Sitka County Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Sitka City and Borough in Alaska has a population of 8,458. The racial demographics are approximately 64.6% White, 1.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, 15.4% Native American or Alaska Native, and 11.4% from two or more races. About 6.1% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income is approximately $70,982, and the per capita income is around $34,054. The average household size is 2.55, and around 9.3% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Sitka County Housing

Sitka, located in Sitka Borough, Alaska, features a median home value of approximately $373,000, with median rent around $1,250 per month. The homeownership rate stands at about 58%, while rental properties account for around 42% of the housing market. The resilience of local fishing and tourism industries supports stable property values. Limited land availability and rising construction costs, however, contribute to higher housing prices compared to some other regions in Alaska.

Elections in Sitka County

Sitka County, Alaska, typically takes part in local, state, and federal elections. Local elections include positions like Mayor, Assembly Members, and School Board Members. State elections cover positions such as Governor and State Legislators, while federal elections involve Senate and House representatives.

In the most recent local elections, conducted on October 5, 2021, the notable positions were:

  • Mayor: Steven Eisenbeisz won with approximately 73% of the vote.
  • Assembly Members: Kevin Mosher and Crystal Duncan secured seats with 1,280 and 1,230 votes, respectively.
  • School Board Members: Amy Morrison and Blossom Teal-Olsen emerged victorious.

Turnout typically varies but was around 35% for the October 2021 elections, showing active community engagement. For the latest and comprehensive information, it’s best to consult the City and Borough of Sitka’s official website or the Alaska Division of Elections.

How Educated in Sitka County

Sitka, located in Sitka Borough, Alaska, is relatively well-educated. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 94.5% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, and 34.5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. For context, the national averages are around 88.5% for high school graduates and 32.1% for bachelor's degree holders. Within Alaska, the state averages are roughly 91.4% for high school graduates and 29.8% for bachelor's degree holders. Sitka exceeds both state and national averages in educational attainment, highlighting its relatively educated populace.

Sitka County Employment Rate

Sitka Borough, AK, exhibits unique employment dynamics largely influenced by local industries. As of recent data:

  • Total employment: Approximately 4,700 individuals
  • Unemployment rate: Around 4.3%

Top industries:

  1. Healthcare and Social Assistance: 18% (vs. 14% nationally, 16% statewide)
  2. Public Administration: 17% (vs. 5% nationally, 7% statewide)
  3. Educational Services: 13% (vs. 9% nationally, 10% statewide)
  4. Retail Trade: 10% (vs. 11% nationally, 10% statewide)
  5. Accommodation and Food Services: 9% (vs. 8% nationally, 10% statewide)

The dominance of healthcare and educational services is notable, partly due to the presence of the SEARHC hospital and University of Alaska Southeast. Public administration’s significant share can be attributed to the prevalence of government jobs in Sitka.

Average Income in Sitka County

Sure! As of recent data, the average household income in Sitka, AK, is approximately $85,000. Comparatively, the state of Alaska has an average household income of around $78,000, whereas the national average sits close to $70,000. This indicates that Sitka's average household income is higher than both the state and national averages.

Average Household Income
Sitka, AK $85,000
State of Alaska $78,000
United States $70,000

This data suggests that residents of Sitka generally earn more on average than residents in other parts of Alaska and the rest of the United States.

Sitka County Crime Rates

As of the latest available data, Sitka City and Borough, Alaska, has relatively low crime rates. In 2020, the overall crime rate was 1,539 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the national average. It's notable for its low incidence of violent crimes compared to property crimes.

Crime Statistics Table (per 100,000 people)

Crime Type Sitka Rate (2020)
Violent Crime 203
Property Crime 1,336
Murder 0
Rape 50
Robbery 15
Assault 138
Burglary 112
Larceny-Theft 1,117
Motor Vehicle Theft 107

These statistics underscore Sitka's relatively safe environment, especially in terms of violent crime.