Petersburg Borough
Alaska

What stands out

Against every county in America, Petersburg Borough is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (0 of 100), and unemployment is in the top 5% of American counties (5.8%). Within Alaska it ranks 5th of 30 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Petersburg Borough, Alaska. 3,374 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 1.7% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +37).

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 $77,826 a year, higher than 85% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $55,599. Unemployment runs 5.8%, higher than 95% of American counties. 6% of workers work from home.

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

Home

The median home costs $378K, pricier than 83% of American counties, about 3.1 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $1,036 a month. Property tax is 0.67% of home value, roughly $1,878 a year on that median home, lower than 69% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.5 per 1,000 residents, lower than 68% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 79.3 years, longer than 86% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 20.7 per 10,000 people. 17.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

87% 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 0 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 3 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 278 Mbps down, faster than 88% of American counties. There is 1 airport in the county, counting general aviation.