Cost of Living in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ketchikan Gateway Borough Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ketchikan Gateway Borough ranks #1,706 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 46%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
Ketchikan's strong income softens housing costs
With a 18.7% rent-to-income ratio, Ketchikan mirrors Alaska's state average despite a robust median household income of $89,155—well above the nation's $74,755. The $1,388 monthly rent reflects Southeast Alaska pricing, but high local wages keep the overall burden reasonable for renters.
Strong wages, near-average affordability ratio
Ketchikan's 18.7% rent-to-income ratio essentially matches Alaska's 18.6% state average, despite housing costs that appear high in absolute terms. The borough's $89,155 median income—among the state's strongest—is the key factor keeping affordability competitive.
Southeast's income leader, moderate costs
Ketchikan's $1,388 rent ranks high for Alaska, but the borough's $89,155 median income is the strongest in Southeast, beating Haines ($72,607) and Juneau's lead ($100,513). Among gateway communities, Ketchikan balances expensive housing with above-average earning potential.
Renters spend 18.7%, owners face $1,501/month
Ketchikan renters allocate 18.7% of their $89,155 income to the $1,388 median rent, a manageable ratio buoyed by above-average wages. Homeowners bear a steeper burden at $1,501 monthly, but the strong income base provides capacity for ownership.
Ketchikan rewards job seekers with earning power
Relocate to Ketchikan if you can secure above-average wages; the $89,155 median income makes the 18.7% rent burden genuinely affordable. Compare this earning power against lower-income Haines ($72,607) to see whether Ketchikan's wage premium justifies its $1,388 monthly rent.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Affordability Verdict
Ketchikan Gateway Borough is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,388/month representing approximately 18.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,388/month rent versus $1,501/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $113/month cheaper — a 8% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $55,520/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $64,329/year. With a median household income of $89,155, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Ketchikan Gateway Borough are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ketchikan Gateway Borough sits 4% more expensive than Northwest Arctic Borough ($1,336/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Rent Burden
18.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,080
per month
Owner Cost Burden
20.2%
of gross income
The median home in Ketchikan Gateway Borough may be a stretch
Median home value is $379,000. Estimated monthly cost: $3,026 vs. your max of $2,080.
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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