The story of this market
The typical home in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska sells for about $489,000, or $367 per square foot.
Prices are up +40.1% from a year ago, so sellers still have some momentum. Homes take about 60 days to sell. Over the long run, values in this county have grown 139% since 2000. The biggest natural hazard here is winter weather, which FEMA rates relatively high. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,733 a month.
HUD sets the fair market rent for a 2-bedroom at $1,733 a month. FEMA's National Risk Index rates overall hazard risk here as Very Low.
Price climate
Every year of price change, 2000–2025
0%
2025
Each stripe is one year's median price change across the area's census tracts (FHFA repeat-sales index). Deep blue is a strong gain year, red a falling year. Best: 2006 (+14.6%). Worst: 2000 (-8.4%). Hover to read a year.
Monthly price momentum
Home values since 2015
+6.3%
AK · past 12 months
Freddie Mac House Price Index, single-family homes, monthly through 2026-08. Each line starts at 100 in January 2015, so a reading of 180 means prices are up 80% since then.
Rent benchmark
Fair market rent by size
$2,400
3-bed / month
HUD Fair Market Rents, fiscal 2027, for this county. A typical rent for a modest unit, used to set housing-voucher payments.
Neighborhood price trend
Long-run price trend, 2000–2025
0%
2025 change
FHFA repeat-sales index, median of 4 census tracts in this county (2000 = 100). Bars are each year's median change.
Natural hazard exposure
The area's risk shape
19
Very Low
FEMA National Risk Index. Each spoke is a hazard ranked nationally, where 100 is the most exposed. Expected annual loss: $3,691,619.
Mortgage activity
Home lending in this county
69.6%
2018 approval rate
| Year | Applications | Loans made | Approval | Investor share | Median home value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 361 | 166 | 69.6% | 0% | $330,000 |
CFPB Home Mortgage Disclosure Act records: every mortgage application reported by lenders for homes in this county. Approval rate is approved ÷ decided (withdrawn and incomplete files excluded). Investor share and home value are the median census tract.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough housing market exhibits steady appreciation alongside constrained transaction volumes typical of isolated Southeast Alaska island communities. Median sales prices have climbed towards $489K with average market times around 60 days. Inelastic housing stock, geographic physical boundaries, and steady public and maritime employment continue to uphold baseline price support.
No ARED distress-ledger coverage for this county yet — the foreclosure ingest rotates the national county directory, and filings appear here once the county's posted notices are read. Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.
Select a city to expand its ZIP intel reports beneath · 3 cities · 2 ZIP reports
Median prices moved up 64.4% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 14 days on market with 1.3 months of supply — a fast-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 50% of asking — demand is holding steady.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 4.8% · poverty 8.7% — a stable, low-distress profile.
Deterministic aggregate of 2 researched ZIP reports — sales_count-weighted (population fallback); per point, children lacking the value or its weight are excluded. Tax rates, sentiment and context notes are tier-native and never roll.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — researched county-level history with a deterministic 1 / 3 / 5-year projection
Solid: researched ten-year history · dotted: 1 / 3 / 5-year projection extended from the historical 5.7%/yr trend — a deterministic estimate, not a published forecast or guarantee.
No researched properties in this county yet — the property base layer populates as property research runs, and each property feeds its ZIP's roll-up.
researched Sep 29
researched Sep 29
| 99901 | Ketchikan | $536,848 | $265 | +64.4% | 14 | — | — | — | 61 | $2,000 | researched Sep 29 |
| 99928 | Ward Cove | $536,848 | $260 | +64.4% | 14 | 100% | — | 2.6 | 61 | $2,000 | researched Sep 29 |
Figures are each ZIP report's own latest research — the county roll-up aggregates them sales_count-weighted (population fallback); ZIPs cycle quarterly.
Reported crime rates in Ketchikan Gateway Borough remain moderate compared to urban Alaskan hubs like Anchorage, with property crime outnumbering violent incidents across the island community.
Public education is administered borough-wide by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District, with individual schools generally receiving average ratings (scoring between 3/10 and 5/10 on GreatSchools benchmarks).
Flooding and severe rainfall present significant environmental concerns with approximately 17 percent of properties facing severe flood risk, while wildfire and severe wind hazards remain minimal.
The local economy is anchored by maritime tourism, commercial fishing, healthcare, and governmental operations such as the U.S. Coast Guard Base Ketchikan, though geographic isolation and island topography constrain rapid development expansion.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Alaska) — Optional Municipal Residential / Homestead Exemption Authorization: Allows municipal taxing bodies to exempt a percentage of the assessed value (commonly up to 20%, often capped at $50,000, as implemented in jurisdictions like Anchorage) for owner-occupied primary residences. State (Alaska) — Statewide Senior Citizen and Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption: Mandates that municipalities exempt the first $150,000 of assessed property value from ad valorem taxation. Formula: Taxable Value = Max(0, Assessed Value - $150,000). State (Alaska) — Alaska Statutory Real Property Assessment Ratio and Municipal Levy Authority: Imposes an ad valorem property tax assessed at 100% full and true value (fair market value assessment ratio of 1.0) under AS 29.45.110.
Residents have immediate access to world-class fishing, Tongass National Forest trails, kayaking, Saxman Native Village cultural sites, and deepwater marine recreation along the Tongass Narrows.
Rental availability is constrained due to seasonal demand from tourism and fishing workers alongside limited new multi-family construction, pushing gross median rents near $1,387 to $2,000 depending on inventory.
The economy centers on commercial fishing, tourism/cruise operations, timber/wood products support, healthcare at PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, and federal facilities including Coast Guard Base Ketchikan.
Transportation is strictly maritime and aviation reliant; the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system and Ketchikan International Airport provide regional access, supplemented by island transit via the Borough Bus system.
Development planning is largely circumscribed by steep mountain terrain, wetlands, and Tongass National Forest boundaries, focusing growth primarily along Tongass Highway corridors.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assessment Department appraises real property annually at 100 percent of estimated fair market value pursuant to Alaska state statutes.
Special tax and service districts in the borough include non-profit fire service areas, public works service districts, and city-borough overlap mill rates.
Property insurance is shaped predominantly by rain, coastal flood exposures, and high replacement/materials shipping costs inherent to island logistics.
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary4.819.1 mi
- Totem Heritage Center4.621.9 mi
- Creek Street in Ketchikan4.722.2 mi
- Saxman Totem Park4.521.5 mi
- Southeast Alaska Discovery Center4.722.3 mi
- Tongass Historical Museum4.622.2 mi
- Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary4.819.1 mi
- Herring Cove4.719.1 mi
- Knudson Cove Marina4.725.4 mi
- Clover Pass Resort4.626.1 mi
- Ketchikan International Airport (KTN)4.524.3 mi
- SeaWind Aviation4.822.7 mi
Theme parks, venues, golf, airports, museums, water and shopping across the area from Google Maps, ranked by popularity within the radius shown.
The amenity base that shapes daily life and property demand in this county — what residents actually live with, and what the pipeline is adding.
Surrounds the borough offering miles of hiking, camping, and backcountry recreation in the nation's largest national forest.
Famous boardwalk district built on stilts over Ketchikan Creek featuring local shops, galleries, and salmon viewing.
Showcases one of the largest authentic collections of standing Northwest Coast totem poles.
Data retrieved from Census Reporter profile for Ketchikan Gateway Borough (05000US02130) based on US Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates.
applies when — Property located within a common interest community created on or after January 1, 1986.
The association holds a statutory lien on the unit for unpaid assessments or fines. The lien has a six-month super-priority for regular budgeted assessments over most encumbrances, excluding first security interests recorded before delinquency and real estate tax liens.
Alaska Common Interest Ownership Act (ACIOA), Alaska Stat. § 34.08.470.
applies when — Property located within a municipality that levies a property tax under Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes.
Tax is calculated as (Assessed Value - Exemptions) * Mill Rate. Municipalities are authorized to levy taxes and impose liens for enforcement. Exemptions include mandatory state-required exemptions (e.g., for certain residents) and optional local exemptions.
Governed by Alaska Statutes Title 29, Chapter 45.
applies when — Property owned by senior citizens (65+) or disabled veterans (50%+ service-connected disability).
Exemption of the first $150,000 of assessed value from municipal property taxation.
Statutory requirement under Alaska law for local taxing authorities.
applies when — Property located within an incorporated municipality that levies a property tax.
Tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of the property by the local mill rate. State law mandates a mandatory exemption of the first $150,000 of assessed value for senior citizens (65+) and disabled veterans (50%+ service-connected disability).
Governed by Alaska Statutes Title 29, Chapter 45, Article 1.
applies when — Parcels situated within mapped special flood hazard areas (SFHA) participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or regulated coastal zones
Restricts parcel development and building erection through statutory elevation requirements and building code compliance under AS 46.115 and local implementing ordinances. Imposes minimum base flood elevation (BFE) standards, specialized foundation anchoring to resist flood forces, permafrost insulation protection, and strict limits on fill placement in designated regulatory floodways.
Alaska Statutes Title 46 and AS 29.40; coordinated with federal NFIP criteria under 44 CFR Part 60.
applies when — Parcels located within organized boroughs or unified home-rule municipalities possessing statutory land-use powers
Mandates that parcels comply with municipal master comprehensive plans, zoning classifications, and platting ordinances under AS 29.40. No parcel may be subdivided, partitioned, or legally transferred without prior review and plat approval by the local platting board or municipal authority. Imposes land-use covenants running with the land, setback controls, building density caps, and road dedication requirements.
Alaska Statutes Title 29, Chapter 40 (AS 29.40.010 - AS 29.40.200); delegates comprehensive planning, platting, and zoning powers to first and second class boroughs and home rule municipalities.
applies when — Residential parcels established as part of a common interest community (condominiums, planned unit developments, or homeowners associations) created after January 1, 1986
Statutorily binds parcels to association governing documents, recorded covenants, bylaws, and mandatory assessment dues under AS 34.08.470. Creates an automatic statutory lien on the parcel for unpaid assessments, fines, and late charges without requiring court recordation. Confers a limited 'super-priority' lien status over prior recorded mortgages for up to six months of regular periodic common expense assessments preceding an action to enforce the lien.
Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 08 (AS 34.08.010 - AS 34.08.995); codified under Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act, effective January 1, 1986.
applies when — Parcels subject to natural hazard zones, FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, permafrost conditions, contaminated soil/water sites, or historical erosion
Under the mandatory seller property disclosure statutory framework (AS 34.70.050) and state administrative regulations, transferors must disclose whether the parcel is situated in a designated flood zone or erosion boundary, whether flood insurance is required, presence of permafrost or soil subsidence issues, radon, freeze damage vulnerability, or registered environmental contamination. Omission of known latent environmental hazards subjects the transferor to statutory damages and rescission risk.
AS 34.70.010 et seq.; enforced via statutory disclosure schedules mandated by the Alaska Real Estate Commission.
applies when — Parcels encumbered by a mortgage without a power of sale or deeds of trust where the beneficiary elects judicial foreclosure through the superior court
Requires the lender to file a civil lawsuit in superior court to obtain a judgment and decree of foreclosure under AS 09.45.170. If a judicial foreclosure decree and sheriff's sale occur, the mortgagor holds a statutory right of redemption for up to 12 months after the date of confirmation of the sale under AS 09.35.250 by paying the sale price plus interest, taxes, and allowed costs.
Alaska Statutes AS 09.45.170 - 09.45.220 and AS 09.35.210 - AS 09.35.250.
Governs the standard nonjudicial foreclosure mechanism in Alaska. Requires the trustee to record a Notice of Default not less than 30 days after default and at least 90 days before the scheduled foreclosure sale date under AS 34.20.070. The notice must be served via certified mail within 10 days of recording (or personal delivery within 20 days). Public notice of sale must be posted in three public places within 5 miles at least 30 days prior, published in a newspaper once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks, and published online for at least 45 days. Borrowers retain a statutory right of reinstatement by curing defaults prior to the sale (unless two prior notices of default were cured). Under AS 34.20.090, there is no post-sale statutory right of redemption following a nonjudicial foreclosure sale unless specifically provided for in the deed of trust.
AS 34.20.070 - AS 34.20.090 and AS 09.35.140; standard real property security enforcement mechanism in Alaska.
Obligates transferors/sellers to deliver a written disclosure statement in the state-mandated format detailing parcel conditions, structural integrity, operating systems, and material defects before a prospective buyer executes a purchase agreement. Failure to comply affords buyers a statutory right to terminate the contract within a specified statutory window without penalty, and exposes the transferor to civil liability for actual damages caused by willful or negligent misrepresentation.
Alaska Statutes Title 34, Chapter 70 (AS 34.70.010 - AS 34.70.200); governs residential real estate transaction disclosures statewide.
applies when — Residential parcels located within a taxing municipality that has enacted an optional local homestead/residential exemption ordinance pursuant to AS 29.45.050(a)
Allows municipal taxing bodies to exempt a percentage of the assessed value (commonly up to 20%, often capped at $50,000, as implemented in jurisdictions like Anchorage) for owner-occupied primary residences. Formula: Taxable Value = Assessed Value - Min(Cap, Assessed Value * Exemption Rate). Reduces net taxable assessment before the mill rate is applied.
AS 29.45.050(a); local adoption required under state authorizing statute.
applies when — Parcels owned and occupied as a primary residence and permanent place of abode by a resident who is 65 years of age or older, a disabled veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability, or a qualifying surviving spouse aged 60 or older
Mandates that municipalities exempt the first $150,000 of assessed property value from ad valorem taxation. Formula: Taxable Value = Max(0, Assessed Value - $150,000). Municipalities may elect by local ordinance to increase the exemption threshold above the $150,000 state minimum. The exemption attaches to the parcel as long as the claimant remains eligible and resides on the property.
AS 29.45.030(e); statewide statutory mandate binding all property-taxing municipal governments.
applies when — Parcels situated within organized boroughs or cities that exercise the authority to levy general property taxes pursuant to AS 29.45
Imposes an ad valorem property tax assessed at 100% full and true value (fair market value assessment ratio of 1.0) under AS 29.45.110. The state does not levy a statewide residential property tax, delegating taxing authority strictly to local municipal governments under Article X, Section 2 of the Alaska Constitution. Tax liability formula: Tax Due = (Assessed Market Value - Applicable Statutory Exemptions) * (Municipal Millage Rate / 1,000). Millage rates are established annually by local borough and city governing assemblies under AS 29.45.240.
Alaska Statutes Title 29, Chapter 45 (AS 29.45.010 - AS 29.45.240); codifies local taxation authority, full-market-value assessment standards, and billing procedures.
Governance registry — every jurisdiction re-researches on a rolling 90-day cycle. Property reports compose these inherited burdens into a per-parcel ledger with conditional determinations. Informational only — not legal advice.