Houston, AK
Population 1,693 · Alaska
About Houston, AK
Houston is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 1,693 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,865 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Houston features a median home value of $235,900, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Houston in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $831, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,004 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (511 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (212 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Houston shows an unemployment rate of 11.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Houston have an average one-way commute time of 54.5 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
14.1% of Houston residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 2.4% White, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Houston Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Houston, AK
Compared to national averages, Houston has a median household income of $60,865 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $235,900, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $831 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Houston's income is 10% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 16% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Houston, AK?
Houston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $235,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $831/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,865) that falls below the national average. However, Houston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Houston has a population of 1,693 with a median age of 42.4 years. Compare Houston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Houston
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point MacKenzie | 1,728 | $0 | $206,300 | Compare |
| Cohoe | 1,619 | $59,000 | $228,600 | Compare |
| Willow | 1,769 | $74,669 | $285,100 | Compare |
| Haines | 1,781 | $72,250 | $321,000 | Compare |
| Susitna North | 1,506 | $42,614 | $238,200 | Compare |
| Tok | 1,490 | $44,405 | $223,700 | Compare |
| Lazy Mountain | 1,472 | $93,854 | $334,100 | Compare |
| Kodiak Station | 1,941 | $102,069 | $0 | 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 Houston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Houston
What is the population of Houston, AK?
The population of Houston, AK is 1,693 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 Houston?
The median household income in Houston, AK is $60,865 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houston?
The median home value in Houston, AK is $235,900, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Houston?
The median monthly rent in Houston, AK is $831, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houston?
The unemployment rate in Houston, AK is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Houston, AK a good place to live?
Houston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,693 and a median age of 42.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Houston, AK?
14.1% of residents in Houston aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Houston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Houston, AK: median home value is $235,900 (4% below national), median rent is $831/month, and median household income is $60,865. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Houston?
The poverty rate in Houston, AK is 18.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Houston, AK?
Houston's population is 2.4% White, 11.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.