Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Salcha, AK
Considering a move to Salcha, AK? With a small, tight-knit population of around 950, Salcha offers affordable housing (median home price of $210,000) and a rural Alaskan lifestyle. Expect higher utility costs and brisk winters, but also wide open spaces and a strong sense of community. Commutes average 33 minutes to nearby Fairbanks, with low crime for Alaska and access to local elementary education. Explore the unique climate and small-town charm Salcha brings to your Alaskan adventure.
Demographics - Salcha, AK
Demographics - Salcha, AK
Salcha is a rural Alaskan community with a population of about 950 people, characterized by a low population density and a median age of 42. The area is predominantly White, with a slightly higher number of males than females, and a small proportion of non-English speakers. This close-knit atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle.
Population:
950
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
83.0%
Black:
1.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
14.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Salcha, AK?
Salcha's cost of living is higher than the national average, largely due to elevated utility and grocery expenses, with a cost of living index of 121. However, housing remains relatively affordable, with a median home value of $210,000 and average rents around $1,150 per month. Alaska’s lack of state income tax helps offset some of these higher living costs.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$470
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
121.0
Grocery:
134.0
Housing:
100.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
132.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Salcha, AK a safe place to live?
Salcha experiences moderate crime rates for Alaska, with the chance of being a victim of property crime at 1 in 48 and violent crime at 1 in 256. While these rates are higher than the national average, residents generally find the area to be safe, especially when compared to urban centers. Community vigilance and rural living contribute to a sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,490
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Salcha, AK year-round?
Salcha has a true Alaskan climate, featuring cold winters with lows dipping to -28°F and brief, mild summers reaching up to 74°F. The area receives about 13.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny days roughly 42% of the year. Residents should prepare for long winter seasons and fluctuating temperatures throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
-28°F
Max:
2°F
Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Households in Salcha benefit from a median income of $76,200 and a low poverty rate of 8.4%. The community is well-educated, with nearly 94% holding a high school diploma or higher, and enjoys a rural lifestyle with minimal public transportation use and average commutes of just over 33 minutes. Strong family incomes and a supportive local network make it a welcoming place for newcomers.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$76,200
Family Income:
$84,500
Per Capita Income:
$33,100
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
33.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
93.7%
Bachelors or More:
22.8%
Education
How are the schools in Salcha, AK?
Salcha offers local elementary education through Salcha Elementary School, which maintains a low student-teacher ratio for personalized instruction. Older students can attend secondary schools in the region or nearby Fairbanks, and higher education is accessible at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located about 37 miles away. The community’s educational resources support learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Salcha Elementary School
Street:
8530 Richardson Hwy
Phone:
907-488-3267
Students:
85
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.2
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
37 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Residents of Salcha have access to major medical services in nearby Fairbanks, including Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, located about 37 miles away. Health insurance coverage is high at over 89%, and there are approximately 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. The local healthcare index indicates reliable access to essential services for families and individuals.
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:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Salcha, AK?
Salcha’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $210,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of nearly 80%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,150, and the area sees a modest home appreciation rate of 2.1% annually. Housing availability is good, making it accessible for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
79.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Salcha residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located at 1979 Peger Road in Fairbanks. Services include licensing, registration, and vehicle titling, and support is available by phone or through the official DMV website. Residents can expect efficient access to essential motor vehicle services.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1979 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
1-855-269-5551
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.