We’ve gathered the latest information from the Census Bureau to identify the places with the highest household incomes in Alaska. It’s worth noting that all available data is from 2021, except for Anchorage, which updated its data to 2022.
1. Anchoring
Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, is located in the south-central part of the state. With a median household income of $100,751 and a median home value of $327,500 in 2022, it is the economic heart of Alaska. The city offers a unique combination of urban amenities and outdoor attractions, with attractions such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center and Chugach State Park. Employment opportunities are diverse, ranging from healthcare and education to the oil and transportation sectors.
2. Bethel
Bethel is a remote town in western Alaska where the median household income is $100,168 and the median home value is $309,900 based on 2021 data. It serves as a transportation hub for surrounding villages and is known for the Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race. Employment here is often found in health care, social services, and government, as it is the regional center of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.
3. Valdez
Valdez, located at the end of a deep fjord in the Prince William Sound, boasts a median household income of $99,151 and a median home value of $202,600 in 2021. Known for the Valdez Oil Terminal, this picturesque town offers fishing opportunities and hiking and skiing. The economy is supported by the oil industry, commercial fishing and tourism, and the city is the starting point for many cruises and the site of the annual Valdez Fish Derbies.
4. Unalaska
Unalaska is located in the Aleutian Islands and is known primarily for its role in the booming Bering Sea fishing industry, which is reflected in a higher average household income of $94,271 and a median home value of $412,100 as of 2021 . Dutch Harbor in Unalaska is famous for being one of the busiest fishing ports in the United States. Jobs can be found mainly in fishing, seafood processing and logistics related to the maritime industry.
5. Kotzebue
Kotzebue lies above the Arctic Circle on the west coast of Alaska, with a median household income of $95,385 and a median home value of $246,400 based on 2021 data. It is the gateway to the surrounding smaller villages and the Kobuk Valley National Park. The local economy centers around public administration, health care and education, with additional opportunities for seasonal employment in tourism and traditional crafts.
6. Name
Nome is located on the southern coast of the Seward Peninsula, overlooking the Bering Sea. The median household income is $91,375 and the median home value as of 2021 is $291,300. Nome, known for its gold rush history, attracts people with the finish line of the Iditarod Trail dog sled race. The economy is supported by healthcare, tourism and mining, and there is significant seasonal work available during the summer months.
7. Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska, accessible only by sea or air. The median household income is $90,126 and the median home value is $358,200 in 2021. Surrounded by stunning wildlife and waterways, Juneau attracts both outdoor enthusiasts and job seekers in the government and service sectors, with making the state government a major employer. Attractions include Mendenhall Glacier and the Juneau-Douglas Municipal Museum.
8. Dillingham
Dillingham is a small city in Southwest Alaska where the median household income is $82,604 and the median home value is $265,200 based on 2021 data. This fishing community, located at the mouth of the Nushagak River, is a center for commercial salmon fishing. The local economy is heavily dependent on the fishing industry, as well as health care and education to provide additional employment opportunities.
9. Sitka
Sitka, located on Baranof Island along the outer coast of Alaska’s Inside Passage, has a median household income of $82,083 and a median home value of $367,800 as of 2021. Known for its stunning views and rich Tlingit culture, Sitka’s economy is driven by health care, education and government, with tourism also playing a significant role. Attractions include Sitka National Historical Park and the Alaska Raptor Center.
10. Cordoba
Cordova is a small town in the Chugach National Forest on the eastern side of Prince William Sound, with a median household income of $77,667 and a median home value of $336,700 as of 2021. It is known primarily for its commercial fishing, especially Copper River salmon . The local economy is centered on fishing and seafood processing, and the area is also known for the Cordoba Iceworm Festival and the nearby Childs Glacier.
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