Median Income
$66,944
11% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
659/100K
73% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.6%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.8%
89% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.1%
59% lower than US avg
How South Van Horn Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population354
Median Age46.4 yrs
Density45/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans15.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$66,944
Per Capita$47,902
Unemployment6.8%
Poverty5.1%
County GDP$7,891M
Commute13 min
Housing
Ownership96.9%
Zillow$290,656
Housing Units197
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent659/100K
Property3,840/100K
Health
Obesity36.6%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking15.7%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp29°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain12.6 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation440 ft (134 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute13 min
Broadband73.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is South Van Horn a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, South Van Horn receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. South Van Horn has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in South Van Horn is $66,944, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.1% 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.
Safety & Crime
With 659 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 3,840 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
6.2% 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
South Van Horn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 29°F. Winters average -7°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 12.6 inches, including 51.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
South Van Horn has a population of 354 with a density of 45 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age is 46.4 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.4% female and 57.6% male. The city is predominantly White (81.9%), with 9.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.9% of residents, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 15.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 2.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.4yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
South Van Horn vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.9%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.1%
47% below US avg
Social Characteristics
South Van Horn vs U.S. Average
The median household income in South Van Horn is $66,944, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,902 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 6.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.1% 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 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: South Van Horn vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,944 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,902 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.8% |
| 89% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.1% |
| 59% 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 197 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 96.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.1% |
| Housing Units | 197 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
In South Van Horn, 36.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 17.6% report binge drinking. 22.9% are physically inactive. 20.6% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% 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: South Van Horn vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.6% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.9% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.2% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.2% |
| Dental Visits | 60.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
South Van Horn has a violent crime rate of 659 per 100,000 residents, 73% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,840 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, South Van Horn receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: South Van Horn vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 658.9/100K |
| 73% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,839.6/100K |
| 96% 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 |
South Van Horn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 29°F (-2°C). Winters average -7°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 70°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 12.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 51.5 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 440 feet.
Temperature
-7°F Jan (-21°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 29.1°F |
| 46% below US avg |
| January Average | -7°F (-21°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 440 ft (134 m) |
| Area | 8.5 sq mi (22.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 45/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.8097°N, 147.7878°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.6"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
1.85"
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
2,155 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 |
145 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
144 km |
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
54 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
53 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
70 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
144 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
144 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
147 km |
| Nov 1, 1992 |
30 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
128 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
72 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
148 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
22 km NNE of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.9 |
51 km |
| Feb 26, 2013 |
13 km NW of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.9 |
108 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
56 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
144 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
16 km SE of Minto, Alaska |
M4.9 |
67 km |
| Jul 23, 2021 |
11 km NW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
64 km |
| Nov 18, 1995 |
59 km SW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
85 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
138 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
76 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
144 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
79 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M4.7 |
138 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
65 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.7 |
150 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 |
64 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (MINTO FLATS SOUTH) |
523,527 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
BEAVER CREEK |
184,179 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
HESS CREEK |
181,457 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
PARKS HWY |
125,276 |
60 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
40 km |
| 2002 |
MILEPOST 78 |
107,420 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
STUART CREEK #2 |
87,981 |
51 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
80 km |
| 2001 |
FISH CREEK |
83,362 |
69 km |
| 2021 |
MUNSON CREEK |
54,099 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
34 km |
| 2004 |
MUD FORK 2 |
44,582 |
98 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
69 km |
| 2022 |
MINTO LAKES |
37,628 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
TORS |
32,002 |
73 km |
| 2015 |
AGGIE CREEK |
30,877 |
54 km |
| 2007 |
LITTLE DELTA |
29,836 |
82 km |
| 2022 |
TANANA RIVER |
25,597 |
87 km |
| 2011 |
HASTINGS |
25,402 |
37 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-7°F (-21°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-3°F (-19°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| September |
44°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
3°F (-16°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
-5°F (-21°C) |
0.9 in |
|
South Van Horn has a seasonal temperature swing of 69°F / from -7°F in January to 63°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (1.9") and April the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in South Van Horn. 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 South Van Horn
What is the population of South Van Horn?
South Van Horn has a population of 354 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 45 people per square mile, spread across 8.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.4% female and 57.6% male.
Is South Van Horn expensive to live in?
South Van Horn 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 $66,944, 11% below the national average of $75,149.
Is South Van Horn safe?
Public safety is a concern in South Van Horn, with a violent crime rate of 659 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 3,840 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, South Van Horn receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in South Van Horn?
South Van Horn has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 29°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 12.6 inches, with 51.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in South Van Horn?
The unemployment rate in South Van Horn is 6.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 13 minutes, and 2.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in South Van Horn?
Schools in South Van Horn score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in South Van Horn hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is South Van Horn?
The obesity rate in South Van Horn is 36.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 22.9% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What is transportation like in South Van Horn?
The average commute in South Van Horn is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of South Van Horn?
The racial and ethnic makeup of South Van Horn is 81.9% White, 9.6% Hispanic or Latino. 92.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.1% speak Spanish. 15.1% of the population are military veterans. 2.9% of residents have a disability. 87.2% have health insurance coverage.
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