Ward Cove, AK Utility & Living Guide

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Ward Cove, 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 Tax6.5%
COL Index108 (+8% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Ward Cove
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Ward Cove
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Ketchikan Public Utilities
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Ketchikan Public Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Solid Waste
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$1900/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$900

The housing market in Ward Cove is relatively small, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Rentals are limited, and prices may be higher than in larger cities. However, the community is growing, with new developments and renovations underway.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

108

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+8% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$900

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.5%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 0% + Borough 3% + City 3.5%</p>

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

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$900/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in tourism, fishing, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, infrastructure, environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Ward Cove has limited public transportation, but the community is relatively walkable, and strollers can be used on sidewalks and in parks.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Ward Cove Playground
  • 🎯
    Ketchikan Creek
  • 🎯
    Tongass National Forest

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The area around Ward Cove Playground is popular with families, offering easy access to outdoor recreation and community events. The neighborhood near Ketchikan Creek is also desirable, with its scenic views and proximity to downtown.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

Ward Cove has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and environmental protection, which are enforced by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough.

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📊 Ward Cove — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Ward Cove tend to be higher in the winter months due to increased heating needs, with average electric bills rising by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see lower utility bills, with a decrease of 10-20% from June to August.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 99928 has a property tax millage rate of 10.5 mills, with an additional 0.5% local surtax.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6: Ward Cove has decent sidewalks and park access, but elevator access in transit is limited, and family infrastructure is still developing.

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