Median Income
$68,958
8% lower than US avg
Home Value
$196,900
30% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
492/100K
30% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.5%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.6%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Harding-Birch Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population206
Median Age59.1 yrs
Density1/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$68,958
Per Capita$38,816
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,891M
Housing
A+
Home Value$196,900
Ownership89.9%
Zillow$198,142
Housing Units538
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent492/100K
Property3,087/100K
Health
Obesity35.6%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking14.2%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease4.6%
Climate
Avg Temp27°F (-3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain12.9 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,500 ft (457 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband79.0%
Libraries3
Is Harding-Birch Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Harding-Birch Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Harding-Birch Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Harding-Birch Lakes is $68,958, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Harding-Birch Lakes is $196,900, 30% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the national average.
Education
10.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Harding-Birch Lakes 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. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.9 inches, including 67.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Harding-Birch Lakes has a population of 206 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 231.2 square miles. The median age is 59.1 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.6% female and 69.4% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.4% of residents, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 75.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
59.1yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Harding-Birch Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.4%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.6%
58% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Harding-Birch Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Harding-Birch Lakes is $68,958, which is 8% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $38,816. The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Harding-Birch Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,958 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $38,816 |
| 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 | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 3.36% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Harding-Birch Lakes is $196,900, 30% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,142. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 538 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% 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 | $196,900 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $198,142 |
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 | 89.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.1% |
| Housing Units | 538 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.36% |
In Harding-Birch Lakes, 35.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.6% of residents, below the national average. 30.9% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.8% report depression. 16.1% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Harding-Birch Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.9% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.1% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 37.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.4% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Harding-Birch Lakes has a violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 residents, 30% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Harding-Birch Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Harding-Birch Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 492.2/100K |
| 30% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,087.3/100K |
| 58% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Harding-Birch Lakes 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. 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 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 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 1,500 feet.
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) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,500 ft (457 m) |
| Area | 231.2 sq mi (598.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.3813°N, 146.5306°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI) 49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.9"
66% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.48"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
2,804 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 |
106 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
118 km |
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
130 km |
| Oct 22, 1996 |
31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.7 |
129 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
127 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
128 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
135 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
138 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
24 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
32 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M5.2 |
130 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
147 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
104 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
105 km |
| Jan 24, 2003 |
31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
142 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
36 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
131 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
118 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
28 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.0 |
140 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
Central Alaska |
M4.9 |
130 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
14 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
137 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
27 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M4.9 |
122 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 |
100 km |
| 2004 |
CAMP CREEK |
173,441 |
73 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
66 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
43 km |
| 2002 |
SPURS |
72,638 |
53 km |
| 2022 |
2022 OKLAHOMA AND STUART CREEK RX |
63,684 |
53 km |
| 1998 |
CARLA LAKE |
62,508 |
42 km |
| 2013 |
MISSISSIPPI |
59,188 |
46 km |
| 2023 |
DELTA |
57,975 |
32 km |
| 2021 |
MUNSON CREEK |
54,099 |
76 km |
| 2014 |
1 OKLAHOMA RANGE |
53,368 |
50 km |
| 2023 |
POGO MINE ROAD |
51,225 |
32 km |
| 2003 |
SAND CREEK |
49,787 |
67 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
EAST VOLKMAR |
48,652 |
89 km |
| 1987 |
GRANITE CREEK |
40,844 |
75 km |
| 2009 |
OKLAHOMA 2 |
38,398 |
48 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
36 km |
| 2004 |
TORS |
32,002 |
58 km |
| 2007 |
LITTLE DELTA |
29,836 |
32 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-9°F (-23°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| April |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| September |
43°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
-3°F (-19°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Harding-Birch Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 70°F / from -9°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.8 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.5") and March the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Harding-Birch Lakes. 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 Harding-Birch Lakes
What is the population of Harding-Birch Lakes?
Harding-Birch Lakes has a population of 206 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 231.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.6% female and 69.4% male.
Is Harding-Birch Lakes expensive to live in?
Harding-Birch Lakes 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 $68,958, 8% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $196,900 (30% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Harding-Birch Lakes safe?
The violent crime rate in Harding-Birch Lakes is 492 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 3,087 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Harding-Birch Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Harding-Birch Lakes?
Harding-Birch Lakes 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. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. 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 21.
How is the job market in Harding-Birch Lakes?
Harding-Birch Lakes 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.
How much does housing cost in Harding-Birch Lakes?
The median home value in Harding-Birch Lakes is $196,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,142. The homeownership rate is 89.9%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Harding-Birch Lakes?
Schools in Harding-Birch Lakes score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.5% of adults in Harding-Birch Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Harding-Birch Lakes?
The obesity rate in Harding-Birch Lakes is 35.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What are the demographics of Harding-Birch Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Harding-Birch Lakes is 100% White. 94.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.6% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 75.8% have health insurance coverage.