Median Income
$59,716
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
34.2%
1% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$2,021
74% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.9%
258% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
92% lower than US avg
How Eielson AFB Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,133
Median Age21.9 yrs
Density105/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 69%
Veterans22.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$59,716
Per Capita$26,220
Unemployment12.9%
Poverty1.0%
County GDP$7,891M
Commute9 min
Housing
C
Rent$2,021
Ownership0.0%
Zillow$198,142
Housing Units904
Rent Burden35.5%
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking15.6%
Depression18.9%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp27°F (-3°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain12.9 in/yr
Education
B+
Bachelor's+34.2%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+9.4%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute9 min
Broadband99.4%
Libraries3
Is Eielson AFB a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Eielson AFB receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Eielson AFB offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Eielson AFB is $59,716, 21% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.9%, unemployment is notably high. Only 1.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $2,021 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 34.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Eielson AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F. Winters average -9°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.9 inches, including 67.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Eielson AFB has a population of 3,133 with a density of 105 people per square mile, spread across 31.1 square miles. The median age is 21.9 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.3% female and 57.7% male. The city is predominantly White (69.4%), with 14.5% Hispanic, 5.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.3% of residents, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 22.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 2.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,133
Total Population
2023 Census
21.9yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Eielson AFB vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.3%
18% above US avg
Spanish
8.4%
37% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Eielson AFB vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Eielson AFB is $59,716, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,220 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 12.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 1.0% 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 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Eielson AFB vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,716 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,220 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.9% |
| 258% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 1.0% |
| 92% 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,142. Monthly rent averages $2,021 (74% 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. 0.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 904 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 35.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,021 |
| 74% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 35.5% |
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 | 0.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Housing Units | 904 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
In Eielson AFB, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 16.3% report binge drinking. 27.1% are physically inactive. 18.9% report depression. 15.7% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below 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: Eielson AFB vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.1% |
| Depression | 18.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.2% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.2% |
| Dental Visits | 58.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Eielson AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winters average -9°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 70°F. Annual precipitation totals 12.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 67.7 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.
Temperature
-9°F Jan (-23°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 26.9°F |
| 50% below US avg |
| January Average | -9°F (-23°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
Geography
| Area | 31.1 sq mi (80.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 105/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.6733°N, 147.0595°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.9"
66% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.67"
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
2,385 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 |
130 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
135 km |
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
90 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
21 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
108 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
36 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
146 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
129 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
130 km |
| Nov 1, 1992 |
30 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
148 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
137 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
22 km NNE of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.9 |
87 km |
| Feb 26, 2013 |
13 km NW of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.9 |
126 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
56 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
135 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
72 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
134 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
16 km SE of Minto, Alaska |
M4.9 |
104 km |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
11 km NW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
30 km |
| Nov 18, 1995 |
59 km SW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
73 km |
| Feb 17, 2007 |
41 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M4.7 |
51 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
65 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.7 |
137 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
76 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
129 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 |
66 km |
| 2004 |
CENTRAL COMPLEX (WOLF CREEK) |
228,337 |
94 km |
| 2004 |
CAMP CREEK |
173,441 |
96 km |
| 2006 |
PARKS HWY |
125,276 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
47 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
19 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
96 km |
| 2001 |
FISH CREEK |
83,362 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
SPURS |
72,638 |
92 km |
| 2022 |
2022 OKLAHOMA AND STUART CREEK RX |
63,684 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
CARLA LAKE |
62,508 |
83 km |
| 2013 |
MISSISSIPPI |
59,188 |
87 km |
| 2023 |
DELTA |
57,975 |
70 km |
| 2021 |
MUNSON CREEK |
54,099 |
66 km |
| 2014 |
1 OKLAHOMA RANGE |
53,368 |
89 km |
| 2023 |
POGO MINE ROAD |
51,225 |
69 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
18 km |
| 2009 |
OKLAHOMA 2 |
38,398 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
48 km |
| 2022 |
MINTO LAKES |
37,628 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-9°F (-23°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-0°F (-18°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| April |
33°F (1°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
44°F (7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
-6°F (-21°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Eielson AFB has a seasonal temperature swing of 70°F / from -9°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.7") and March the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Eielson AFB. 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 Eielson AFB
What is the population of Eielson AFB?
Eielson AFB has a population of 3,133 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 105 people per square mile, spread across 31.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.3% female and 57.7% male.
Is Eielson AFB expensive to live in?
Eielson AFB 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 $59,716, 21% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $2,021 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Eielson AFB?
Eielson AFB has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 27°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.9 inches, with 67.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Eielson AFB?
The job market in Eielson AFB faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 9 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Eielson AFB?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,021. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 0.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Eielson AFB?
Schools in Eielson AFB score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 34.2% of adults in Eielson AFB hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Eielson AFB?
The obesity rate in Eielson AFB is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 27.1% are physically inactive. 18.9% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below 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 Eielson AFB?
The average commute in Eielson AFB is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Eielson AFB?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Eielson AFB is 69.4% White, 5.6% Black or African American, 14.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian. 92.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.4% speak Spanish. 22.7% of the population are military veterans. 2.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.