
Considering Girdwood, AK for your next move? With a close-knit population of about 2,300, Girdwood offers scenic mountain views, abundant outdoor recreation, and a friendly small-town vibe. The median home price is $525,000, and average rents are around $1,650, reflecting the region's popularity. Commutes to Anchorage average 33 minutes, while crime rates remain moderate for Alaska. Girdwood K-8 School serves local families, and the climate is cool and wet with plenty of snowfall, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Demographics - Girdwood, AK
Demographics - Girdwood, AK
Girdwood is a small community of approximately 2,300 residents, with a median age of 39 and a slight male majority. The population is predominantly White, with a notable Alaska Native presence, and about 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density offers a quieter, more laid-back environment ideal for those seeking space and tranquility.
Population:
2,300
Density:
35 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.3%
Asian:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Girdwood, AK?
Living in Girdwood comes with a higher cost of living, as reflected in a median home value of $525,000 and average monthly rent near $1,650. Utilities and groceries also cost above the national average, but Alaska's lack of state income tax provides some financial relief. Residents should budget for higher housing and everyday expenses compared to many U.S. locations.
Median House Value:
$525,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$750
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135
Grocery:
132
Housing:
142
Utilities:
124
Transportation:
120
Health Care:
123
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Girdwood, AK a safe place to live?
Girdwood experiences moderate crime for Alaska, with a violent crime rate of 256 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,690 per 100,000. While the community is generally considered safe, new residents should still take typical precautions. The overall chance of being a victim of property crime is about 1 in 59.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
256
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,690
Crime Index:
1,946
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 390
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Girdwood, AK year-round?
Girdwood's climate is cool and wet, with winter lows dipping to 8°F and summer highs reaching around 65°F. The area receives substantial annual rainfall—about 79 inches—and enjoys roughly 32% sunny days, making it ideal for those who love snowy winters and lush, green landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the distinct seasons and abundant snowfall.
Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
26°F
Spring
Min:
23°F
Max:
44°F
Summer
Min:
46°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
25°F
Max:
47°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
79 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
32%
Neighbors
Residents of Girdwood enjoy a median household income of $83,200, with a poverty rate below 10%. The community is well-educated, with over 98% holding at least a high school diploma and 43% having a bachelor's degree or higher. Commutes average about 33 minutes, often to nearby Anchorage, supporting a mix of local and regional employment.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$83,200
Family Income:
$97,000
Per Capita Income:
$41,200
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$41,500
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
2.3%
Commute Time:
33 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
98.1%
Bachelors or More:
43.1%
Education
How are the schools in Girdwood, AK?
Girdwood K-8 School serves local families with a low student-to-teacher ratio, fostering a supportive learning environment. For higher education, the University of Alaska Anchorage is about 36 miles away, offering a broad range of degree programs. While private schools are not present within Girdwood, public education and nearby college options are accessible.
Public Schools
Name:
Girdwood K-8 School
Street:
680 Hightower Rd
Phone:
907-742-5300
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
12,500
Healthcare
Girdwood residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Providence Alaska Medical Center and Alaska Regional Hospital located in Anchorage. The area boasts a high rate of health insurance coverage at nearly 92% and a solid physician-to-population ratio. Emergency services are readily available within reasonable driving distance.
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:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.8%
Health Care Index:
70.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Girdwood, AK?
Girdwood's housing market reflects its desirable mountain setting, with a median home price of $525,000 and moderate home appreciation over the past year. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the rental market remains competitive with a vacancy rate under 5%. The area sees limited new construction, maintaining its small-town appeal.
Median Home Price:
$525,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Girdwood residents are provided by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles in Anchorage, offering a full range of licensing and registration services. The DMV office is conveniently located about 36 miles away, making vehicle-related tasks accessible for locals. Residents can find more information and online services through the official Alaska DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99503
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.