Aleutians West Census Area
Alaska

What stands out

If you had to describe Aleutians West Census Area in numbers, start here: the average commute is among the shortest in America (6 minutes), life expectancy is among the longest in America (86.3 years), and homeownership is among the lowest in America (28%). Within Alaska it ranks 2nd of 9 counties for the average commute, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Aleutians West Census Area, Alaska. 5,219 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.4% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -67).

Alaska has no state income tax and no state sales tax, and it pays residents an annual Permanent Fund Dividend from oil revenue. Most goods arrive by barge or air, so groceries, fuel and building materials cost well above the national average, and winter heating is a major line item. Roughly half the population lives in the Anchorage area; much of the rest is reachable only by plane or ferry.

Money

The typical household here brings in $100,662 a year, higher than 97% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $83,204. Unemployment runs 3.1%, lower than 63% of American counties. 3% of workers work from home; for the rest the average commute is 6 minutes each way.

Alaska has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $1,724 a month. Property tax is 0.78% of home value, roughly $2,937 a year on that median home, lower than 57% of American counties. 28% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.1 per 1,000 residents, lower than 87% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 17 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 86.3 years, longer than almost every county in America. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 3.8 per 10,000 people. 17.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

90% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

Under Alaska law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 35 out of 100, safer than 65% of American counties; the county has had 10 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 233 Mbps down, faster than 65% of American counties. There are 9 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 National Park Service site.