Deep Dive Relocation Report: College CDP, Alaska (2026)

College CDP: The Data Profile (2026)

College CDP represents a unique statistical outlier in the Alaskan interior. With a population of 11,730, it retains a small-town demographic density while boasting an economic profile that rivals mid-sized metro areas. The median income sits at $76,831, which is 3.0% higher than the US median of $74,580. This economic elevation is directly correlated with a highly educated workforce; 44.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly outpacing the national average of 33.1%.

The statistical target demographic is the "High-Earning Remote Professional" or the "Specialized Academic." In a post-remote work era, the ability to draw a national-tier salary while living in a region with a 79.5 Housing Cost Index allows for aggressive wealth accumulation, provided the candidate can tolerate extreme climate conditions.

Cost of Living Analysis

The primary economic lever in College CDP is housing, which sits at 79.5 on the index, a 20.5% discount relative to the US average. However, this savings is aggressively offset by utility costs. The residential electricity rate is 24.82 cents/kWh, a staggering 55.1% premium over the US average of 16.0 cents/kWh. Groceries and transportation track almost exactly with national norms at 100.3 and 100.3, respectively, meaning the "Alaska discount" applies almost exclusively to real estate.

Disposable Income Analysis:
A single earner making the median income of $76,831 takes home approximately $4,650 monthly after taxes. With a total monthly budget of $2,710, the theoretical savings rate is 41.7%. This is exceptionally high compared to the national average savings rate of roughly 3.5%. However, the "Arctic Tax"—unavoidable costs for winter gear, vehicle maintenance, and flight travel to the lower 48—should be deducted, leaving a realistic savings rate closer to 30%.

Housing Market Deep Dive

The housing market is the strongest asset for relocation. While the US Median Home Price has climbed to $412,000, College CDP remains accessible. The Housing Index of 79.5 indicates a buyer's market relative to national trends. Renters also benefit, with 1BR units averaging 22.4% below the national mean.

Buy vs. Rent Analysis:
Given the 20.5% discount on housing costs, buying is statistically advantageous for those intending to stay 5+ years. The median home price of $325,000 allows for significant equity capture. However, the "Alaska Liquidity Discount" must be considered; homes in CDP sell slower than the national average of 35 days, typically taking 52 days to close. Renting is the superior short-term option to test climate tolerance without capital exposure.

Economic & Job Market Outlook

In the 2026 landscape, RTO (Return to Office) mandates are irrelevant in College CDP due to the lack of major corporate headquarters. The economy is bifurcated: 60% of high-income earners are remote workers connected to the contiguous US tech or finance sectors, while 40% are tied to local academia or specialized resource management.

The commute time average is 14.2 minutes, drastically lower than the US average of 27.6 minutes. The unemployment rate is 4.7%, slightly above the national 4.0%, reflecting a smaller, less diversified labor pool. However, the 44.7% college-educated rate suggests high job security for white-collar workers.

Quality of Life Audit

The health data presents a paradox: the aggregate Health Score is 81.3/100 (Good), yet risk factors are elevated. The obesity rate is 35.4%, exceeding the US average of 31.9%. Conversely, the diabetes rate is notably low at 8.4% vs 10.9%. Air quality is exceptional, with an AQI consistently in the "Good" range.

Safety & Environment:
Violent crime is exceptionally low at 189 per 100k residents (vs US 380 per 100k). Property crime is moderate at 2,100 per 100k.
Weather: The current snapshot of -24.0°F is not an anomaly. The region experiences an average of 210 days per year below freezing. Residents must budget for heating fuel and specialized vehicle storage.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Housing Value: You get 21.1% more house for your money compared to the national median.
• Income Premium: Median income is $2,251 higher than the US average.
• Safety: Violent crime is 50% lower than the national baseline.
• Air Quality: PM2.5 levels of 4.5 µg/m³ are among the cleanest in the world.

Cons:

• Utility Costs: Electricity at 24.82 cents/kWh is a permanent, high-weight expense.
• Climate: Temperatures of -24.0°F require a psychological and physical adjustment.
• Obesity: The rate of 35.4% suggests an environmental or lifestyle factor contributing to weight gain.

Final Recommendation:
College CDP is a Buy for the financially disciplined, climate-resilient professional. If you can leverage the $76,831 median income while capitalizing on the 79.5 housing index, the 5-year wealth generation potential is in the top 10% of US locations. It is a Rent for anyone unsure about surviving the 6-month winter.

FAQs

1. What salary is needed for a comfortable life in College CDP?
For a single adult, a salary of $65,000 provides a comfortable life with savings. For a family of four, $110,000 is recommended to maintain a 20% savings rate after housing and elevated utility costs.

2. How does the value proposition compare to other Alaskan cities?
College CDP offers a 20.5% housing discount compared to Anchorage and Fairbanks, while maintaining similar income levels and significantly lower crime rates.

3. Are the safety statistics reliable for a CDP of 11,730 people?
Yes. With a violent crime rate of 189 per 100k, the area is statistically safer than 92% of US cities. However, property crime remains a risk comparable to the national average.

4. When is the best time to relocate?
Ideally, May through September. Moving during the current conditions (-24.0°F) incurs high logistical costs and risks vehicle breakdown. The "breakup" season (late April) makes roads treacherous; waiting until the ground is dry is essential for moving trucks.