Median Income
$74,669
1% lower than US avg
Home Value
$285,100
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.8%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,282
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
2% lower than US avg
How Willow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,769
Median Age46.7 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans19.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$74,669
Per Capita$41,053
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty12.2%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute60 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$285,100
Rent$1,282
Ownership90.9%
Zillow$258,517
Housing Units1,882
Rent Burden21.3%
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured13.0%
Smoking17.5%
Depression23.1%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp33°F (1°C)
Rain18.8 in/yr
Elevation3,048 ft (929 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.8%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute60 min
Broadband80.8%
EV Stations4
Libraries5
Is Willow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willow receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, long commute times. Willow offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Willow is $74,669, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 12.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 60 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Willow is $285,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,282 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
25.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Willow has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 18.8 inches, including 62.0 inches of snow.
Willow has a population of 1,769 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 699.5 square miles. The median age is 46.7 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48% female and 52% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 1.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 19.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 87.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,769
Total Population
2023 Census
46.7yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
8.1%
40% below US avg
The median household income in Willow is $74,669, which is 1% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $41,053. The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 12.2% 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 60 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 13.1% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,669 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $41,053 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.2% |
| 2% 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 | 2.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 59.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 67.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.1% |
The median home value in Willow is $285,100, 1% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,517. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $210,000 with homes selling in an average of 87 days. Homes sell for 97.1% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,282 (10% 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. 90.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,882 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $285,100 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $258,517 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $210,000 |
| Median List Price | $319,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $210,000 |
| Median List Price | $319,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $204 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Days on Market | 87 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.1% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,282 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.3% |
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 | 90.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 9.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,882 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.95% |
In Willow, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 17.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 23.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 13.0% 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: Willow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.2% |
| Depression | 23.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.0% |
| Uninsured | 13.0% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Willow has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 60°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 3,048 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-15°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 33.4°F |
| 38% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,048 ft (929 m) |
| Area | 699.5 sq mi (1,811.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 3/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.8870°N, 149.6202°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
51 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
8,398 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 |
114 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
95 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
94 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
126 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
101 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
102 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
57 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
108 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
76 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
141 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
63 km |
| Dec 28, 1990 |
49 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.3 |
126 km |
| May 15, 2016 |
64 km SE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.3 |
149 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
90 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
36 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
65 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
65 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
68 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
76 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
107 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 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (154 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
154 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 |
32 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
28 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
25 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
71 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
37 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
13°F (-10°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
47°F (9°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
32°F (0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| November |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
9°F (-13°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Willow has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 6°F in January to 60°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 Willow. 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 Willow
What is the population of Willow?
Willow has a population of 1,769 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 699.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48% female and 52% male.
Is Willow expensive to live in?
Willow 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 $74,669, 1% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $285,100 (1% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,282 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Willow?
Willow has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 33°F (1°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 18.8 inches, with 62.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Willow?
The unemployment rate in Willow is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 60 minutes, and 13.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Willow?
The median home value in Willow is $285,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $258,517. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $210,000, with homes typically selling within 87 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,282. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 90.9%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Willow?
Schools in Willow have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 25.8% of adults in Willow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willow?
The obesity rate in Willow is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.5% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 23.1% of residents report depression. 13.0% 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 Willow?
The average commute in Willow is 60 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 67.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Willow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow is 88.6% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Asian. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.1% speak Spanish. 19.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.8% of residents have a disability. 87.0% have health insurance coverage.