Paxson, AK

Alaska · Copper River Census Area

Paxson is a small town in Alaska with a population of 20.

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates, FBI Crime Data Explorer 2024, NOAA, EPA. Updated August 2026

5.0 /5.0
A+ Excellent
20 Population 0/sq mi density
26°F Avg Temperature
A+
Overall
5.0 / 5.0
Excellent overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Education
5.0 / 5.0
100.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Paxson, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Bachelor's+ 100.0%
197% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Paxson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population20
Density0/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%

Housing

Ownership100.0%
Zillow$320,632
Rent Burden16.9%

Health

Obesity33.8%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking18.3%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease6.4%

Climate

Avg Temp26°F (-4°C)
Rain18.7 in/yr
Elevation3,325 ft (1,013 m)

Education

A+
Bachelor's+100.0%
High School+100.0%
School Score4.86

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband0.0%
Libraries2

Is Paxson a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Paxson receives an overall livability score of 5.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Paxson stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Education

Paxson is a highly educated community / 100.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Paxson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.7 inches.

Paxson has a population of 20 with a density of 0 people per square mile, spread across 319.3 square miles. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

20
Total Population
2023 Census
0
People / sq mi
319.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 45%
Female 55%

Race & Ethnicity

Paxson vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Paxson vs U.S. Average

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). 16.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$320,632

Rental Costs

Rent Burden16.9%

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

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%

Property Tax

In Paxson, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 19.5% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630. The dentist ratio is 1:1,295. 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

Health Metrics: Paxson vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.8%
5% above US avg
Diabetes9.3%
Heart Disease6.4%
High Blood Pressure32.6%
Asthma10.4%
COPD6.2%
Cancer6.8%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking18.3%
31% above US avg
Binge Drinking22.1%
Physical Inactivity21.7%
Depression19.5%
Mental Distress16.2%
Physical Distress13.5%
Short Sleep37.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Uninsured0.0%
100% below US avg
Primary Care1:2,630
Dentists1:1,295
Mental Health1:297
Checkup Rate65.7%
Dental Visits55.2%

Food & Exercise

Exercise Access52.4%
Healthcare Facilities7
Paxson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-4°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 3,325 feet.

Temperature

-2°F Jan (-19°C) 55°F Jul (13°C)
Annual Average25.5°F
53% below US avg
January Average-2°F (-19°C)
July Average55°F (13°C)

Geography

Elevation3,325 ft (1,013 m)
Area319.3 sq mi (827.0 km²)
Population Density0/sq mi
Coordinates62.9757°N, 145.7576°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyCopper River Census Area County
Nearest AirportFairbanks International (FAI)
142 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 18.7"
51% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul) 3.15"
Driest Month (Feb) 0.52"

Air Quality

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score40.0 / 100
Social Vulnerability93.4 / 100
Community Resilience41.9 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Very Low
Strong Wind No Rating
Winter Weather Relatively Low
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Very Low
Drought No Rating
Cold Wave Relatively Low
Landslide Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flood No Rating
Volcano Very Low
Avalanche Very High
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

3,188 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M7.9. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.

Nov 3, 2002 2002 Denali Fault, Alaska Earthquake M7.9 104 km
Oct 23, 2002 53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska M6.6 123 km
May 31, 2021 73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska M6.1 140 km
Oct 22, 1996 31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska M5.7 46 km
Nov 3, 2002 23 km N of Paxson, Alaska M5.6 36 km
Nov 3, 2002 23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska M5.6 35 km
Apr 8, 2021 28 km SE of Cantwell, Alaska M5.5 144 km
Nov 4, 2002 36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska M5.4 50 km
Nov 3, 2002 19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska M5.4 33 km
Nov 3, 2002 45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.4 58 km
Nov 4, 2002 41 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska M5.2 53 km
Nov 3, 2002 32 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska M5.2 61 km
Nov 3, 2002 3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.1 104 km
Nov 4, 2002 44 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska M5.1 56 km
Nov 4, 2002 78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska M5.1 102 km
Jan 24, 2003 31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska M5.1 45 km
Nov 8, 2002 36 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska M5.1 136 km
Jul 5, 2002 77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska M5.1 103 km
May 13, 1993 9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska M5.1 135 km
Nov 8, 2002 17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.1 117 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Wrangell (140 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Wrangell Shield 4,278 m (14,035 ft) 1912 140 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: GRANITE CREEK (40,844 ac, 1987).

Year Name Acres Distance
1987 GRANITE CREEK 40,844 99 km
2004 ALPHABET HILLS 34,657 62 km
1994 HAJDUKOVICH 21,139 98 km
1990 MILITARY 8 20,011 91 km
2001 DULUTH 8,340 91 km
2023 MOUNT HAYES 7,046 92 km
2013 EXCELSIOR 6,230 43 km
2008 BOLIO LAKE RX 5,098 95 km
2016 YOKNEDA LAKE 2,866 74 km
1995 BILLY LAKE 1,583 74 km
2013 TABERT LAKE 1,525 92 km
2010 DELTA COMPLEX (UPPER GERSTLE) 1,494 85 km
2015 ROBINSON FORK 1,354 94 km
2010 TEXAS RANGE RX 1,010 95 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -2°F (-19°C) 0.9 in Coldest
February 4°F (-15°C) 0.5 in Driest
March 10°F (-12°C) 0.8 in
April 26°F (-3°C) 0.6 in
May 40°F (5°C) 1.1 in
June 51°F (10°C) 2.5 in
July 55°F (13°C) 3.2 in Warmest, Wettest
August 50°F (10°C) 3.0 in
September 41°F (5°C) 2.4 in
October 24°F (-4°C) 1.2 in
November 6°F (-15°C) 1.4 in
December 1°F (-17°C) 1.2 in

Paxson has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from -2°F in January to 55°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (0.5").

View full weather details →
Paxson is located in Copper River Census Area County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 100.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 197% above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 0.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 7 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree+100.0%
197% above US avg
High School+100.0%
School Test Score4.86
A+ Education Grade (5.0/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density0/sq mi
Total Area319.3 sq mi
CountyCopper River Census Area County

Services

Broadband Access0.0%
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities7
Restaurants24
Retail Stores18

Commute & Transportation

Average costs for common services in Paxson. 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

Top Industries in Copper River Census Area

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Accommodation & Food Services 153 29 $38,619 1.52
Retail Trade 123 17 $29,052 1.11
Arts & Entertainment 39 9 $37,450 2.10
Construction 23 10 $86,372 0.40
Other Services 19 6 $33,349 0.57

Campgrounds Near Paxson

3 campgrounds found near Paxson.

NameRatingSitesPrice
Sourdough Creek Campground 5.0/5 1 $20
Paxson Lake Campground 4.8/5 2 $20
Tangle Lakes Campground 4.3/5 1 $20

Hotels in Paxson

1 hotels within city radius - OpenStreetMap data

Denali Highway Cabins

Bridges in Paxson

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete200055330G
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete2014120280G
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel195434280F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1958183280P
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel1958152280F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1958153280P
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel195437280F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel195434280F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel195437280F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel195437280F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel195481200P
Truss (Thru)Steel1954103140F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel19518180F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete198636250F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete202112440G

Airports Near Paxson

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Black Rapids Airport-Small Airport
Crosswind Lake Airport-Small Airport
Jacobus Field-Small Airport
Paxson Airport-Small Airport

Explore Near Paxson

Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Waterfalls Near Paxson

1 waterfalls from OpenStreetMap and USGS geographic data found near Paxson.

Name Description
Rapid Falls

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Frequently Asked Questions About Paxson

What is the population of Paxson?

Paxson has a population of 20 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 0 people per square mile, spread across 319.3 square miles. The population is 55% female and 45% male.

Is Paxson expensive to live in?

Paxson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100).

What is the weather like in Paxson?

Paxson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.7 inches.

How are the schools in Paxson?

Schools in Paxson have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 100.0% of adults in Paxson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school.

How healthy is Paxson?

The obesity rate in Paxson is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630.

What are the demographics of Paxson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Paxson is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

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