Median Income
$98,042
30% higher than US avg
Home Value
$291,600
3% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,672
44% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.9%
92% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.9%
85% lower than US avg
How Badger Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population19,033
Median Age34.3 yrs
Density290/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans22.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$98,042
Per Capita$51,997
Unemployment6.9%
Poverty1.9%
County GDP$7,891M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$291,600
Rent$1,672
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$317,494
Housing Units7,614
Rent Burden24.6%
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking15.0%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp27°F (-3°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain13.5 in/yr
Elevation472 ft (144 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+9.2%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute22 min
Broadband92.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Badger a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Badger receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Badger stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Badger is $98,042, 30% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 6.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Badger is $291,600, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,672 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Badger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F. Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.5 inches, including 53.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Badger has a population of 19,033 with a density of 290 people per square mile, spread across 25.8 square miles. The median age is 34.3 years, 12% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (80.5%), with 6.3% Hispanic, 1.4% Black, 1.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 22.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19,033
Total Population
2023 Census
34.3yrs
Median Age
12% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
6.8%
49% below US avg
The median household income in Badger is $98,042, which is 30% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,997 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 6.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,441 business establishments, including 247 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $98,042 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $51,997 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.9% |
| 85% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,441 |
| County GDP | $7,891M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 247 |
| Healthcare | 325 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.27% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Badger is $291,600, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,494. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $373,900 with homes selling in an average of 135 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,672 (44% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 7,614 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $291,600 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $317,494 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $373,900 |
| Median List Price | $389,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $373,900 |
| Median List Price | $389,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $224 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Days on Market | 135 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 37.5% |
| Inventory | 40 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,672 |
| 44% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 7,614 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.27% |
In Badger, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.1% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.1% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166. The dentist ratio is 1:706. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
2.1
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.2
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
1.0
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.7
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
122.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Badger vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.0% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.8% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Badger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 71°F. Annual precipitation totals 13.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 53.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 58% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 472 feet.
Temperature
-10°F Jan (-23°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 26.5°F |
| 51% below US avg |
| January Average | -10°F (-23°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 472 ft (144 m) |
| Area | 25.8 sq mi (66.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 290/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.8001°N, 147.3851°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.5"
64% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.59"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 58.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 25 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0254 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.74 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.29 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,157 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.9. Most recent: M3.4 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
2002 Denali Fault, Alaska Earthquake |
M7.9 |
143 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
145 km |
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
69 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
40 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
87 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
142 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
142 km |
| Nov 1, 1992 |
30 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
142 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
148 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
16 km SE of Minto, Alaska |
M4.9 |
85 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
56 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
145 km |
| Feb 26, 2013 |
13 km NW of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.9 |
121 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
22 km NNE of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.9 |
70 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
72 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
146 km |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
11 km NW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
50 km |
| Nov 18, 1995 |
59 km SW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
84 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
76 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
142 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
79 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
135 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
135 km |
| Feb 17, 2007 |
41 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M4.7 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BOUNDARY (538,167 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
BOUNDARY |
538,167 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
CENTRAL COMPLEX (WOLF CREEK) |
228,337 |
99 km |
| 2005 |
BEAVER CREEK |
184,179 |
91 km |
| 2019 |
HESS CREEK |
181,457 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
PARKS HWY |
125,276 |
76 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
46 km |
| 2002 |
MILEPOST 78 |
107,420 |
88 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
32 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
92 km |
| 2001 |
FISH CREEK |
83,362 |
82 km |
| 2023 |
DELTA |
57,975 |
90 km |
| 2021 |
MUNSON CREEK |
54,099 |
74 km |
| 2023 |
POGO MINE ROAD |
51,225 |
90 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
26 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
MINTO LAKES |
37,628 |
61 km |
| 2004 |
TORS |
32,002 |
54 km |
| 2015 |
AGGIE CREEK |
30,877 |
65 km |
| 2007 |
LITTLE DELTA |
29,836 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
HASTINGS |
25,402 |
51 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-10°F (-23°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
0°F (-18°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
33°F (1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
-7°F (-21°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Badger has a seasonal temperature swing of 71°F / from -10°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.6") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Badger. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154-$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205-$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102-$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819-$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77-$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154-$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26-$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51-$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154-$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20-$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410-$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102-$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61-$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51-$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154-$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096-$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410-$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632-$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512-$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120-$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048-$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819-$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205-$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024-$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15-$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31-$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77-$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15-$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26-$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51-$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07-$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56-$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56-$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07-$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10-$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61-$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82-$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41-$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31-$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51-$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77-$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229-$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31-$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19-$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31-$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15-$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614-$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512-$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205-$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26-$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410-$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120-$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31-$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51-$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31-$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20-$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154-$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102-$410) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,711 |
| Toddler | $1,239 |
| Preschool | $1,148 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,368 |
| Toddler | $1,018 |
| Preschool | $933 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Badger
What is the population of Badger?
Badger has a population of 19,033 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 290 people per square mile, spread across 25.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Badger expensive to live in?
Badger has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $98,042, 30% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $291,600 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,672 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Badger?
Badger has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 13.5 inches, with 53.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Badger?
The unemployment rate in Badger is 6.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,340. There are 2,441 business establishments in the area, including 247 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Badger?
The median home value in Badger is $291,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $317,494. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $373,900, with homes typically selling within 135 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,672. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Badger?
Schools in Badger score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.9% of adults in Badger hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 9.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Badger?
The obesity rate in Badger is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 22.0% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What is transportation like in Badger?
The average commute in Badger is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Badger?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Badger is 80.5% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Asian. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 22.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 87.8% have health insurance coverage.