Cost of Living in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Southeast Fairbanks Census Area Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area ranks #1,798 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 43%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska
Southeast Fairbanks: Alaska's affordability challenge
Renters in Southeast Fairbanks spend 21.1% of income on housing, the highest ratio among these six communities and above Alaska's state average of 18.6%. Median household income of $74,223 nearly matches the national median, but Alaska's remote location pushes rental costs well above what those earnings typically support.
Among Alaska's least affordable communities
Southeast Fairbanks ranks among the state's most costly housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that strains household budgets more than almost any other Alaskan region. The combination of limited income and elevated rents creates genuine affordability pressure here.
Rents outpace neighboring areas
Southeast Fairbanks' $1,304 monthly rent exceeds neighbors like Wrangell ($1,047) and Yukon-Koyukuk ($893), while income lags behind Sitka and Skagway. This mismatch—highest rents paired with below-average incomes—makes housing here particularly challenging.
Where Southeast Fairbanks incomes strain
Renters earning $74,223 annually pay $1,304 monthly, leaving limited flexibility for other necessities after housing costs. Homeowners fare better with $684 monthly payments on $262,800 homes, suggesting ownership is more viable than renting in this market.
Southeast Fairbanks: weigh affordability carefully
If relocating to Southeast Fairbanks, consider pursuing homeownership rather than renting to maximize housing affordability. Securing strong local income before moving is essential, as housing costs here consume a larger share of household earnings than elsewhere in the region.
Cost of Living Advisory: Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Affordability Verdict
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,304/month representing approximately 21.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 22.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area is $1,304/month, while owner costs run $684/month. Owning saves approximately $620/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $52,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,314/year. With a median household income of $74,223, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 22.0% of renter households in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Southeast Fairbanks Census Area sits 6% more expensive than Skagway Municipality ($1,228/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
Rent Burden
21.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,732
per month
Owner Cost Burden
11.1%
of gross income
The median home in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area may be a stretch
Median home value is $262,800. Estimated monthly cost: $2,098 vs. your max of $1,732.
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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