Valdez, AK
Population 3,911 · Alaska
About Valdez, AK
Valdez is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 3,911 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $97,067 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Valdez features a median home value of $312,400, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Valdez in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,463, 26% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,928 total housing units, 63% are owner-occupied (1,011 units) and 37% are renter-occupied (594 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Valdez shows an unemployment rate of 7.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Valdez have an average one-way commute time of 11.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
31.0% of Valdez 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 6.9% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
How Valdez Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Valdez, AK
Compared to national averages, Valdez has a median household income of $97,067 (29% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $312,400, which is 28% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,463 is 26% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Valdez's income is 43% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 53% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Valdez, AK?
Valdez offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $97,067, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 5.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.5 minutes.
Valdez has a population of 3,911 with a median age of 39.3 years. Compare Valdez with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Valdez
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butte | 3,905 | $105,625 | $320,100 | Compare |
| Nome | 3,668 | $113,561 | $338,900 | Compare |
| Mill Bay | 3,541 | $94,359 | $430,600 | Compare |
| Unalaska | 4,430 | $114,286 | $448,700 | Compare |
| Soldotna | 4,448 | $62,984 | $277,300 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 3,346 | $76,466 | $298,500 | Compare |
| Big Lake | 3,291 | $76,292 | $286,600 | 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 Valdez With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Valdez
What is the population of Valdez, AK?
The population of Valdez, AK is 3,911 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 Valdez?
The median household income in Valdez, AK is $97,067 per year, which is 29% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Valdez?
The median home value in Valdez, AK is $312,400, which is 28% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Valdez?
The median monthly rent in Valdez, AK is $1,463, which is 26% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Valdez?
The unemployment rate in Valdez, AK is 7.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Valdez, AK a good place to live?
Valdez offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,911 and a median age of 39.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Valdez, AK?
31.0% of residents in Valdez 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 Valdez?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Valdez, AK: median home value is $312,400 (28% above national), median rent is $1,463/month, and median household income is $97,067. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Valdez?
The poverty rate in Valdez, AK is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Valdez, AK?
Valdez's population is 6.9% White, 10.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.4% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.