Fairbanks 57 Below average
Fairbanks Livability #95 ranked city in Alaska#21,394 ranked city in the USARanks better than 26% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Fairbanks

PROS
  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

  • Crime Crime

    This area exhibits elevated crime rates per 100,000 residents, which may suggest it's a potentially unsafe place to reside. These rates encompass both property and violent crimes.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A low health and safety score may be attributed to factors such as subpar air quality and the unavailability of certain health-related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies.

What's it like Living in Fairbanks?

Fairbanks, Alaska is a medium-sized city with a population of 32,177 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Fairbanks is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and American Indian and Alaskan. Fairbanks could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 28 years old is below the nation’s average. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Fairbanks offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fairbanks, Alaska could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Finding the best places to live in Fairbanks and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, health & safety and other important metrics.

The livability score in Fairbanks is 56 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 24th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the US average, this city has a score which ranks among the lowest in the nation, and it is not considered a very livable city. Based on the scores for each individual category, Fairbanks has been rewarded with high marks for housing (A+). The bad news for Fairbanks, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F), crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (D).

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Fairbanks apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Fairbanks is real estate affordability. The median home price for Fairbanks homes is $381,952, which is 17.4% lower than the Alaska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fairbanks, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4, which is 2.4% lower than the Alaska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fairbanks

See all the best places to live around Fairbanks

How Do You Rate The Livability In Fairbanks?

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      Fairbanks transportation information

      Statistic Fairbanks Alaska National
      Average one way commute14min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work69.0%68.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool17.6%12.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.0%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.0%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.6%7.9%2.8%
      Working from home4.5%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Fairbanks, AK data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.