Median Income
$140,722
87% higher than US avg
Home Value
$411,600
46% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
47.4%
41% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,148
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.0%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.6%
83% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Chena Ridge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,927
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density163/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 70%
Veterans14.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$140,722
Per Capita$62,239
Unemployment6.6%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$7,891M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$411,600
Rent$1,148
Ownership73.2%
Zillow$290,656
Housing Units2,548
Rent Burden21.2%
Health
Obesity33.0%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking11.2%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease4.5%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain11.7 in/yr
Elevation1,309 ft (399 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+47.4%
High School+98.4%
Graduate+26.7%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute22 min
Broadband92.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Chena Ridge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chena Ridge receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Chena Ridge stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chena Ridge is $140,722, which is significantly higher than the national average / 87% above $75,149. This places Chena Ridge among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 6.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.1% 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 Chena Ridge is $411,600, 46% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,148 per month. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 47.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Chena Ridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -8°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.7 inches, including 64.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Chena Ridge has a population of 5,927 with a density of 163 people per square mile, spread across 36.9 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (70.4%), with 5.2% Hispanic, 2.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.7% of residents, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 14.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
5,927
Total Population
2023 Census
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chena Ridge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.7%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.1%
40% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Chena Ridge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chena Ridge is $140,722, which is 87% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $62,239 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 6.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.1% 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). 9.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chena Ridge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $140,722 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $62,239 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.6% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% 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 | 1.61% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 72.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.7% |
The median home value in Chena Ridge is $411,600, 46% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $419,900 with homes selling in an average of 222 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,148 (1% 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. 73.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,548 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $411,600 |
| 46% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,656 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $419,900 |
| Median List Price | $725,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $419,900 |
| Median List Price | $725,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $180 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 222 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 16.7% |
| Inventory | 6 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,148 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.2% |
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 | 73.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,548 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.61% |
In Chena Ridge, 33.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 29.1% have high blood pressure. 11.2% are current smokers. 18.7% report binge drinking. 17.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.2% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 10.5% 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.
Health Metrics: Chena Ridge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.0% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.1% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.2% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 17.3% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.5% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.3% |
| Dental Visits | 66.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Chena Ridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -8°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 71°F. Annual precipitation totals 11.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 64.6 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 1,309 feet.
Temperature
-8°F Jan (-22°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 28.3°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | -8°F (-22°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,309 ft (399 m) |
| Area | 36.9 sq mi (95.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 163/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.7943°N, 148.0329°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.7"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.26"
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
2,264 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 |
145 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
142 km |
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
49 km |
| Nov 29, 2000 |
52 km WSW of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.8 |
146 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
61 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
62 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
36 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
147 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
146 km |
| Nov 1, 1992 |
30 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
118 km |
| Dec 6, 2000 |
59 km WSW of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
149 km |
| Feb 26, 2013 |
13 km NW of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.9 |
99 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
16 km SE of Minto, Alaska |
M4.9 |
57 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
56 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
143 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
72 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
148 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
22 km NNE of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.9 |
40 km |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
11 km NW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
72 km |
| Nov 18, 1995 |
59 km SW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
85 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
76 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
144 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 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (MINTO FLATS SOUTH) |
523,527 |
82 km |
| 2005 |
BEAVER CREEK |
184,179 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
HESS CREEK |
181,457 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
PARKS HWY |
125,276 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
38 km |
| 2002 |
MILEPOST 78 |
107,420 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
63 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
73 km |
| 2001 |
FISH CREEK |
83,362 |
61 km |
| 2022 |
CLEAR |
72,998 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
42 km |
| 2004 |
MUD FORK 2 |
44,582 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
73 km |
| 2022 |
MINTO LAKES |
37,628 |
37 km |
| 2004 |
TORS |
32,002 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
AGGIE CREEK |
30,877 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
LITTLE DELTA |
29,836 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
TANANA RIVER |
25,597 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
HASTINGS |
25,402 |
33 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-8°F (-22°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
0°F (-18°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
34°F (1°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Chena Ridge has a seasonal temperature swing of 71°F / from -8°F in January to 63°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.3") and April the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Chena Ridge. 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 Chena Ridge
What is the population of Chena Ridge?
Chena Ridge has a population of 5,927 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 163 people per square mile, spread across 36.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Chena Ridge expensive to live in?
Chena Ridge 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 $140,722, 87% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $411,600 (46% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,148 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Chena Ridge?
Chena Ridge has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.7 inches, with 64.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Chena Ridge?
The unemployment rate in Chena Ridge is 6.6%, 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 9.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chena Ridge?
The median home value in Chena Ridge is $411,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $419,900, with homes typically selling within 222 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,148. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Chena Ridge?
Schools in Chena Ridge score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 47.4% of adults in Chena Ridge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.4% have completed high school. 26.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chena Ridge?
The obesity rate in Chena Ridge is 33.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.2% of adults are smokers. 17.3% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 10.5% 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 Chena Ridge?
The average commute in Chena Ridge is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 72.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chena Ridge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chena Ridge is 70.4% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian. 91.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 14.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.