Median Income
$89,632
19% higher than US avg
Home Value
$367,700
30% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
579/100K
52% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.3%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,191
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.4%
22% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.6%
2% higher than US avg
How South Lakes Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,132
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density786/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans12.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$89,632
Per Capita$42,248
Unemployment4.4%
Poverty12.6%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute30 min
Housing
A
Home Value$367,700
Rent$1,191
Ownership65.2%
Zillow$408,225
Housing Units2,367
Rent Burden32.9%
Crime
F
Violent579/100K
Property6,733/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking15.6%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain14.4 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation369 ft (112 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.3%
High School+95.7%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute30 min
Broadband94.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is South Lakes a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Lakes receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. South Lakes offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Lakes is $89,632, 19% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 4.4%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in South Lakes is $367,700, 30% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,191 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,733 per 100,000, 244% above the national average.
Education
23.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
South Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 14.4 inches, including 49.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
South Lakes has a population of 6,132 with a density of 786 people per square mile, spread across 7.8 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (83.1%), with 7.7% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 12.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Lakes vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Lakes vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Lakes is $89,632, which is 19% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,248. The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 4.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.6% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 30 minutes. 6.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Lakes vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $89,632 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,248 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.4% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.6% |
| 2% above 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 | 2.29% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.4% |
The median home value in South Lakes is $367,700, 30% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $408,225, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,191 (2% 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. 65.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,367 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 32.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $367,700 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $408,225 |
| Median List Price | $419,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $419,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $230 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 75.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,191 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 32.9% |
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
| Homeownership | 65.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.8% |
| Housing Units | 2,367 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.29% |
In South Lakes, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 17.1% report binge drinking. 20.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.1% report depression. 16.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% 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: South Lakes vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.8% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 16.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.5% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
South Lakes has a violent crime rate of 579 per 100,000 residents, 52% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,733 per 100,000, 244% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, South Lakes receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Lakes vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 579.1/100K |
| 52% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,733.3/100K |
| 244% above US avg |
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 |
South Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. 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 14.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 49.5 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 369 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 36.8°F |
| 32% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 369 ft (112 m) |
| Area | 7.8 sq mi (20.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 786/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.5876°N, 149.3155°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
14.4"
62% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
2.83"
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
7,521 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| May 1, 1991 |
Central Alaska |
M6.3 |
147 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
111 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
86 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
140 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
78 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
141 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
83 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
133 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
85 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
89 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
126 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
33 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
116 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
44 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
21 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
44 km |
| Sep 17, 2019 |
28 km NW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
84 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
58 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
133 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
54 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 51.8 m (170 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1964 |
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
51.8 m |
139 |
130 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (159 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
159 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SU RIVER |
7,050 |
62 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
34 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
47 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
73 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
South Lakes has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 15°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.8") and April the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in South Lakes. 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 South Lakes
What is the population of South Lakes?
South Lakes has a population of 6,132 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 786 people per square mile, spread across 7.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is South Lakes expensive to live in?
South Lakes 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 $89,632, 19% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $367,700 (30% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,191 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is South Lakes safe?
The violent crime rate in South Lakes is 579 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 6,733 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Lakes receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Lakes?
South Lakes has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 14.4 inches, with 49.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in South Lakes?
South Lakes has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.4%, near the national average 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 30 minutes, and 6.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in South Lakes?
The median home value in South Lakes is $367,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $408,225. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,191. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.2%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in South Lakes?
Schools in South Lakes have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.3% of adults in South Lakes hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.7% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Lakes?
The obesity rate in South Lakes is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 20.8% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 8.9% 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 South Lakes?
The average commute in South Lakes is 30 minutes. 78.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Lakes?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Lakes is 83.1% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 7.7% Hispanic or Latino. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 12.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 87.4% have health insurance coverage.
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