Discover the 5 Richest Counties in Alaska (and Who Lives There)

Some of the best places to live in Alaska are also the richest in the state, although none rank in the top 10 nationwide. The median household income in Alaska is $94,271 and the poverty rate is extremely low. These factors contribute to the wealth in the richest counties in Alaska, as detailed below. 

While it’s nice to know the wealthiest counties in the country, breaking it down allows you to see the richest places in each state. Here are the richest counties in Alaska, based on the overall wealth index.

1. Skagway Municipality

With an average median income of $75,000 and an investment income of 14,008, the overall wealth index in the area is 35.33. This number makes Skagway Municipality the richest county in Alaska. You can find Skagway in the eastern part of the state, in the Alaska Panhandle. 

According to the population census, Skagway had a population of 1,240 as of April 1, 2020. More than 92% of the population of those 25 or older in Skagway graduated high school, and the average number of persons per household is less than three, helping make it the richest county in Alaska.

American politician and author Sarah Palin is from the Skagway Municipality, where her family moved when she was an infant. She was the 9th Governor of Alaska, Chair of the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, and Mayor of Wasilla.

2. Sitka City and Borough

This area of Alaska is the second richest in the state, with an overall wealth index of 33.01. They have a median income of $82,083, investment income of $32,176, and a median home value of $481,450. With a 2020 population of 8,458 and over 95% of those over 25 with high school diplomas, this area is the second richest in Alaska.

Sitka City and Borough is in Southeast Alaska, on Baranof Island on the west side. It is the only county in the area that faces the Gulf of Alaska, so many people want to check out the view.

John Straley, a poet and award-winning author of mystery novels, lived in Sitka, AK, for over 40 years. Some of his work includes the novels “Cold Storage” and “Blown by the Same Wind”.

3. Juneau City and Borough

With a median income of $90,126, an investment income of $32,403, and a median home value of $467,869, the overall wealth index in this area is 32.90. The 2020 population census for Juneau City and Borough shows a population of 32,255 people. With high home values, graduation rates, and median incomes, this area is the third richest in the state.

Juneau is the capital of Alaska, and you can find it on the Gastineau Channel in the southeastern part of the state. It is at the base of Mount Roberts and Mount Juneau and is separated from the Pacific Ocean by 75 miles of islands. 

4. Anchorage Municipality 

The Anchorage Municipality has a median income of $88,871 and an investment income of $35,340. Plus, the median home value is $368,931, bringing the overall wealth index to 30.55. 

According to the population census as of April 1, 2020, Anchorage Municipality has a population of 291,247, which is 40% of the population in the entire state. There are 107,134 households, and more than 83% of the people have lived in the same home for over a year. 

Additionally, more than 94% of those over 25 have graduated from high school, and 37% have Bachelor’s degrees or higher. These statistics help make Anchorage Municipality the fourth richest in Alaska. You can find Anchorage Municipality on a peninsula in southcentral Alaska near the Cook Inlet terminus. 

5. Aleutians West Census Area 

With a median income of $90,708 and an investment income of $31,560, the overall wealth index for this area is 30.54. The 2020 population census shows that 5,232 people live there, and the median home value is $377,100, making it one of the richest counties in Alaska.

You’ll find the Aleutians West Census Area in the Bering Sea in southwestern Alaska. It is one of the most remote areas in the state and includes the Aleutian Island chain and the Pribolof Islands. 

Summary of Richest Counties in Alaska