Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area
Alaska

What stands out

Against every county in America, Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area is unusual in three ways: natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (0 of 100), unemployment is in the top 6% of American counties (5.5%), and the property tax rate is in the bottom 9% of American counties (0.46%). Within Alaska it ranks 3rd of 30 counties for natural-hazard risk, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska. 5,799 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population grew 0.8% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +48).

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 $61,779 a year, higher than 54% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,711. Unemployment runs 5.5%, higher than 94% of American counties. 4% of workers work from home.

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

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $909 a month. Property tax is 0.46% of home value, roughly $1,011 a year on that median home, lower than 91% of American counties. 73% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 85% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 15 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 72.0 years, shorter than 87% of American counties. There are 7 active physicians in the county, about 12.1 per 10,000 people. 15.9% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

92% 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 2 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 86 Mbps down, slower than 91% of American counties. There are 3 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 0.5 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.