Median Income
$97,067
29% higher than US avg
Home Value
$312,400
11% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
130/100K
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.0%
8% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,463
26% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.1%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
7.6%
111% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.3%
73% lower than US avg
How Valdez Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,911
Median Age39.3 yrs
Density18/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 77%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$97,067
Per Capita$49,754
Unemployment7.6%
Poverty3.3%
County GDP$1,473M
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$312,400
Rent$1,463
Ownership63.0%
Zillow$351,711
Housing Units1,926
Rent Burden30.1%
Crime
F
Violent130/100K
Property337/100K
Health
Obesity31.1%
Uninsured15.7%
Smoking14.7%
Depression19.8%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
Rain67.9 in/yr
Education
B
Bachelor's+31.0%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+15.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute12 min
Broadband94.0%
Libraries2
Is Valdez a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Valdez receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Valdez offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Valdez is $97,067, 29% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 7.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Valdez is $312,400, 11% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,463 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Valdez is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 337 per 100,000, 83% below the national average.
Education
31.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Valdez has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 67.9 inches, including 325.3 inches of snow.
Valdez has a population of 3,911 with a density of 18 people per square mile, spread across 212.9 square miles. The median age is 39.3 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44% female and 56% male. The city is predominantly White (76.5%), with 6.9% Hispanic, 2.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.8% of residents, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,911
Total Population
2023 Census
39.3yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.8%
16% above US avg
Spanish
9.5%
29% below US avg
The median household income in Valdez is $97,067, which is 29% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,754 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,442. The unemployment rate is 7.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 399 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $97,067 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,754 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,442 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,832 |
| Gini Index | 0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.6% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.3% |
| 73% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 399 |
| County GDP | $1,473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,227 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Valdez is $312,400, 11% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $351,711, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,463 (26% 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. 63.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,926 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $5,227 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $312,400 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $351,711 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,463 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.1% |
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 | 63.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,926 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,227 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.67% |
In Valdez, 31.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 19.8% report binge drinking. 19.8% are physically inactive, below the national average. 19.8% report depression. 15.5% experience frequent mental distress. 15.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:631. The dentist ratio is 1:2,291. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Valdez vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.1% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.8% |
| Depression | 19.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.3% |
| Uninsured | 15.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:631 |
| Dentists | 1:2,291 |
| Mental Health | 1:451 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.4% |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Valdez has a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, 66% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 337 per 100,000, 83% below the U.S. average. Overall, Valdez receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Valdez vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 129.6/100K |
| 66% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 336.9/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Valdez has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 67.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 325.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
57°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 39.7°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 57°F (14°C) |
Geography
| Area | 212.9 sq mi (551.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 18/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.0836°N, 146.3172°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Chugach Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
123 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
67.9"
79% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
9.76"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very 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 |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,075 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Mar 1, 2000 |
40 km S of Cordova, Alaska |
M5.4 |
102 km |
| Jun 6, 1995 |
48 km SW of Cordova, Alaska |
M5.3 |
92 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska |
M5.1 |
98 km |
| Aug 25, 2004 |
48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M5.1 |
56 km |
| Feb 17, 1995 |
4 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M5.0 |
141 km |
| Feb 27, 2000 |
39 km SSW of Cordova, Alaska |
M5.0 |
100 km |
| Jan 25, 2021 |
36 km SSW of Cordova, Alaska |
M4.9 |
97 km |
| Feb 25, 2002 |
42 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska |
M4.9 |
73 km |
| Aug 9, 2012 |
41 km NE of Chenega, Alaska |
M4.8 |
105 km |
| Sep 24, 2022 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.8 |
60 km |
| Apr 6, 2005 |
37 km NNW of Valdez, Alaska |
M4.8 |
43 km |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
11 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska |
M4.8 |
43 km |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.8 |
45 km |
| Jan 13, 2005 |
49 km NNE of Chenega, Alaska |
M4.7 |
97 km |
| Jan 10, 1998 |
55 km S of Glacier View, Alaska |
M4.7 |
77 km |
| Oct 18, 1996 |
47 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M4.7 |
59 km |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.7 |
65 km |
| Aug 18, 1998 |
35 km E of Knik River, Alaska |
M4.7 |
113 km |
| Sep 21, 1990 |
6 km NNW of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M4.6 |
144 km |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
10 km NNW of Glacier View, Alaska |
M4.6 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis 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 |
58 km |
| 1925 |
GULF OF ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.4 m |
- |
122 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (159 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
159 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOKAINA 2 (14,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
TOKAINA 2 |
14,741 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
6.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| July |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
7.0 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
9.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
40°F (4°C) |
8.0 in |
|
| November |
29°F (-1°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
7.7 in |
|
Valdez has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 24°F in January to 57°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 67.9 inches, with September being the wettest month (9.8") and June the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Valdez. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Valdez
What is the population of Valdez?
Valdez has a population of 3,911 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 18 people per square mile, spread across 212.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.3 years. The population is 44% female and 56% male.
Is Valdez expensive to live in?
Valdez 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 $97,067, 29% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $312,400 (11% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,463 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Valdez safe?
Valdez is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 130 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 337 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Valdez receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Valdez?
Valdez has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 67.9 inches, with 325.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Valdez?
The unemployment rate in Valdez is 7.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,442. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Valdez?
The median home value in Valdez is $312,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $351,711. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,463. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,227.
How are the schools in Valdez?
Schools in Valdez have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.0% of adults in Valdez hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 15.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Valdez?
The obesity rate in Valdez is 31.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 19.8% are physically inactive. 19.8% of residents report depression. 15.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631.
What is transportation like in Valdez?
The average commute in Valdez is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Valdez?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Valdez is 76.5% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 6.9% Hispanic or Latino. 90.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.5% speak Spanish. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.7% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.