Median Income
$57,188
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$83,500
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
865/100K
128% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.8%
9% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$965
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.1%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
4.5%
25% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Whittier Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population471
Median Age29.8 yrs
Density38/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 48%
Veterans11.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$57,188
Per Capita$33,055
Unemployment4.5%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$83,500
Rent$965
Ownership35.3%
Zillow$405,601
Housing Units347
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent865/100K
Property3,827/100K
Health
Obesity30.1%
Uninsured9.3%
Smoking14.1%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain197.3 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation47 ft (14 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.8%
High School+91.5%
Graduate+4.4%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute7 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Whittier a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whittier receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Whittier offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whittier is $57,188, 24% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 20.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Whittier is $83,500, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $965 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 865 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 3,827 per 100,000, 95% above the national average.
Education
30.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Whittier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 197.3 inches, including 268.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Whittier has a population of 471 with a density of 38 people per square mile, spread across 12.3 square miles. The median age is 29.8 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.2% female and 44.8% male. The city is predominantly White (47.6%), with 10.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 61.8% of residents, while 38.2% speak Spanish. 11.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.8yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
61.8%
21% below US avg
Spanish
38.2%
185% above US avg
The median household income in Whittier is $57,188, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,055 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 4.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,188 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,055 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% 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 | 10.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 39.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.9% |
The median home value in Whittier is $83,500, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $405,601, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $965 (17% 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. 35.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 347 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $83,500 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $405,601 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $965 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
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 | 35.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 35.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 64.7% |
| Housing Units | 347 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.08% |
In Whittier, 30.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.3% 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: Whittier vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.3% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Whittier has a violent crime rate of 865 per 100,000 residents, 128% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,827 per 100,000, 95% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Whittier receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Whittier vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 864.6/100K |
| 128% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,827.0/100K |
| 95% 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 |
Whittier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 197.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 268.2 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 47 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
57°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 41.1°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 57°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 47 ft (14 m) |
| Area | 12.3 sq mi (31.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 38/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.7773°N, 148.6637°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
197.3"
419% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
5.16"
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
5,019 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
125 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
83 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 6, 1995 |
48 km SW of Cordova, Alaska |
M5.3 |
136 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
104 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
91 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
67 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
91 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
92 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
96 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
14 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.1 |
131 km |
| Aug 19, 2009 |
15 km NE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.1 |
128 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
7 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.1 |
73 km |
| May 18, 1993 |
16 km WNW of Hope, Alaska |
M5.1 |
71 km |
| Sep 27, 1998 |
6 km NNW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.0 |
103 km |
| Jan 1, 2019 |
7 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
90 km |
| Mar 16, 2000 |
5 km NE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
95 km |
| Jan 13, 2019 |
8 km SW of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.0 |
95 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
10 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.0 |
72 km |
| Aug 6, 2002 |
16 km SSE of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.0 |
115 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 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
3 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 |
73 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
116 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
87 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SWAN LAKE (164,801 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
SWAN LAKE |
164,801 |
86 km |
| 1991 |
POTHOLE |
8,769 |
85 km |
| 2001 |
KENAI LAKE |
3,319 |
59 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
63 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
33°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| May |
41°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
47°F (8°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
57°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
51°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
45°F (7°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
34°F (1°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
3.2 in |
|
Whittier has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 24°F in February to 57°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.8 inches, with September being the wettest month (5.2") and April the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Whittier. 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 Whittier
What is the population of Whittier?
Whittier has a population of 471 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 38 people per square mile, spread across 12.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.2% female and 44.8% male.
Is Whittier expensive to live in?
Whittier 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 $57,188, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $83,500 (70% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $965 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Whittier safe?
Public safety is a concern in Whittier, with a violent crime rate of 865 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 3,827 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Whittier receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whittier?
Whittier has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 197.3 inches, with 268.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Whittier?
Whittier has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.5%, 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 7 minutes, and 15.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Whittier?
The median home value in Whittier is $83,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $405,601. For renters, the median monthly rent is $965. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 35.3%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Whittier?
Schools in Whittier have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 30.8% of adults in Whittier hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.5% have completed high school. 4.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whittier?
The obesity rate in Whittier is 30.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 9.3% 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 Whittier?
The average commute in Whittier is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 39.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Whittier?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whittier is 47.6% White, 10.6% Hispanic or Latino. 61.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 38.2% speak Spanish. 11.3% of the population are military veterans. 15.6% of residents have a disability. 88.9% have health insurance coverage.
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