Cost of Living in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wrangell City and Borough Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wrangell City and Borough ranks #702 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 22%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wrangell City and Borough, Alaska
Wrangell: tight budgets in a small town
Wrangell renters dedicate 19.5% of income to housing, slightly above Alaska's state average of 18.6%, while earning just $64,545—13% below the national median. The combination of lower incomes and elevated rents creates tighter housing affordability than most American communities.
Wrangell ranks among Alaska's most challenging
With a rent-to-income ratio of 19.5%, Wrangell experiences above-average housing cost pressure within Alaska, landing it among the state's least affordable communities. The municipality's lower median income compounds this challenge.
Wrangell's lowest rents, lowest income
Wrangell offers the region's lowest rents at $1,047 monthly, undercutting Southeast Fairbanks ($1,304) and Sitka ($1,350), but the lowest median household income of $64,545 among these six counties offsets that advantage. Owner costs of $819 monthly are competitive, making homeownership relatively more attractive than renting.
Wrangell's budget-conscious housing math
Renters earning $64,545 annually spend $1,047 monthly on housing, consuming a notable chunk of take-home pay. Homeowners with $289,700 median home values pay $819 monthly—far more manageable at 15% of household income, suggesting ownership is worth pursuing here.
Wrangell for buyers seeking small-town living
Wrangell appeals to remote workers and retirees with modest incomes who prioritize ownership over renting. The low purchase prices and manageable ownership costs make building equity possible here, though renters should plan conservatively given the tight affordability picture.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wrangell City and Borough
Affordability Verdict
Wrangell City and Borough offers affordable rental housing at a median of $1,047/month — about 19.5% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Wrangell City and Borough pay $1,047/month on average, compared to $819/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 22%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $35,100/year. With a median household income of $64,545, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 24.0% of renter households in Wrangell City and Borough are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hoonah-Angoon Census Area where rent averages $986/month, Wrangell City and Borough is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wrangell City and Borough
Rent Burden
19.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,506
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.2%
of gross income
The median home in Wrangell City and Borough may be a stretch
Median home value is $289,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,313 vs. your max of $1,506.
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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