Median Income
$70,756
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$325,000
15% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
498/100K
31% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.5%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,104
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.6%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.5%
136% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Wasilla Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,435
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density762/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans12.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$70,756
Per Capita$40,192
Unemployment8.5%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute30 min
Housing
A
Home Value$325,000
Rent$1,104
Ownership52.1%
Zillow$425,040
Housing Units4,352
Rent Burden33.7%
Crime
F
Violent498/100K
Property2,646/100K
Health
Obesity38.6%
Uninsured13.5%
Smoking19.0%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
Rain18.8 in/yr
Elevation348 ft (106 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.5%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute30 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Wasilla a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wasilla receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Wasilla has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wasilla is $70,756, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 8.5%, unemployment is notably high. 10.3% 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 Wasilla is $325,000, 15% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,104 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 498 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,646 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
18.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Wasilla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.8 inches, including 62.0 inches of snow.
Wasilla has a population of 9,435 with a density of 762 people per square mile, spread across 12.4 square miles. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (76.1%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 2.4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 12.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 86.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
9,435
Total Population
2023 Census
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish
10.3%
23% below US avg
The median household income in Wasilla is $70,756, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $40,192. The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 8.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.3% 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 30 minutes. 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,756 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $40,192 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.5% |
| 136% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% 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 | 2.59% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Wasilla is $325,000, 15% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $425,040, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $566,500 with homes selling in an average of 83 days. Homes sell for 99.7% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,104 (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. 52.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,352 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $325,000 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $425,040 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $566,500 |
| Median List Price | $664,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $566,500 |
| Median List Price | $664,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $268 |
| Homes Sold | 8 |
| Days on Market | 83 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.7% |
| Price Drops | 11.5% |
| Inventory | 26 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,104 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,723 |
| Rent Burden | 33.7% |
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 | 52.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.9% |
| Housing Units | 4,352 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.59% |
In Wasilla, 38.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.0% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 13.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: Wasilla vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.6% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.5% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Wasilla has a violent crime rate of 498 per 100,000 residents, 31% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,646 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Wasilla receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Wasilla vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 498.1/100K |
| 31% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,646.5/100K |
| 35% 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 |
Wasilla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 62.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 348 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
58°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 37.0°F |
| 31% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (15°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 348 ft (106 m) |
| Area | 12.4 sq mi (32.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 762/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.5811°N, 149.4608°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
18.8"
51% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.44"
Air Quality
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
7,535 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 |
142 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
115 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
133 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
79 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
73 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
77 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
82 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
142 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
78 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
120 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
39 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 |
110 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
39 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
14 km |
| Sep 17, 2019 |
28 km NW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
77 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
84 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
136 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
52 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 |
51 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 |
136 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (152 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
152 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 |
57 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
42 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
40 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
66 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
38°F (3°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
58°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
36°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Wasilla has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 17°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.4") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Wasilla. 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 Wasilla
What is the population of Wasilla?
Wasilla has a population of 9,435 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 762 people per square mile, spread across 12.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Wasilla expensive to live in?
Wasilla 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 $70,756, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $325,000 (15% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,104 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wasilla safe?
The violent crime rate in Wasilla is 498 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 2,646 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Wasilla receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Wasilla?
Wasilla has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.8 inches, with 62.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Wasilla?
The job market in Wasilla faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.5% / significantly above 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 30 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wasilla?
The median home value in Wasilla is $325,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $425,040. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $566,500, with homes typically selling within 83 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,104. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.1%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Wasilla?
Schools in Wasilla have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.5% of adults in Wasilla hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wasilla?
The obesity rate in Wasilla is 38.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 13.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Wasilla?
The average commute in Wasilla is 30 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wasilla?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wasilla is 76.1% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.3% speak Spanish. 12.5% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 86.5% have health insurance coverage.