Median Income
$41,000
45% lower than US avg
Home Value
$221,400
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.1%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.9%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
8.3%
131% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.7%
46% lower than US avg
How Cantwell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population121
Median Age64.5 yrs
Density1/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans27.9%
Economy
C+
Median Income$41,000
Per Capita$33,023
Unemployment8.3%
Poverty6.7%
County GDP$4,465M
Commute22 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$221,400
Rent$900
Ownership87.5%
Zillow$253,301
Housing Units211
Rent Burden32.5%
Health
Obesity30.9%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking16.9%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp27°F (-3°C)
AQI15 (Good)
Rain16.8 in/yr
Elevation3,823 ft (1,165 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.1%
High School+98.1%
Graduate+4.5%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute22 min
Broadband76.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Is Cantwell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cantwell receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Cantwell offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cantwell is $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.3%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.7% 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 Cantwell is $221,400, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
24.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Cantwell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F. Winters average 1°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches, including 76.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15.
Cantwell has a population of 121 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 117.6 square miles. The median age is 64.5 years, 66% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.7% female and 60.3% male. The city is predominantly White (71.9%), with 4.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 27.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
121
Total Population
2023 Census
64.5yrs
Median Age
66% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Cantwell is $41,000, which is 45% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,023 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,122, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,824 business establishments, including 272 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). 14.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $41,000 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,023 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,122 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,507 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.3% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.7% |
| 46% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,824 |
| County GDP | $4,465M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 272 |
| Healthcare | 399 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,017 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.72% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.6% |
The median home value in Cantwell is $221,400, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,301, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% below 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. 87.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 211 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. The average annual property tax is $6,017 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $221,400 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,301 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.5% |
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 | 87.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.5% |
| Housing Units | 211 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,017 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.72% |
In Cantwell, 30.9% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.7% report binge drinking. 20.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.0% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050. The dentist ratio is 1:1,954. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cantwell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.0% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,050 |
| Dentists | 1:1,954 |
| Mental Health | 1:271 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,750/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 399 |
Cantwell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winters average 1°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 16.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 76.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15 / among the cleanest air in the country. 92% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 3,823 feet.
Temperature
1°F Jan (-17°C)
55°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 27.2°F |
| 50% below US avg |
| January Average | 1°F (-17°C) |
| July Average | 55°F (13°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,823 ft (1,165 m) |
| Area | 117.6 sq mi (304.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 63.4114°N, 148.7496°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Matanuska-Susitna Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
101 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.8"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.32"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 15.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 92.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7,135 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 29, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
2002 Denali Fault, Alaska Earthquake |
M7.9 |
65 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
43 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
110 km |
| Nov 29, 2000 |
52 km WSW of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.8 |
82 km |
| Dec 30, 1995 |
66 km ESE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.7 |
95 km |
| Apr 8, 2021 |
28 km SE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.5 |
25 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
73 km |
| May 15, 2016 |
64 km SE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.3 |
116 km |
| Sep 1, 2000 |
71 km SE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.3 |
92 km |
| Dec 28, 1990 |
49 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.3 |
51 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
148 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
74 km |
| Jan 23, 2011 |
42 km E of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.2 |
106 km |
| Jan 31, 2017 |
64 km SE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.2 |
116 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
69 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
36 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
26 km |
| Apr 16, 2014 |
50 km N of Chase, Alaska |
M5.1 |
82 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
67 km |
| Mar 21, 1991 |
49 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.1 |
78 km |
| Aug 27, 2013 |
67 km SE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.0 |
95 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) (87,861 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
90 km |
| 2013 |
TOKLAT RIVER EAST |
34,216 |
81 km |
| 2023 |
ROCK CREEK |
33,852 |
96 km |
| 2012 |
BEAR CREEK #4 |
9,644 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
BIRCH CREEK |
6,659 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
CHITSIA |
5,310 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
CHITSIA MOUNTAIN |
2,674 |
86 km |
| 1987 |
SLATE CREK |
2,429 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
POPAVICH |
2,169 |
59 km |
| 2011 |
FRANCIS CREEK |
2,063 |
59 km |
| 1991 |
BIG REX |
1,607 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
BEAR CREEK |
1,459 |
83 km |
| 2003 |
REX BRIDGE |
1,401 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| May |
42°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
55°F (13°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
51°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Cantwell has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 1°F in January to 55°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.3") and April the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Cantwell. 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 | $1,079 |
| Toddler | $1,036 |
| Preschool | $1,001 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $934 |
| Toddler | $919 |
| Preschool | $912 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cantwell
What is the population of Cantwell?
Cantwell has a population of 121 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 117.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.7% female and 60.3% male.
Is Cantwell expensive to live in?
Cantwell 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 $41,000, 45% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $221,400 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Cantwell?
Cantwell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average 1°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 16.8 inches, with 76.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 15.
How is the job market in Cantwell?
The job market in Cantwell faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,122. There are 2,824 business establishments in the area, including 272 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 14.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cantwell?
The median home value in Cantwell is $221,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,301. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,017.
How are the schools in Cantwell?
Schools in Cantwell score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.1% of adults in Cantwell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.1% have completed high school. 4.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cantwell?
The obesity rate in Cantwell is 30.9% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 20.0% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050.
What is transportation like in Cantwell?
The average commute in Cantwell is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cantwell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cantwell is 71.9% White, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 27.9% of the population are military veterans. 32.2% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.