Ketchikan, AK

Ketchikan, AK

Updated April 30, 2026 · Would You Live There?

Think twice

Verdict

$600K

Median Price

Walk Score

7.9/10

Schools

120 min

to Juneau by ferry

Score Breakdown

CAffordability
63/100
BSafety
78/100
BSchools
79/100
B-Quietness
70/100
FCommute
15/100
FWalkability
0/100
WYLT Score51/100

Our Take

Ketchikan is a beautiful, small town with great outdoor access, but the high cost of living, limited job market and long ferry commutes make it tough for many. If you’re a nature‑centric remote worker or retiree who can handle isolation, it may work, otherwise look elsewhere.

Map

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The Good

  • Stunning coastal scenery and abundant wildlife
  • Ferry access to many islands and communities
  • Decent local schools
  • Strong sense of community

Real Talk

  • !Very high cost of living, especially for groceries and utilities
  • !Limited employment opportunities outside of tourism and fishing
  • !Ferry commutes can take 2+ hours to reach larger job markets
  • !Medical and specialty services are sparse
  • $High shipping costs for household goods
  • $Elevated electricity and heating bills
  • $Higher insurance rates for remote locations

Best For

Nature loversRemote workers with good internetRetirees looking for a quiet placeSmall‑town families

Risk Snapshot

Flood riskLow
Violent crimeLow
Property crimeModerate
Air qualityGood
Price volatilityModerate

Crime & Safety

Ketchikan, AK

B

Safety grade

Safety score78 / 100
High riskVery safe
⚠️Violent Crime
Low
1.6incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (3.7)11+

57% safer than the national average

🔒Property Crime
Moderate
19.8incidents / 1,000 residents / yr
0Natl avg (19.5)59+

2% higher than the national average

Verify with real-time data

City-Data stats →

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From Residents

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