Employment
With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.
Housing
Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.
Health & Safety
Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.
Ratings
According to recent surveys and polls, locals had excellent ratings for walkability to nearby amenities, safety, access to public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Commute
Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.
Cost Of Living
This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.
Located in the state of Alaska, Soldotna is a small city with a population of 4,705 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 86% of Soldotna residents are White, 7% American Indian and Alaskan and 1% Asian. In Soldotna, only 48% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Soldotna will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 12 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Are you trying to decide if living in Soldotna is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Alaska, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Soldotna and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, commute, education, employment and other important metrics.
Using data and statistics Soldotna has received a livability score of 71 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 80th percentile when compared to all other cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Soldotna ranks very well for education (A-), employment (B) and housing (B-). Unfortunately for Soldotna, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F) and cost of living (F).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Soldotna, the unemployment rate stands at 1.35%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Soldotna apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that Soldotna meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Soldotna. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Soldotna are simply unattainable. The median home price for Soldotna homes is $219,200, which is 14.7% lower than the Alaska average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Soldotna, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.7, which is 5.7% higher than the Alaska average.
| Statistic | Soldotna | Alaska | National |
| Average one way commute | 12min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.6% | 68.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.2% | 12.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.2% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 9.9% | 7.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 1.7% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
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