Old Harbor, AK Utility & Living Guide

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Old Harbor, AK Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$300/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Old Harbor
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Old Harbor
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Chugach Electric Association
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Kodiak Island Borough Water Utility
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Kodiak Island Borough Solid Waste Department
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/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 Old Harbor is limited, with a mix of older homes and newer constructions. Rentals are scarce, and prices can be high due to the remote location. Homeownership is a more viable option for long-term residents.

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
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 0% + Borough 3% + City 3%</p>

Alaska has no state income tax, but residents may still need to file federal income tax returns.

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 description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in fishing, tourism, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Affordable housing, access to healthcare, environmental conservation
🚌 Transit for Families

Old Harbor has limited public transportation options, but the community is relatively small and walkable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
  • 🎯
    Old Harbor Beach
  • 🎯
    Kodiak Island Museum

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around the Old Harbor Beach is popular with families, offering easy access to outdoor recreation and community events. The neighborhood near the Kodiak Island School is also desirable, with a mix of older and newer homes.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Residents must comply with Kodiak Island Borough ordinances, including those related to zoning, building codes, and environmental protection.

Financial Tools

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📊 Old Harbor — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Old Harbor can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity bills in the winter due to heating needs and higher water bills in the summer due to increased tourism and outdoor activities. Residents can expect to pay more for electricity and water during these peak periods.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 99643 has a property tax millage rate of 10.5, with no local surtaxes specific to Old Harbor county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: Old Harbor has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but the community's rural nature and limited public transportation options can make it challenging for families with strollers to get around.

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