Average Rent in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK🔺 3rd priciest in AK
HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 7,611
Market Overview
Northwest Arctic Borough, AK has rental prices ranging from $1,290/month to $2,973/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,434/month, near the national average. With a median household income of $81,298/year, spending $1,434/month on a 1-bedroom represents 21% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.
How Northwest Arctic Borough Compares
With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,881/month, Northwest Arctic Borough ranks #3 most expensive of the 34 cities tracked in Alaska — pricier than 97% of all US cities in our data.
The Northwest Arctic Borough Rental Market
The Northwest Arctic Borough, AK area has a population of about 7,611 and 40% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.
Rent Trends
2-bedroom rents in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK have fallen by $3/month (0.2%) over the past year, from $1,884 to $1,881. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.
Affordability
To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $57,360. The local median household income of $81,298 exceeds that threshold by $23,938, making Northwest Arctic Borough relatively accessible compared to local wages.
Economy & Jobs
Northwest Arctic Borough, AK has an unemployment rate of 9.6%, 5.7 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.
Fair Market Rents
HUD FY2025Is Northwest Arctic Borough, AK Affordable?
Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.
Affordability Index(30% income rule)
Nearby Cities in AKlargest metros in the state
| City | Studio | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage | $1,089 | $1,191 | $1,563 | $2,190 | — |
| Matanuska | $1,019 | $1,055 | $1,384 | $1,939 | — |
| Fairbanks | $1,144 | $1,272 | $1,669 | $2,339 | — |
| Kenai Peninsula Borough | $943 | $949 | $1,245 | $1,745 | — |
| Juneau City and Borough | $1,202 | $1,336 | $1,753 | $2,456 | — |
| Bethel Census | $1,640 | $1,650 | $1,900 | $2,289 | — |
Rent or Buy in Northwest Arctic Borough?
Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.
Should I Rent or Buy?
Break-even analysis using real Northwest Arctic Borough data
Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.
Living in Northwest Arctic Borough
Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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💵Rent Affordability in Northwest Arctic BoroughSalary needed to afford rent here
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