Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Valdez, AK
Considering a move to Valdez, AK? This scenic city of about 3,850 residents offers affordable housing with a median home price of $288,000 and average rent around $1,145. With quick commutes averaging just 9 minutes, Valdez is known for its close-knit community, beautiful natural surroundings, and access to local schools and healthcare. While cost of living is higher than the national average, residents enjoy Alaska’s no state income tax and the stunning outdoors, though the weather is cool and rainy with limited sunny days.
Demographics - Valdez, AK
Demographics - Valdez, AK
Valdez is a small, close-knit city with a population of approximately 3,850 residents and a low population density of 17 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White, with a median age of 38.9 and a slightly higher male-to-female ratio. Around 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
3,847
Density:
17 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.9
Gender Ratio:
111 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
79.1%
Black:
0.5%
Asian:
4.3%
Others:
16.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Valdez, AK?
The cost of living in Valdez is above the national average, with a cost of living index of 124.5 and notably high utility expenses. Median home values are about $288,000 and average rent is $1,145, but residents benefit from Alaska’s 0% state income tax, which helps offset higher prices for groceries and transportation.
Median House Value:
$288,000
Gross Rent:
$1,145
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$185
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,625
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.5
Grocery:
132.3
Housing:
109.8
Utilities:
170.2
Transportation:
129.7
Health Care:
122.5
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Valdez, AK a safe place to live?
Valdez experiences relatively low rates of violent crime, with a chance of 1 in 465, but property crime is more common, with a chance of 1 in 55. Overall, the city's crime index suggests that while violent incidents are rare, residents should remain vigilant about property safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
215
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,820
Crime Index:
2,035
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 465
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 55
Weather
What is the weather like in Valdez, AK year-round?
Valdez has a cool, maritime climate, featuring mild summers with highs around 63°F and chilly winters averaging 15°F to 28°F. The city receives over 61 inches of rain annually and enjoys only about 30% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate dramatic weather and lush landscapes.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
27°F
Max:
43°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
63°F
Fall
Min:
27°F
Max:
44°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
61.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
The community in Valdez enjoys a median household income of $85,500 and a low poverty rate of 5.9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commutes are short, averaging less than 9 minutes, reflecting the city’s compact and accessible layout.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$85,500
Family Income:
$93,200
Per Capita Income:
$37,100
Income Male:
$55,000
Income Female:
$42,000
Poverty Rate:
5.9%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$1,145
Unemployment Rate:
5.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
8.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
95.1%
Bachelors or More:
29.5%
Education
How are the schools in Valdez, AK?
Valdez offers strong educational options, including public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and access to higher education at Prince William Sound College. The community emphasizes educational attainment, with over 95% of adults holding a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Valdez High School
Street:
319 Robe River Dr
Phone:
907-835-4767
Students:
205
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.3
Name:
Hermon Hutchens Elementary
Street:
1008 Meals Ave
Phone:
907-835-4728
Students:
255
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Colleges
Name:
Prince William Sound College
City:
Valdez
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Valdez is anchored by Providence Valdez Medical Center, offering general and emergency services. With 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and a high health insurance coverage rate of 91%, residents have reliable access to medical care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Providence Valdez Medical Center
Address:
911 Meals Ave, Valdez, AK 99686
Phone:
(907) 835-2249
Type:
General & Critical Access
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Valdez, AK?
Valdez’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $288,000 and the majority of homes owner-occupied. Rental vacancies are low at 4.7%, and home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a steady market for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$288,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,145
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services locally through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles at 911 Meals Ave. The office provides standard motor vehicle services and information relevant to Valdez and the state of Alaska.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
911 Meals Ave, Valdez, AK 99686
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.