Median Income
$72,083
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$257,500
9% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
492/100K
30% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
27.8%
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.5%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Salcha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,076
Median Age38.9 yrs
Density14/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 80%
Veterans16.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,083
Per Capita$36,420
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,891M
Commute35 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$257,500
Ownership93.5%
Zillow$198,142
Housing Units518
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent492/100K
Property3,087/100K
Health
Obesity35.5%
Uninsured8.6%
Smoking14.3%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp30°F (-1°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain15.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation694 ft (212 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+27.8%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute35 min
Broadband83.3%
Libraries3
Is Salcha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Salcha receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Salcha offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Salcha is $72,083, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Salcha is $257,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
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
27.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Salcha has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F. Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 15.8 inches, including 61.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Salcha has a population of 1,076 with a density of 14 people per square mile, spread across 75.9 square miles. The median age is 38.9 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.6% female and 57.4% male. The city is predominantly White (79.6%), with 6.6% Hispanic, 1.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.2% of residents, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 16.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 25.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.9yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.2%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.8%
49% below US avg
The median household income in Salcha is $72,083, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,420. The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below 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. Workers commute an average of 35 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 2.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,083 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,420 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below 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 | 2.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.9% |
| Public Transit | 2.6% |
| Work from Home | 2.8% |
The median home value in Salcha is $257,500, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,142, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 518 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $257,500 |
| 9% 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 | 93.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.5% |
| Housing Units | 518 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.57% |
In Salcha, 35.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 18.0% report binge drinking. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 15.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.6% 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: Salcha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.5% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.2% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 15.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.6% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Salcha 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, Salcha receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Salcha 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 |
Salcha has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F (-1°C). Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 62°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 65°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 15.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 61.4 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 694 feet.
Temperature
-3°F Jan (-20°C)
62°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 29.9°F |
| 45% below US avg |
| January Average | -3°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 62°F (17°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 694 ft (212 m) |
| Area | 75.9 sq mi (196.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 14/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.5341°N, 146.8836°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
15.8"
58% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.40"
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
2,437 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 |
117 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
124 km |
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
106 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
150 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
149 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
6 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
123 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 |
116 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
115 km |
| Nov 1, 1992 |
30 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
149 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
125 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
72 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
121 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
56 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
123 km |
| Feb 26, 2013 |
13 km NW of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.9 |
127 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
22 km NNE of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.9 |
98 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
27 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M4.9 |
146 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
16 km SE of Minto, Alaska |
M4.9 |
119 km |
| Nov 18, 1995 |
59 km SW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
63 km |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
11 km NW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
12 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 |
81 km |
| 2004 |
CENTRAL COMPLEX (WOLF CREEK) |
228,337 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
CAMP CREEK |
173,441 |
87 km |
| 2006 |
PARKS HWY |
125,276 |
92 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
49 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
26 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
97 km |
| 2001 |
FISH CREEK |
83,362 |
89 km |
| 2002 |
SPURS |
72,638 |
74 km |
| 2022 |
2022 OKLAHOMA AND STUART CREEK RX |
63,684 |
74 km |
| 1998 |
CARLA LAKE |
62,508 |
66 km |
| 2013 |
MISSISSIPPI |
59,188 |
69 km |
| 2023 |
DELTA |
57,975 |
53 km |
| 2021 |
MUNSON CREEK |
54,099 |
70 km |
| 2014 |
1 OKLAHOMA RANGE |
53,368 |
71 km |
| 2023 |
POGO MINE ROAD |
51,225 |
54 km |
| 2003 |
SAND CREEK |
49,787 |
87 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
22 km |
| 1987 |
GRANITE CREEK |
40,844 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
OKLAHOMA 2 |
38,398 |
69 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-3°F (-20°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| February |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| July |
62°F (17°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| September |
44°F (7°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
Salcha has a seasonal temperature swing of 66°F / from -4°F in December to 62°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.4") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Salcha. 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 Salcha
What is the population of Salcha?
Salcha has a population of 1,076 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 14 people per square mile, spread across 75.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.9 years. The population is 42.6% female and 57.4% male.
Is Salcha expensive to live in?
Salcha 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 $72,083, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $257,500 (9% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Salcha safe?
The violent crime rate in Salcha 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, Salcha receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Salcha?
Salcha has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F (-1°C). Winter temperatures average -3°F in January, while summers reach an average of 62°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 15.8 inches, with 61.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Salcha?
The job market in Salcha is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate 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. The average commute time is 35 minutes, and 2.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Salcha?
The median home value in Salcha is $257,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $198,142. The homeownership rate is 93.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Salcha?
Schools in Salcha score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 27.8% of adults in Salcha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Salcha?
The obesity rate in Salcha is 35.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 21.2% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 8.6% lack health insurance. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What is transportation like in Salcha?
The average commute in Salcha is 35 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.9% of workers drive alone to work, 2.6% use public transit, and 2.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Salcha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Salcha is 79.6% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.8% speak Spanish. 16.7% of the population are military veterans. 25.8% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
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