Cost of Living in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Aleutians West Census Area Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Aleutians West Census Area ranks #937 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska
Aleutians West: Steep Housing Costs
At 21.1% of income, the rent-to-income ratio here exceeds Alaska's state average of 18.6% and approaches the national affordability danger zone of 30%. Despite a strong median household income of $107,344, renters pay $1,886 monthly—Alaska's second-highest rent burden.
Most Expensive Rental Market in Alaska
Aleutians West carries Alaska's highest or near-highest housing costs, with median rent of $1,886 per month significantly outpacing the state average of $1,221. This remote census area's extreme affordability challenges stem from geographic isolation and limited housing supply.
Priciest Remote Housing in the State
Renters here face $1,886 monthly rent—$798 more than Aleutians East and $465 more than nearby Bristol Bay Borough. Even with the state's highest median household income at $107,344, Aleutians West residents pay the steepest housing premiums in Alaska.
High Income, Higher Housing Costs
Monthly rent of $1,886 consumes 21.1% of a $107,344 annual income, while homeowners spend $2,138 monthly on properties averaging $419,100. This census area represents Alaska's most extreme housing cost-to-income dynamic: earning well doesn't guarantee affordability.
Aleutians West: Only for the Committed
Remote location and extreme housing costs make Aleutians West a tough sell for most relocating families—even high earners struggle with affordability here. Consider this destination only if employment opportunity justifies paying Alaska's steepest housing premium.
Cost of Living Advisory: Aleutians West Census Area
Affordability Verdict
Aleutians West Census Area offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,886/month — about 21.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,886/month rent versus $2,138/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $252/month cheaper — a 12% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $75,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $91,629/year. With a median household income of $107,344, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 21.0% of renter households in Aleutians West Census Area are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Kodiak Island Borough where rent averages $1,669/month, Aleutians West Census Area is approximately 13% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Aleutians West Census Area
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,505
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.9%
of gross income
The median home in Aleutians West Census Area may be a stretch
Median home value is $419,100. Estimated monthly cost: $3,346 vs. your max of $2,505.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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