Cost of Living in Chugach Census Area, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Chugach Census Area Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Chugach Census Area ranks #654 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 21%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Chugach Census Area, Alaska
Chugach: Slightly Above State Average
Renters spend 18.9% of income on housing, marginally above Alaska's 18.6% state average and well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. With median household income of $88,565, Chugach residents maintain reasonable housing burdens despite above-average regional costs.
Solid Middle Ground in Alaska
Chugach's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio sits nearly at Alaska's average, making it a representative example of the state's typical housing affordability. This census area avoids both the extremes of Bristol Bay's affordability (15.7%) and Bethel's crisis (24.7%).
Reasonable Costs Near Urban Center
Chugach's $1,397 median rent falls between Anchorage ($1,453) and Bristol Bay ($1,318), reflecting its position as an accessible area adjacent to Alaska's urban hub. Home values of $330,900 sit mid-range among Alaskan regions.
Balanced Expense Structure
Renters spend $1,397 monthly on an $88,565 annual income, claiming 18.9% of earnings for housing, while homeowners dedicate $1,086 monthly to properties averaging $330,900. Chugach offers predictable, manageable housing costs across both rental and ownership categories.
Chugach: Alaska's Safe Housing Bet
Relocating to Alaska's sub-urban areas? Chugach's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio and $1,397 median rent provide stability without Anchorage's urban intensity. It's a pragmatic choice for those seeking rural character with reasonable affordability metrics.
Cost of Living Advisory: Chugach Census Area
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Chugach Census Area, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,397/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Chugach Census Area is $1,397/month, while owner costs run $1,086/month. Owning saves approximately $311/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $55,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $46,543/year. With a median household income of $88,565, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Chugach Census Area are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Alaska, Chugach Census Area is less affordable than Anchorage Municipality by roughly 4% ($1,397/mo vs $1,453/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Chugach Census Area
Rent Burden
18.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,067
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.7%
of gross income
The median home in Chugach Census Area may be a stretch
Median home value is $330,900. Estimated monthly cost: $2,642 vs. your max of $2,067.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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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