Median Income
$73,723
2% lower than US avg
Home Value
$363,700
29% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
203/100K
47% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.6%
20% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,230
6% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.5%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.9%
44% lower than US avg
How Homer Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,750
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density417/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans8.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$73,723
Per Capita$44,386
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty6.9%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute12 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$363,700
Rent$1,230
Ownership68.4%
Zillow$406,053
Housing Units2,941
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent203/100K
Property2,469/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault203/100K
Burglary186/100K
Health
Obesity31.5%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking15.0%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain29.7 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation53 ft (16 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.6%
High School+94.8%
Graduate+16.4%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute12 min
Broadband92.4%
EV Stations3
Libraries11
Is Homer a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Homer receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Homer offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Homer is $73,723, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Homer is $363,700, 29% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,230 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Homer is below the national average at 203 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,469 per 100,000, 26% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Homer 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.
Homer has a population of 5,750 with a density of 417 people per square mile, spread across 26.8 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (78.9%), with 12.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.8% of residents, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.8%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.2%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Homer is $73,723, which is 2% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,386 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,723 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,386 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.9% |
| 44% 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 | 1.38% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 12.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 64.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 11.0% |
The median home value in Homer is $363,700, 29% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $406,053, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,230 (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. 68.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,941 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $363,700 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $406,053 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,230 |
| 6% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
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 | 68.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.6% |
| Housing Units | 2,941 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.38% |
In Homer, 31.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 15.0% are current smokers. 19.1% report binge drinking. 19.3% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.2% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Homer vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.5% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.0% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.3% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 29.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 63.0% |
| Dental Visits | 63.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Homer has a violent crime rate of 203 per 100,000 residents, 47% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 202.9 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,469 per 100,000, 26% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,996, burglary at 186, vehicle theft at 288 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Homer receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Homer vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 202.9/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 202.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,469.1/100K |
| 26% above US avg |
| Burglary | 186.0/100K |
| Theft | 1,995.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 287.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
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 |
Homer 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 53 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 | 53 ft (16 m) |
| Area | 26.8 sq mi (69.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 417/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 59.6475°N, 151.5131°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
117 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.7"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.66"
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
9,741 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 |
103 km |
| Jul 29, 2015 |
52 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M6.4 |
98 km |
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
109 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
94 km |
| Jan 24, 2009 |
Southern Alaska |
M5.9 |
81 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
53 km |
| May 19, 2000 |
63 km WSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
101 km |
| May 27, 2019 |
61 km SSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
100 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
47 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
67 km SE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.6 |
94 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
65 km |
| Feb 10, 2004 |
6 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.5 |
42 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
48 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
72 km |
| May 12, 1992 |
37 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.5 |
109 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
132 km |
| Oct 17, 1996 |
70 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
96 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
23 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
78 km |
| May 7, 2017 |
14 km N of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.3 |
60 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 |
— |
23 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
99 km |
| 1883 |
COOK INLET, AK |
Explosion |
9.1 m |
8 |
110 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
126 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Iliamna (98 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
98 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
113 km |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
188 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
83 km |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
63 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
TRACY AVE |
5,416 |
13 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
73 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| June |
51°F (10°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| July |
54°F (12°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
37°F (3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Homer has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 23°F in January to 54°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 28.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and May the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Homer. 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 Homer
What is the population of Homer?
Homer has a population of 5,750 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 417 people per square mile, spread across 26.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Homer expensive to live in?
Homer 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 $73,723, 2% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $363,700 (29% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,230 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Homer safe?
Homer is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 203 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,469 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Homer receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Homer?
Homer 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 Homer?
The unemployment rate in Homer is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 12 minutes, and 11.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Homer?
The median home value in Homer is $363,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $406,053. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,230. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.4%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Homer?
Schools in Homer score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.6% of adults in Homer hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. 16.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Homer?
The obesity rate in Homer is 31.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 15.0% of adults are smokers. 19.3% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Homer?
The average commute in Homer is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 64.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Homer?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Homer is 78.9% White, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino. 93.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.2% speak Spanish. 8.8% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 89.9% have health insurance coverage.
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