Eielson AFB, AK
Population 3,133 · Alaska
About Eielson AFB, AK
Eielson AFB is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 3,133 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,716 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Eielson AFB features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Eielson AFB one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $2,021, 74% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 881 total housing units, 0% are owner-occupied (0 units) and 100% are renter-occupied (803 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Eielson AFB shows an unemployment rate of 12.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 1.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Eielson AFB have an average one-way commute time of 8.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
34.2% of Eielson AFB residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 11.4% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Eielson AFB Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Eielson AFB, AK
Compared to national averages, Eielson AFB has a median household income of $59,716 (21% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $2,021 is 74% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Eielson AFB's income is 12% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 100% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Eielson AFB, AK?
Eielson AFB offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 34.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 1.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 8.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,716) that falls below the national average. However, Eielson AFB’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Eielson AFB has a population of 3,133 with a median age of 21.9 years. Compare Eielson AFB with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Eielson AFB
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kotzebue | 3,046 | $106,328 | $264,500 | Compare |
| Goldstream | 3,238 | $92,604 | $289,600 | Compare |
| Big Lake | 3,291 | $76,292 | $286,600 | Compare |
| Farm Loop | 2,940 | $110,332 | $393,300 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 3,346 | $76,466 | $298,500 | Compare |
| Ester | 2,784 | $67,640 | $242,000 | Compare |
| Seward | 2,735 | $71,016 | $290,300 | Compare |
| Mill Bay | 3,541 | $94,359 | $430,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alaska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Eielson AFB With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Eielson AFB
What is the population of Eielson AFB, AK?
The population of Eielson AFB, AK is 3,133 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Eielson AFB?
The median household income in Eielson AFB, AK is $59,716 per year, which is 21% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Eielson AFB?
The median home value in Eielson AFB, AK is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Eielson AFB?
The median monthly rent in Eielson AFB, AK is $2,021, which is 74% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Eielson AFB?
The unemployment rate in Eielson AFB, AK is 12.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Eielson AFB, AK a good place to live?
Eielson AFB offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,133 and a median age of 21.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Eielson AFB, AK?
34.2% of residents in Eielson AFB aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Eielson AFB?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Eielson AFB, AK: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $2,021/month, and median household income is $59,716. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Eielson AFB?
The poverty rate in Eielson AFB, AK is 1.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Eielson AFB, AK?
Eielson AFB's population is 11.4% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 5.6% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.