Fairbanks, AK
Population 32,242 · Alaska
About Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks is a mid-sized city in Alaska with a population of 32,242 residents. The median household income is $72,077 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Fairbanks is 28.6 years.
Housing in Fairbanks has a median home value of $255,700 and median monthly rent of $1,470. Of the 13,924 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 4,941 owner-occupied and 7,262 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Fairbanks is 5.8% and the poverty rate is 9.6%. 26.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 14.1 minutes.
How Fairbanks Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Fairbanks, AK
Compared to national averages, Fairbanks has a median household income of $72,077 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $255,700, which is 4% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,470 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Fairbanks's income is 6% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 26% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Fairbanks, AK?
Fairbanks offers a low poverty rate of 9.6%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 14.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,077) that falls below the national average. However, Fairbanks’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairbanks has a population of 32,242 with a median age of 28.6 years. Compare Fairbanks with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Fairbanks
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juneau city and | 31,969 | $100,513 | $432,500 | Compare |
| Badger | 19,033 | $98,042 | $291,600 | Compare |
| Knik-Fairview | 18,921 | $95,000 | $311,800 | Compare |
| College | 11,730 | $76,831 | $279,100 | Compare |
| North Lakes | 10,583 | $102,785 | $338,900 | Compare |
| Tanaina | 9,738 | $95,587 | $298,500 | Compare |
| Wasilla | 9,435 | $70,756 | $325,000 | Compare |
| Meadow Lakes | 8,994 | $81,250 | $305,100 | 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fairbanks
What is the population of Fairbanks, AK?
The population of Fairbanks, AK is 32,242 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Fairbanks?
The median household income in Fairbanks, AK is $72,077 per year.
What is the median home value in Fairbanks?
The median home value in Fairbanks, AK is $255,700.
What is the average rent in Fairbanks?
The median monthly rent in Fairbanks, AK is $1,470.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairbanks?
The unemployment rate in Fairbanks, AK is 5.8%.