Median Income
$61,250
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$181,300
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$946
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.5%
164% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
74% lower than US avg
How Copper Center Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population312
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density25/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 31%
Veterans12.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,250
Per Capita$35,931
Unemployment9.5%
Poverty3.2%
County GDP$169M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$181,300
Rent$946
Ownership52.5%
Zillow$342,998
Housing Units184
Rent Burden31.3%
Crime
F
Violent471/100K
Property2,331/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking20.0%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,276 ft (389 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+88.0%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute14 min
Broadband84.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Copper Center a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Copper Center receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Copper Center has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Copper Center is $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.5%, unemployment is notably high. Only 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Copper Center is $181,300, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $946 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Copper Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Copper Center has a population of 312 with a density of 25 people per square mile, spread across 12.5 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.3% female and 56.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (67.9%), with 31.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 12.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 64.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Copper Center vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Copper Center vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Copper Center is $61,250, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,931. The average weekly wage is $1,093, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 144 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Copper Center vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,250 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,931 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,093 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,513 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.5% |
| 164% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.2% |
| 74% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 144 |
| County GDP | $169M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 57.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.2% |
The median home value in Copper Center is $181,300, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $946 (19% 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. 52.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 184 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 31.3% 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 | $181,300 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $342,998 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $946 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.3% |
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 | 52.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.5% |
| Housing Units | 184 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
In Copper Center, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 33.4% have high blood pressure. 20.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.7% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.0% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630. The dentist ratio is 1:1,295. 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Copper Center vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.4% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.0% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 64.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,630 |
| Dentists | 1:1,295 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 54.3% |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 52.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Copper Center has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,331 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. Overall, Copper Center receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Copper Center vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 471.2/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,331.4/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Copper Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,276 feet.
Temperature
-3°F Jan (-20°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 28.2°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | -3°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,276 ft (389 m) |
| Area | 12.5 sq mi (32.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 25/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.0011°N, 145.3640°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Copper River Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
163 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
1.93"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,399 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Oct 22, 1996 |
31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.7 |
150 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
145 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
145 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.4 |
123 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
147 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
140 km |
| Feb 13, 2017 |
20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
147 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
41 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.2 |
134 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska |
M5.1 |
86 km |
| Jan 24, 2003 |
31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
141 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
134 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
137 km |
| Aug 25, 2004 |
48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M5.1 |
72 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
44 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
137 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.0 |
140 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
28 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.0 |
141 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.0 |
129 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
43 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
139 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
Central Alaska |
M4.9 |
146 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
13 km SSE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.9 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (70 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
70 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOKAINA 2 (14,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
TOKAINA 2 |
14,741 |
54 km |
| 2013 |
EXCELSIOR |
6,230 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
YOKNEDA LAKE |
2,866 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
CHETASLINA |
1,909 |
47 km |
| 1995 |
BILLY LAKE |
1,583 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
TABERT LAKE |
1,525 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-3°F (-20°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| September |
44°F (7°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| October |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
-1°F (-19°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Copper Center has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from -3°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (1.9") and April the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Copper Center. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Copper Center
What is the population of Copper Center?
Copper Center has a population of 312 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 25 people per square mile, spread across 12.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.3% female and 56.7% male.
Is Copper Center expensive to live in?
Copper Center 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 $61,250, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $181,300 (36% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $946 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Copper Center safe?
The violent crime rate in Copper Center is 471 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Copper Center receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Copper Center?
Copper Center has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -3°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Copper Center?
The job market in Copper Center faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,093. There are 144 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 3.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Copper Center?
The median home value in Copper Center is $181,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998. For renters, the median monthly rent is $946. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.5%.
How are the schools in Copper Center?
Schools in Copper Center have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.6% of adults in Copper Center hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.0% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Copper Center?
The obesity rate in Copper Center is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.0% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630.
What is transportation like in Copper Center?
The average commute in Copper Center is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 57.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Copper Center?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Copper Center is 31.1% White, 67.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 12.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.0% of residents have a disability. 64.8% have health insurance coverage.
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