Median Income
$55,521
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$208,600
26% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
595/100K
57% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.4%
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Happy Valley Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population773
Median Age61.5 yrs
Density9/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans20.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$55,521
Per Capita$41,778
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$208,600
Ownership91.3%
Zillow$329,734
Housing Units622
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent595/100K
Property4,481/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured12.2%
Smoking19.2%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain29.7 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation906 ft (276 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.4%
High School+92.4%
Graduate+9.3%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute25 min
Broadband73.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries11
Is Happy Valley a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Happy Valley receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Happy Valley offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Happy Valley is $55,521, 26% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Happy Valley is $208,600, 26% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 595 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,481 per 100,000, 129% above the national average.
Education
23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Happy Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.7 inches, including 100.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Happy Valley has a population of 773 with a density of 9 people per square mile, spread across 88.2 square miles. The median age is 61.5 years, 58% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (77.2%), with 17.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 20.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 32.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.5yrs
Median Age
58% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Happy Valley vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Happy Valley vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Happy Valley is $55,521, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,778. The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,368 business establishments, including 314 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 15.6% of workers work from home.
Income: Happy Valley vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,521 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,778 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,368 |
| County GDP | $3,590M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 314 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 68.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.6% |
The median home value in Happy Valley is $208,600, 26% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,734, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 622 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $208,600 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $329,734 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 91.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.7% |
| Housing Units | 622 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In Happy Valley, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 19.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245. The dentist ratio is 1:1,349. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Happy Valley vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.2% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.2% |
| 42% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.9% |
| Dental Visits | 52.5% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Happy Valley has a violent crime rate of 595 per 100,000 residents, 57% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,481 per 100,000, 129% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Happy Valley receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Happy Valley vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 595.0/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,481.2/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Happy Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. The area gets 269 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 29.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 100.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. 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 906 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
54°F Jul (12°C)
| Annual Average | 37.2°F |
| 31% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 906 ft (276 m) |
| Area | 88.2 sq mi (228.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 9/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 59.8985°N, 151.5289°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
102 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.7"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.82"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.5 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10,146 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jan 24, 2016 |
47 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M7.1 |
106 km |
| Jul 29, 2015 |
52 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M6.4 |
93 km |
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
89 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
85 km |
| Jan 24, 2009 |
Southern Alaska |
M5.9 |
92 km |
| May 27, 2019 |
61 km SSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
125 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
36 km |
| May 19, 2000 |
63 km WSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
120 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
75 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
67 km SE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.6 |
103 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
72 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
26 km |
| May 12, 1992 |
37 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.5 |
110 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
53 km |
| Feb 10, 2004 |
6 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.5 |
65 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
145 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
66 km |
| Oct 17, 1996 |
70 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
83 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
106 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
39 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 60.0 m (197 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1967 |
GREWINGK, AK |
Meteorological |
60.0 m |
— |
39 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
95 km |
| 1883 |
COOK INLET, AK |
Explosion |
9.1 m |
8 |
119 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
118 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Iliamna (88 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
88 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
122 km |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
161 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
13 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
60 km |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
41 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
80 km |
| 2015 |
CARD STREET |
7,366 |
86 km |
| 2005 |
TRACY AVE |
5,416 |
17 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
57 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
47 km |
| 1987 |
SKILAK 2 |
2,365 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
1,104 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
35°F (1°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| June |
51°F (11°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
54°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| September |
47°F (9°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
36°F (2°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
Happy Valley has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 21°F in December to 54°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 28.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and May the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Happy Valley. 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 | $671 |
| Toddler | $941 |
| Preschool | $840 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,089 |
| Toddler | $1,056 |
| Preschool | $973 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Happy Valley
What is the population of Happy Valley?
Happy Valley has a population of 773 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 9 people per square mile, spread across 88.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Happy Valley expensive to live in?
Happy Valley 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 $55,521, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $208,600 (26% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Happy Valley safe?
The violent crime rate in Happy Valley is 595 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 4,481 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Happy Valley receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Happy Valley?
Happy Valley has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.7 inches, with 100.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Happy Valley?
Happy Valley has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,200. There are 2,368 business establishments in the area, including 314 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 15.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Happy Valley?
The median home value in Happy Valley is $208,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $329,734. The homeownership rate is 91.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Happy Valley?
Schools in Happy Valley score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.4% of adults in Happy Valley hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.4% have completed high school. 9.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Happy Valley?
The obesity rate in Happy Valley is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.2% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 12.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Happy Valley?
The average commute in Happy Valley is 25 minutes. 68.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Happy Valley?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Happy Valley is 77.2% White, 17.1% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 20.9% of the population are military veterans. 32.0% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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