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Fairbanks North Star Borough

AK · Pop. 95,555 · Rural County

22/100Homestead Score

Fairbanks North Star Borough sits in Alaska across 7,335 square miles, home to 95,555 people at 13 per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The median home price is $283,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.26%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 2a with a 115-day growing season, average summer highs of 69.2°F and average winter lows of -12.9°F. Annual rainfall averages 11.7 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is 38.3 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 92.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.

Property Tax: 1.26%
Growing Season: 115 days
Broadband: 92.9%
Density: 13/sq mi

Pros

  • Broadband reaches 92.9% of homes, making remote work and online farm sales realistic.
  • At 13 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • A low poverty rate of 6.2% signals a relatively stable local economy.

Cons

  • Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
  • A 115-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Annual rainfall of just 11.7 inches means irrigation and water storage are core requirements.
  • The nearest hospital, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, is 38.3 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
  • Average winter lows of -12.9°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.26%
Median Household Income$84,722
Poverty Rate6.2%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$283K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone2a
Growing Season115 days
Annual Rainfall11.7 inches
Avg Summer High69.2°F
Avg Winter Low-12.9°F

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought1/10
Wildfire10/10
Tornado1/10
Flood5/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalFairbanks Memorial Hospital (38.3 mi)
Emergency RoomYes
Healthcare Facilities3

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage92.9%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate4.1%

Homesteading in Fairbanks North Star Borough: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Fairbanks North Star Borough?
Fairbanks North Star Borough is in USDA hardiness zone 2a with a 115-day growing season, average summer highs of 69.2°F, and average winter lows of -12.9°F.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $283,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.26%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 92.9% of homes, strong coverage that supports remote work for most parcels.
How close is healthcare?
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is 38.3 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 3 hospitals in the county.

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Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them.