Alaska / Ketchikan Gateway County

Moving to Ketchikan, AK

Thinking of making a move to Ketchikan, AK? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ketchikan, AK

Considering a move to Ketchikan, AK? This welcoming community of 8,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $390,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 13 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (24% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ketchikan's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ketchikan, AK

Ketchikan has a population of 8,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 56% White, 2% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
8,200
Density
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age
38.4
Gender Ratio
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
12.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
56.0%
Black
1.5%
Asian
9.0%
Others
33.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Ketchikan, AK?

The cost of living in Ketchikan is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 129.5. Median home values are around $390,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$390,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$185
Auto Insurance
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$700
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 5.0%
Cost Of Living Index
129.5
Grocery
128.0
Housing
136.0
Utilities
144.0
Transportation
121.0
Health Care
117.0
Miscellaneous
114.0

Crime

Is Ketchikan, AK a safe place to live?

Ketchikan is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 610 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 32. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alaska.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
610
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,150
Crime Index
3,760
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 164
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 32

Weather

What is the weather like in Ketchikan, AK year-round?

Ketchikan experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 65°F and cold winters dipping to 28°F. The area receives about 154 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 24% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
28°F
Max
39°F

Summer

Min
52°F
Max
65°F

Spring

Min
36°F
Max
51°F

Fall

Min
39°F
Max
54°F
Average Rainfall Inches
154.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
24%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,500 and a low poverty rate of 11.8%. Over 91% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 24% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 13 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,000
Household Income
$68,500
Family Income
$78,000
Per Capita Income
$29,500
Income Male
$47,000
Income Female
$38,000
Poverty Rate
11.8%
Non English Speakers
14.5%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
Public Transport Usage
7.0%
Commute Time
12.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
91.0%
Bachelors or More
23.5%

Education

How are the schools in Ketchikan, AK?

Ketchikan offers quality education options, with public schools like Schoenbar Middle School and Point Higgins School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Alaska Southeast - Ketchikan Campus and University of Alaska Southeast. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Schoenbar Middle School
Street
4101 12th Ave
Phone
907-225-6184
Students
320
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
Point Higgins School
Street
3000 Point Higgins Rd
Phone
907-247-4859
Students
210
Student Teacher Ratio
12.6

Private Schools

Name
Tongass School of Arts & Sciences
Street
4101 Tongass Ave
Phone
907-225-5005
Students
180

Colleges

Name
University of Alaska Southeast - Ketchikan Campus
City
Ketchikan
State
AK
Distance
0 miles
Students
250
Name
University of Alaska Southeast
City
Juneau
State
AK
Distance
600 miles
Students
3,000

Healthcare

Ketchikan residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center and Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Health Clinic nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 89.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
Address
3100 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone
(907) 225-5171
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Health Clinic
Address
3200 Hospital Dr, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone
(907) 228-9200
Type
Clinic & Primary Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
89.0%
Health Care Index
68.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ketchikan, AK?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $390,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Ketchikan offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$390,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
54.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Ketchikan handle vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Anchorage. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alaska
Department
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone
(907) 269-5551

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.

FAQs About Moving to Ketchikan, AK

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Ketchikan, review the core fields on this page: population 8,200, median home value $390,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 12.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 24%.

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