Ketchikan, AK
Population 8,151 · Alaska
About Ketchikan, AK
Ketchikan is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 8,151 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,835 per year, which is 2% above 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 Ketchikan features a median home value of $340,300, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ketchikan in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,319, 13% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,899 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (1,950 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (1,361 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ketchikan shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 12.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ketchikan have an average one-way commute time of 10.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.0% of Ketchikan 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 2.9% White, 25.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.7% Asian residents, with 13.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ketchikan Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Ketchikan, AK
Compared to national averages, Ketchikan has a median household income of $76,835 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $340,300, which is 39% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,319 is 13% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Ketchikan's income is 13% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 67% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Ketchikan, AK?
Ketchikan offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,835, well above the national average, and short commute times averaging just 10.8 minutes.
Ketchikan has a population of 8,151 with a median age of 36.9 years. Compare Ketchikan with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Ketchikan
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kalifornsky | 8,136 | $91,081 | $306,200 | Compare |
| Sitka city and | 8,393 | $101,207 | $442,100 | Compare |
| Kenai | 7,562 | $74,907 | $249,400 | Compare |
| Meadow Lakes | 8,994 | $81,250 | $305,100 | Compare |
| Wasilla | 9,435 | $70,756 | $325,000 | Compare |
| Sterling | 6,776 | $110,341 | $346,100 | Compare |
| Gateway | 6,716 | $137,150 | $436,200 | Compare |
| Tanaina | 9,738 | $95,587 | $298,500 | 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 Ketchikan With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ketchikan
What is the population of Ketchikan, AK?
The population of Ketchikan, AK is 8,151 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 Ketchikan?
The median household income in Ketchikan, AK is $76,835 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ketchikan?
The median home value in Ketchikan, AK is $340,300, which is 39% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ketchikan?
The median monthly rent in Ketchikan, AK is $1,319, which is 13% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ketchikan?
The unemployment rate in Ketchikan, AK is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ketchikan, AK a good place to live?
Ketchikan offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,151 and a median age of 36.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ketchikan, AK?
24.0% of residents in Ketchikan 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 Ketchikan?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ketchikan, AK: median home value is $340,300 (39% above national), median rent is $1,319/month, and median household income is $76,835. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ketchikan?
The poverty rate in Ketchikan, AK is 12.6%, 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 Ketchikan, AK?
Ketchikan's population is 2.9% White, 25.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.7% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 13.1% of residents are foreign-born.