Median Income
$67,640
10% lower than US avg
Home Value
$242,000
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.9%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,232
6% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Ester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,784
Median Age36.9 yrs
Density43/mi²
Male / Female65% / 35%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans14.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$67,640
Per Capita$39,238
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$7,891M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$242,000
Rent$1,232
Ownership51.8%
Zillow$290,656
Housing Units1,689
Rent Burden22.0%
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured10.5%
Smoking12.2%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain11.7 in/yr
Elevation1,989 ft (606 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.9%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+17.7%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute24 min
Broadband82.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Ester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ester receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Ester stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ester is $67,640, 10% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ester is $242,000, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,232 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Ester 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.
Ester has a population of 2,784 with a density of 43 people per square mile, spread across 64.3 square miles. The median age is 36.9 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 34.7% female and 65.3% male. The city is predominantly White (80.2%), with 2.6% Hispanic, 2.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.7% of residents. 14.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,784
Total Population
2023 Census
36.9yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.7%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.5%
66% below US avg
The median household income in Ester is $67,640, which is 10% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,238. The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.3% 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 24 minutes. 8.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,640 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,238 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% 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 | 2.74% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.4% |
The median home value in Ester is $242,000, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $329,999 with homes selling in an average of 275 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,232 (6% 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. 51.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,689 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,000 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,656 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $329,999 |
| Median List Price | $382,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $329,999 |
| Median List Price | $382,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $136 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 275 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 1 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,232 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.0% |
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 | 51.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 51.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 48.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,689 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.74% |
In Ester, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 12.2% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 18.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.2% report depression. 14.5% 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: Ester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.3% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 4.4% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.2% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.6% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 14.5% |
| Physical Distress | 10.9% |
| Short Sleep | 35.7% |
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 | 67.0% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Ester 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 1,989 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 | 1,989 ft (606 m) |
| Area | 64.3 sq mi (166.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 43/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.8791°N, 148.0412°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
7 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
1,525 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.0. Most recent: M3.4 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
41 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
67 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
56 km |
| Nov 1, 1992 |
30 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
125 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
22 km NNE of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.9 |
41 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
16 km SE of Minto, Alaska |
M4.9 |
53 km |
| Feb 26, 2013 |
13 km NW of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.9 |
106 km |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
11 km NW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
78 km |
| Nov 18, 1995 |
59 km SW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
94 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
148 km |
| Feb 17, 2007 |
41 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M4.7 |
75 km |
| Apr 2, 2003 |
26 km SSE of Rampart, Alaska |
M4.7 |
102 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
79 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
148 km |
| Jan 19, 2018 |
7 km SE of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.6 |
110 km |
| Mar 25, 2001 |
Central Alaska |
M4.6 |
64 km |
| Dec 29, 1993 |
10 km S of Salcha, Alaska |
M4.6 |
74 km |
| Jul 9, 2005 |
21 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.5 |
120 km |
| Apr 11, 2019 |
15 km NNW of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.5 |
57 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
75 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.5 |
147 km |
| Sep 19, 2022 |
15 km NNW of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.5 |
59 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 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (MINTO FLATS SOUTH) |
523,527 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
BEAVER CREEK |
184,179 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
HESS CREEK |
181,457 |
83 km |
| 2006 |
PARKS HWY |
125,276 |
57 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
48 km |
| 2003 |
ERICKSON CREEK |
119,668 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
MILEPOST 78 |
107,420 |
59 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
81 km |
| 2001 |
FISH CREEK |
83,362 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
CLEAR |
72,998 |
97 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
MUD FORK 2 |
44,582 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
81 km |
| 2022 |
MINTO LAKES |
37,628 |
30 km |
| 2004 |
TORS |
32,002 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
AGGIE CREEK |
30,877 |
42 km |
| 2007 |
LITTLE DELTA |
29,836 |
95 km |
| 2022 |
TANANA RIVER |
25,597 |
74 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 |
|
Ester 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 Ester. 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 Ester
What is the population of Ester?
Ester has a population of 2,784 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 43 people per square mile, spread across 64.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.9 years. The population is 34.7% female and 65.3% male.
Is Ester expensive to live in?
Ester 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 $67,640, 10% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,000 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,232 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Ester?
Ester 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 Ester?
Ester has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average 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 24 minutes, and 8.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ester?
The median home value in Ester is $242,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $329,999, with homes typically selling within 275 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,232. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 51.8%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Ester?
Schools in Ester score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.9% of adults in Ester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 17.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ester?
The obesity rate in Ester is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.2% of adults are smokers. 18.6% 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 Ester?
The average commute in Ester is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ester is 80.2% White, 2.6% Black or African American, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 95.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.5% speak Spanish. 14.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.