Ester, AK
Population 2,784 · Alaska
About Ester, AK
Ester is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 2,784 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,640 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ester features a median home value of $242,000, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ester in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,232, 6% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,483 total housing units, 52% are owner-occupied (696 units) and 48% are renter-occupied (647 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ester shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 9.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ester have an average one-way commute time of 24 minutes.
Education & Demographics
35.9% of Ester 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 1.5% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 4.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ester Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Ester, AK
Compared to national averages, Ester has a median household income of $67,640 (10% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $242,000, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,232 is 6% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Ester's income is 0% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 19% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Ester, AK?
Ester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $242,000, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 35.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 9.9%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,640) that falls below the national average. However, Ester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ester has a population of 2,784 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Ester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Ester
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seward | 2,735 | $71,016 | $290,300 | Compare |
| North Pole | 2,663 | $93,355 | $272,000 | Compare |
| Farm Loop | 2,940 | $110,332 | $393,300 | Compare |
| Kotzebue | 3,046 | $106,328 | $264,500 | Compare |
| Eielson AFB | 3,133 | $59,716 | $0 | Compare |
| Fritz Creek | 2,432 | $85,893 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Cordova | 2,405 | $88,538 | $384,500 | Compare |
| Goldstream | 3,238 | $92,604 | $289,600 | 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 Ester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ester
What is the population of Ester, AK?
The population of Ester, AK is 2,784 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 Ester?
The median household income in Ester, AK is $67,640 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ester?
The median home value in Ester, AK is $242,000, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ester?
The median monthly rent in Ester, AK is $1,232, which is 6% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ester?
The unemployment rate in Ester, AK is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ester, AK a good place to live?
Ester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,784 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ester, AK?
35.9% of residents in Ester 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 Ester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ester, AK: median home value is $242,000 (1% below national), median rent is $1,232/month, and median household income is $67,640. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ester?
The poverty rate in Ester, AK is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ester, AK?
Ester's population is 1.5% White, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 2.6% two or more races. 4.7% of residents are foreign-born.