Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,200
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
647/100K
70% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.1%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$855
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.4%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How McGrath Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population195
Median Age53.3 yrs
Density5/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 35%
Veterans13.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$32,653
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute6 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,200
Rent$855
Ownership74.5%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units163
Rent Burden36.6%
Crime
F
Violent647/100K
Property4,157/100K
Health
Obesity37.4%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking29.4%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp29°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain18.1 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation338 ft (103 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.1%
High School+85.2%
Graduate+9.6%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute6 min
Broadband98.0%
Libraries11
Is McGrath a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, McGrath receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. McGrath offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in McGrath is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in McGrath is $102,200, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $855 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 647 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,157 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
McGrath has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 29°F. Winters average -6°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 18.1 inches, including 86.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
McGrath has a population of 195 with a density of 5 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age is 53.3 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60% female and 40% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (57.9%), with 35.4% White, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 13.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 78.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.3yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.7%
72% below US avg
The median household income in McGrath is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,653 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% 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 6 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,653 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% 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 | 4.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 5.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 27.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in McGrath is $102,200, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $855 (26% below 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. 74.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 163 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 36.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,200 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $855 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.6% |
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 | 74.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.5% |
| Housing Units | 163 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.90% |
In McGrath, 37.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 37.7% have high blood pressure. 29.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 30.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% 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: McGrath vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.4% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.7% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.7% |
| Asthma | 13.0% |
| COPD | 10.3% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.4% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 19.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.1% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.2% |
| Dental Visits | 39.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
McGrath has a violent crime rate of 647 per 100,000 residents, 70% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,157 per 100,000, 112% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, McGrath receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: McGrath vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 646.7/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,157.0/100K |
| 112% 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 |
McGrath has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 29°F (-2°C). Winters average -6°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 67°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 18.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 86.5 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 338 feet.
Temperature
-6°F Jan (-21°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 28.9°F |
| 46% below US avg |
| January Average | -6°F (-21°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 338 ft (103 m) |
| Area | 5.6 sq mi (14.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 5/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.9389°N, 155.5684°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
218 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.1"
53% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.87"
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
154 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 16, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2025 |
13 km WSW of Takotna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
38 km |
| Apr 27, 1992 |
80 km NE of Lime Village, Alaska |
M4.7 |
136 km |
| Oct 5, 2002 |
95 km N of McGrath, Alaska |
M4.4 |
98 km |
| Jul 19, 2020 |
92 km NNE of Lime Village, Alaska |
M4.2 |
94 km |
| Feb 11, 1992 |
80 km S of Nikolai, Alaska |
M4.0 |
88 km |
| Apr 17, 2000 |
70 km S of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.9 |
88 km |
| May 17, 1995 |
44 km NE of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.7 |
102 km |
| Mar 18, 2019 |
105 km S of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| May 18, 1995 |
44 km ENE of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.7 |
103 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
97 km SSE of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.7 |
124 km |
| Aug 11, 2013 |
63 km SSW of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
67 km SW of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Feb 19, 2023 |
95 km SSE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| May 19, 1995 |
38 km ENE of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.5 |
98 km |
| Sep 30, 1992 |
71 km NE of Lime Village, Alaska |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Apr 27, 2003 |
63 km SW of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M3.5 |
137 km |
| Oct 31, 1996 |
78 km S of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.4 |
86 km |
| Jun 8, 1993 |
55 km NNW of Takotna, Alaska |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Aug 11, 1994 |
85 km ESE of Nikolai, Alaska |
M3.4 |
141 km |
| Sep 19, 1990 |
40 km W of Takotna, Alaska |
M3.4 |
66 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TATLAWIKSUK (262,349 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
TATLAWIKSUK |
262,349 |
68 km |
| 2002 |
VINASALE |
175,486 |
29 km |
| 2019 |
HURST CREEK |
139,405 |
91 km |
| 2013 |
MOORE CREEK |
135,659 |
87 km |
| 2002 |
COLORADO CREEK |
89,062 |
78 km |
| 1988 |
804028 |
86,445 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
WASHINGTON CR. |
68,914 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
WINDY |
67,318 |
71 km |
| 2005 |
WASKY |
59,754 |
83 km |
| 2019 |
PAGE MOUNTAIN |
52,271 |
36 km |
| 2022 |
FOURTH OF JULY CREEK |
52,239 |
62 km |
| 1994 |
KATLITNA |
45,200 |
23 km |
| 2005 |
DISHNA |
40,132 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
LONE MOUNTAIN |
38,181 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
SUBMARINE CREEK |
36,145 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
BIG RIVER |
30,326 |
85 km |
| 2002 |
NORTH FORK |
30,221 |
66 km |
| 2005 |
LONE MOUNTAIN |
29,138 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
UPPER TATLAWIKSUK |
27,863 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
DISH MOUNTAIN |
26,286 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-6°F (-21°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-0°F (-18°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| April |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
45°F (7°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| October |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
-3°F (-20°C) |
1.4 in |
|
McGrath has a seasonal temperature swing of 67°F / from -6°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.9") and April the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in McGrath. 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 McGrath
What is the population of McGrath?
McGrath has a population of 195 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 5 people per square mile, spread across 5.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60% female and 40% male.
Is McGrath expensive to live in?
McGrath 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 $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,200 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $855 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is McGrath safe?
Public safety is a concern in McGrath, with a violent crime rate of 647 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,157 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, McGrath receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in McGrath?
McGrath has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 29°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -6°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 18.1 inches, with 86.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in McGrath?
McGrath has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, 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 6 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in McGrath?
The median home value in McGrath is $102,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $855. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in McGrath?
Schools in McGrath score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.1% of adults in McGrath hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.2% have completed high school. 9.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is McGrath?
The obesity rate in McGrath is 37.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.4% of adults are smokers. 30.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 15.4% 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 McGrath?
The average commute in McGrath is 6 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 27.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of McGrath?
The racial and ethnic makeup of McGrath is 35.4% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 57.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.7% speak Spanish. 13.6% of the population are military veterans. 31.7% of residents have a disability. 78.1% have health insurance coverage.
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