Cost of Living in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

$1,336/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$162,500

Median Home Value

9% above state averageUnaffordableACS 2019-2023 · Updated Dec 2024 Compare this county Explore on Map

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,336/mo

9% above state average

Median Home Value

$162,500

42% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

19.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Northwest Arctic Borough Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Northwest Arctic Borough$1,336/mo

Alaska Average$1,221/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,336/mo

Median Gross Rent

$162,500

Median Home Value

$728/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

19.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

National Ranking

Affordability Rank

Northwest Arctic Borough ranks #1,589 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)

Most AffordableLeast Affordable

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska

Northwest Arctic balances income and rents

Northwest Arctic's median household income of $81,298 exceeds the U.S. average of $74,755 by 9%, while its 19.7% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national affordability comfort zone. High local wages from mining and subsistence sectors help offset Alaska's most expensive rents.

Above-average affordability challenge

At 19.7%, Northwest Arctic's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Alaska's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's less affordable regions despite strong incomes. The $1,336/month median rent is among Alaska's highest, driven by remoteness and limited housing construction.

Remote extremes shape housing markets

Northwest Arctic's $1,336/month rent ties with Nome for Alaska's priciest among these counties, yet its higher median income of $81,298 (vs. Nome's $76,643) creates fractionally better affordability. Both regions suffer from Arctic isolation that constrains housing supply and drives rents upward.

Mining income cushions rental burden

Renters dedicate $1,336/month to housing against an $81,298 annual income ($6,775/month), consuming 19.7% and leaving moderate discretionary funds. Homeowners face monthly costs of $728 on properties valued at $162,500, offering accessible ownership paths despite high rents in the rental market.

Northwest Arctic for remote workers

Northwest Arctic suits remote workers or mining-sector employees earning $81,000+ annually who prioritize Arctic wilderness access. Budget for Alaska's priciest rents outside Anchorage, but strong local wages help offset the premium.

Cost of Living Advisory: Northwest Arctic Borough

Affordability Verdict

Housing in Northwest Arctic Borough is affordable. The median rent is $1,336/month against a median household income of $81,298, putting rent at 19.7% of income.

Rent vs. Own

The median rent in Northwest Arctic Borough is $1,336/month, while owner costs run $728/month. Owning saves approximately $608/month.

Income Needed

To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $31,200/year. With a median household income of $81,298, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 19.0% of renter households in Northwest Arctic Borough are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.

Regional Context

Compared to Ketchikan Gateway Borough where rent averages $1,388/month, Northwest Arctic Borough is approximately 4% less expensive.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Northwest Arctic Borough

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.7%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,897

per month

Owner Cost Burden

10.7%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Northwest Arctic Borough

Median home value is $162,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,297 vs. your max of $1,897.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.7%

Recommended max30.0%

Income Needed Calculator

See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $81,298Needed: $53,440

Owner Cost Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $81,298Needed: $31,200

Mortgage Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $81,298Needed: $37,818

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

What is the cost of living in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska?

Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska has a median monthly rent of $1,336/mo and a median home value of $162,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 19.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Northwest Arctic Borough?

The median gross rent in Northwest Arctic Borough is $1,336/mo. This is 9% above state average for Alaska.

Is Northwest Arctic Borough affordable?

Northwest Arctic Borough is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 19.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Northwest Arctic Borough's rent compare to the state average?

Northwest Arctic Borough's median rent of $1,336/mo is 9% above state average of $1,221/mo for Alaska.

What is the median home value in Northwest Arctic Borough?

The median home value in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is $162,500. This is 42% below the national median home value of $281,900.