Chicken, AK Utility & Living Guide

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Chicken, AK Utility & Living Guide

Chicken is a U.S. census-designated place in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. It is a community founded on gold mining, and is one of the few surviving gold rush towns in Alaska. The population was 12 at the time of the 2020 census, up from 7 in 2010. Due to mining, Chicken's population peak

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$310/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Chicken
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Chicken
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Alaska Electric Light & Power
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

City of Chicken Water Utility
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Chicken Waste Management
📶 Internet

$80/mo

Combined Average Overhead$310/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Chicken is limited, with few homes available for sale or rent. However, the city is seeing an increase in new construction and renovation projects. Residents can expect to pay a premium for housing due to the area’s remote location.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

120

Healthcare

90

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>No state sales tax, no county sales tax, no city sales tax</p>

Alaska has no state income tax, but residents may still be subject to federal income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, outdoor recreation, and mining
Top Local Concerns
Access to healthcare, affordable housing, and reliable internet
🚌 Transit for Families

The city has limited public transit options, but the downtown area is relatively stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and easy access to local businesses and amenities.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Chicken Creek Park
  • 🎯
    Taylor Highway
  • 🎯
    and the nearby Fortymile River

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area is the most popular neighborhood for families, with its proximity to schools, parks, and local businesses. The surrounding rural areas offer more spacious homes and properties, but may require longer commutes to amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Chicken based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

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📊 Chicken — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Chicken fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the winter due to heating needs, and higher water costs in the summer due to increased usage for gardening and outdoor activities. Residents can expect to pay more for utilities during these peak seasons.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 99732 has a property tax millage rate of 10.5, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, due to the city's limited sidewalk infrastructure and lack of elevator access in some buildings, but the downtown area is relatively flat and easy to navigate with a stroller.

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