Median Income
$76,542
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$452,800
61% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
56.3%
67% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.3%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Willow Creek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population126
Median Age71.5 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans17.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,542
Per Capita$47,583
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,473M
Housing
B
Home Value$452,800
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$342,998
Housing Units56
Rent Burden26.7%
Health
Obesity33.3%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking18.5%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
Rain13.2 in/yr
Elevation1,441 ft (439 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+56.3%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband100.0%
Libraries2
Is Willow Creek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Willow Creek receives an overall livability score of 4.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. Willow Creek stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Willow Creek is $76,542, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Willow Creek is $452,800, making it a premium housing market at 61% above the U.S. median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.9x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Willow Creek is a highly educated community / 56.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches, including 71.8 inches of snow.
Willow Creek has a population of 126 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 37.9 square miles. The median age is 71.5 years, 84% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.7% female and 60.3% male. The city is predominantly White (78.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 17.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 64.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
126
Total Population
2023 Census
71.5yrs
Median Age
84% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Willow Creek vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Willow Creek vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Willow Creek is $76,542, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $47,583 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,442. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% 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. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Willow Creek vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,542 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $47,583 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,442 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,832 |
| Gini Index | 0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% 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 | 1.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Willow Creek is $452,800, 61% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998, lower than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 56 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $5,227 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $452,800 |
| 61% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $342,998 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 56 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,227 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.15% |
In Willow Creek, 33.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 18.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.2% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below 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: Willow Creek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.3% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:631 |
| Dentists | 1:2,291 |
| Mental Health | 1:451 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.9% |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 71.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,441 feet.
Temperature
-2°F Jan (-19°C)
57°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 27.6°F |
| 49% below US avg |
| January Average | -2°F (-19°C) |
| July Average | 57°F (14°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,441 ft (439 m) |
| Area | 37.9 sq mi (98.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 3/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.8302°N, 145.1986°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Chugach Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
165 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.2"
65% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
1.79"
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
1,912 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.4 |
139 km |
| Feb 13, 2017 |
20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
148 km |
| Aug 25, 2004 |
48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M5.1 |
70 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
145 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska |
M5.1 |
95 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
146 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.0 |
142 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.0 |
142 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
13 km SSE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.9 |
134 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
15 km SE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.8 |
140 km |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.8 |
87 km |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
11 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska |
M4.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 24, 2022 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.8 |
43 km |
| Apr 6, 2005 |
37 km NNW of Valdez, Alaska |
M4.8 |
81 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
Central Alaska |
M4.8 |
143 km |
| Oct 18, 1996 |
47 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M4.7 |
67 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
41 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.7 |
146 km |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.7 |
132 km |
| Jan 10, 1998 |
55 km S of Glacier View, Alaska |
M4.7 |
143 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
48 km E of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.7 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (65 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
65 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TOKAINA 2 (14,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
TOKAINA 2 |
14,741 |
61 km |
| 2013 |
EXCELSIOR |
6,230 |
97 km |
| 2016 |
YOKNEDA LAKE |
2,866 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
CHETASLINA |
1,909 |
34 km |
| 1995 |
BILLY LAKE |
1,583 |
81 km |
| 2011 |
GILAHINA |
1,244 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-2°F (-19°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
6°F (-14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
44°F (7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| June |
53°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
57°F (14°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
42°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
-1°F (-18°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Willow Creek has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from -2°F in January to 57°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (1.8") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Willow Creek. 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 Willow Creek
What is the population of Willow Creek?
Willow Creek has a population of 126 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 37.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 71.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.7% female and 60.3% male.
Is Willow Creek expensive to live in?
Willow Creek 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 $76,542, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $452,800 (61% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.9x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Willow Creek?
Willow Creek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 13.2 inches, with 71.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Willow Creek?
The job market in Willow Creek is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,442. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Willow Creek?
The median home value in Willow Creek is $452,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,227.
How are the schools in Willow Creek?
Schools in Willow Creek have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 56.3% of adults in Willow Creek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Willow Creek?
The obesity rate in Willow Creek is 33.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.5% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631.
What are the demographics of Willow Creek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Willow Creek is 78.6% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 17.5% of the population are military veterans. 64.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.