Sitka 86 Exceptional
Sitka Livability #1 ranked city in Alaska#425 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Sitka

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

What's it like Living in Sitka?

Sitka, Alaska is a smaller city with a population of 8,755 inhabitants. With a population density of 3 people per square mile, Sitka is about average when compared to the nation's average density level. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Sitka is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 11 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Sitka can be a great experience for anyone moving to the city. Having said that, in the state of Alaska, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Sitka and in the areas around Sitka is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Sitka has received a livability score of 85/100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a phenomenal score, as Sitka ranks well in multiple categories! Sitka also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Sitka has higher than average grades for the following: amenities (A+), crime (A+), education (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Sitka. The following was graded with a discouraging score: cost of living (F).

Sitka has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Sitka has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 181 crimes per 100,000 residents, Sitka has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Sitka has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

Sitka real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Sitka. Median real estate prices in Sitka come in at $657,945, which is 42.4% higher than the Alaska average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Sitka, the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 34.1% higher than the Alaska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Sitka

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Compare Sitka, AK Livability

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      Sitka transportation information

      Statistic Sitka Alaska National
      Average one way commute11min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work64.4%68.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.0%12.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.7%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle3.1%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk14.4%7.9%2.8%
      Working from home3.7%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Sitka, 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.