Seward, AK
Population 2,735 · Alaska
About Seward, AK
Seward is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 2,735 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $71,016 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.6 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 Seward features a median home value of $290,300, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Seward in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,109, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,196 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (681 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (311 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Seward shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Seward have an average one-way commute time of 13.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
36.9% of Seward 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 0.1% White, 19.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.5% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Seward Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Seward, AK
Compared to national averages, Seward has a median household income of $71,016 (5% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $290,300, which is 19% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,109 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Seward's income is 5% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 42% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Seward, AK?
Seward offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,109/month, and a well-educated community where 36.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($71,016) that falls below the national average. However, Seward’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Seward has a population of 2,735 with a median age of 42.6 years. Compare Seward with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Seward
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ester | 2,784 | $67,640 | $242,000 | Compare |
| North Pole | 2,663 | $93,355 | $272,000 | Compare |
| Farm Loop | 2,940 | $110,332 | $393,300 | Compare |
| Fritz Creek | 2,432 | $85,893 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Kotzebue | 3,046 | $106,328 | $264,500 | Compare |
| Cordova | 2,405 | $88,538 | $384,500 | Compare |
| Eielson AFB | 3,133 | $59,716 | $0 | Compare |
| Anchor Point | 2,291 | $63,382 | $235,200 | 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 Seward With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Seward
What is the population of Seward, AK?
The population of Seward, AK is 2,735 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 Seward?
The median household income in Seward, AK is $71,016 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Seward?
The median home value in Seward, AK is $290,300, which is 19% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Seward?
The median monthly rent in Seward, AK is $1,109, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Seward?
The unemployment rate in Seward, AK is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Seward, AK a good place to live?
Seward offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,735 and a median age of 42.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Seward, AK?
36.9% of residents in Seward 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 Seward?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Seward, AK: median home value is $290,300 (19% above national), median rent is $1,109/month, and median household income is $71,016. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Seward?
The poverty rate in Seward, AK is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Seward, AK?
Seward's population is 0.1% White, 19.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.5% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.