Ruby, AK Utility & Living Guide

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Ruby, AK Utility & Living Guide

Ruby is a pinkish-red to blood-red-colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum, consisting of aluminium oxide (α-Al2O3). Ruby is one of the most popular traditional jewelry gems and is very durable. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires, and rubies are also sometimes r

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$370/mo
1BR Rent$1000/mo
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score5/10
Median Home$250,000
🌤️ Live Weather — Ruby
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ruby
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$200/mo

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$60/mo

City of Ruby Water Utility
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

City of Ruby Garbage Collection
📶 Internet

$80/mo

Combined Average Overhead$370/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1800/mo
Median Home Price$250,000
Property Tax Rate1.5%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Ruby is limited, with few homes available for purchase or rent. Many residents live in rural areas and rely on septic systems and private wells. The city has a few small subdivisions with newer homes, but overall, the housing stock is older and in need of repair.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

120

Transportation

150

Healthcare

80

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.5%
<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
5/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Low, with key industries including hunting and fishing guides, lodging, and retail trade.
Top Local Concerns
Access to healthcare, high cost of living, limited job opportunities
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited in Ruby, with no sidewalks or pedestrian infrastructure, making it difficult for families with strollers to get around.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Yukon River boat tours
  • 🎯
    Ruby Community Park
  • 🎯
    hunting and fishing trips

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Ruby are the small subdivisions near the city center, which offer newer homes and access to community amenities. However, these areas are limited, and many families choose to live in rural areas surrounding the city.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Residents are subject to local ordinances regarding hunting, fishing, and trapping, as well as regulations related to septic systems and private wells.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Ruby — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Ruby fluctuate significantly by season, with high heating costs in the winter due to the cold climate, and lower costs in the summer when temperatures are milder. However, the city's remote location and limited access to natural gas mean that residents rely on expensive diesel fuel for heating and transportation.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 99768 has a property tax millage rate of 15 mills, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

2, due to the lack of sidewalks, pedestrian infrastructure, and public transit, making it difficult for families with strollers to navigate the city.

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