Median Income
$71,016
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$290,300
3% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
329/100K
13% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.9%
9% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,109
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.7%
4% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.1%
42% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Seward Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,735
Median Age42.6 yrs
Density196/mi²
Male / Female64% / 36%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans9.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,016
Per Capita$33,987
Unemployment2.1%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute13 min
Housing
A
Home Value$290,300
Rent$1,109
Ownership68.6%
Zillow$374,592
Housing Units1,227
Rent Burden34.2%
Crime
F
Violent329/100K
Property3,843/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault110/100K
Burglary512/100K
Health
Obesity30.7%
Uninsured9.7%
Smoking14.4%
Depression18.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain69.7 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.9%
High School+92.8%
Graduate+10.9%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute13 min
Broadband86.6%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Seward a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Seward receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Seward offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Seward is $71,016, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.1%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Seward is $290,300, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,109 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Seward is below the national average at 329 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,843 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Seward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 69.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Seward has a population of 2,735 with a density of 196 people per square mile, spread across 14.0 square miles. The median age is 42.6 years, 10% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 36.2% female and 63.8% male. The city is predominantly White (72.2%), with 19.6% Hispanic, 2.5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.5% of residents, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 5.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.6yrs
Median Age
10% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.5%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.5%
22% below US avg
The median household income in Seward is $71,016, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,987 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 2.1% (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 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,016 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,987 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.1% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.90% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.9% |
The median home value in Seward is $290,300, 3% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,592, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,109 (5% 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. 68.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,227 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $290,300 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $374,592 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,109 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.2% |
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 | 68.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,227 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.90% |
In Seward, 30.7% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.7% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 18.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.1% report depression. 14.3% experience frequent mental distress. 9.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Seward vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.7% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.7% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 18.0% |
| Depression | 18.1% |
| Mental Distress | 14.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.7% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Seward has a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 residents, 13% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 109.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 219.6. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,843 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,111, burglary at 512, vehicle theft at 220 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Seward receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Seward vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 329.4/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 219.6/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 109.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,843.3/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
| Burglary | 512.5/100K |
| Theft | 3,111.3/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 219.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Seward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 69.7 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). 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 10 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
56°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 40.4°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 14.0 sq mi (36.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 196/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.1248°N, 149.3916°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
69.7"
83% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
8.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3,791 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
145 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
148 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
106 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
141 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
118 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
136 km |
| May 7, 2017 |
14 km N of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.3 |
127 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
136 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
130 km |
| Apr 18, 1999 |
17 km WNW of Clam Gulch, Alaska |
M5.2 |
129 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
132 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
105 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
14 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.1 |
117 km |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
15 km NE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.1 |
146 km |
| May 18, 1993 |
16 km WNW of Hope, Alaska |
M5.1 |
99 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
7 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.1 |
121 km |
| Jan 1, 2019 |
7 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
134 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
10 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.0 |
118 km |
| Jan 13, 2019 |
8 km SW of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
136 km |
| Mar 5, 2004 |
21 km WNW of Kalifornsky, Alaska |
M5.0 |
131 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 |
— |
111 km |
| 1964 |
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
51.8 m |
139 |
142 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
34 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
5 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
14 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
82 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN LAKE |
164,801 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
83 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
POTHOLE |
8,769 |
48 km |
| 2015 |
CARD STREET |
7,366 |
76 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
68 km |
| 2001 |
KENAI LAKE |
3,319 |
33 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
79 km |
| 1987 |
SKILAK 2 |
2,365 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
1,104 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
4.4 in |
Coldest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
34°F (1°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
42°F (5°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
48°F (9°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
56°F (13°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
8.0 in |
|
| October |
36°F (2°C) |
8.5 in |
Wettest |
| November |
29°F (-2°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
5.9 in |
|
Seward has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 25°F in February to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.9 inches, with October being the wettest month (8.5") and July the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Seward. 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 | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Seward
What is the population of Seward?
Seward has a population of 2,735 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 196 people per square mile, spread across 14.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 36.2% female and 63.8% male.
Is Seward expensive to live in?
Seward 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 $71,016, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $290,300 (3% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,109 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Seward safe?
Seward is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 329 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,843 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Seward receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Seward?
Seward has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 69.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Seward?
The job market in Seward is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 7.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Seward?
The median home value in Seward is $290,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,592. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,109. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.6%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Seward?
Schools in Seward have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 36.9% of adults in Seward hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. 10.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Seward?
The obesity rate in Seward is 30.7% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 18.0% are physically inactive. 18.1% of residents report depression. 9.7% lack health insurance. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Seward?
The average commute in Seward is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Seward?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Seward is 72.2% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 19.6% Hispanic or Latino. 89.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.5% speak Spanish. 9.2% of the population are military veterans. 5.9% of residents have a disability. 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
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