Firstly why Ward-Cove, Alaska?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Ward-Cove
• State: Alaska
• Population: 1,789 people
• Ward-Cove’s quick summary would be Ward Cove residents know the old pulp mill site, appreciate the quiet cove, and pop into Ketchikan for groceries.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 500 annually
• While this many move-out: 200 annually
• Net Migration: 300 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 10
• Number of Homeless people: 20

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features scenic beauty and a strong fishing community drawing nature lovers

Perk #1: Ward-Cove Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 71%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $58,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Ward-Cove is $60,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Ward-Cove’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 124 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,385
• Property Tax %: 0.85%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Ward Cove
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Ward-Cove, Kasaan, Craig, Thorne-Bay, and probably could include Klawock
• Avg. Age of Homes in Ward-Cove: 37 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 0.1%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Ward-Cove’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Ward-Cove are  Government, Tourism, and Fishing
• Ward-Cove Job Scene: small job market focused on fishing and local services
• The General Tech Scene: small community with minimal tech activity, mainly dependent on local industries ,
• Ward-Cove Resident’s pay $100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Ward-Cove: 1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 10 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 1

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Ward-Cove

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $135 on average per person
• Freeway Access: Glen Highway provides essential access to Ward Cove from larger cities
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: limited access routes creating delays
• Transportation Score: 24 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Ward-Cove: 600
• Cars registered per Person: 0.3
• No. of Car Washes: 1 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Ward-Cove: dmv.alaska.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 57 of 100
• Local Airport: Ketchikan International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Ward-Cove’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tsunamis
• General Weather in Ward-Cove is best described as features mild winters with heavy rain and cool summers with some sunshine mixed with rainfall
• Winter Weather in Ward-Cove i’d describe as mild with rainy weather
• Spring Weather in Ward-Cove can be described as mild and wet
• Summer’s in Ward-Cove are mostly cool and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Ward-Cove is usually cool and often wet
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 0 days in summer
• Days in a row in Ward-Cove below Freezing: 166
• Average Annual Rainfall: 86 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually excellent air quality due to low pollution levels
• Ward-Cove Winter Air good air quality with minimal pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Ward-Cove Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Ward-Cove 0
• While the number of trade schools inside Ward-Coves’s city limits are 0
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Ward Cove Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Ward-Cove Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Ward-Cove only Doctors is about 0
• Local Hospitals here is  0
• Full-time Ward-Cove only Police Officers is about 0
• Crime Rate Index: 10/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Ward-Cove’s Monthly utility bill average is $195
• Ward-Cove’s Monthly Gym Membership: $52
• Ward-Cove’s Water Quality Score: 0

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Ward-Cove

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 2 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: quiet coastal area primarily focused on fishing and nature
• You might enjoy arts and crafts festivals
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Ward-Cove  has a laid-back vibe with small cafes and occasional outdoor events for relaxation after a day of fishing

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Ward-Cove

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers small family-owned eateries and takeout options primarily focused on seafood
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 5 scattered around Ward-Cove
• The Popular Sports Team is Local PickleBall Champs
• Top Level Political Climate in Ward-Cove can be described as small and community-driven with local governance priorities
• Ward-Cove’s Longer standing religious establishment is Community Church of Ward Cove

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Ward-Cove Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Ward-Cove has 5 Parks?
• Ward Cove Park is Ward-Cove’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Ward Cove Farmers Market normally open Saturday 10am-4pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Kayaking, wildlife watching, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Ward-Cove Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Ward-Cove can be described as quiet and tranquil primarily residential with limited commercial activity
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Ward-Cove fishing off the docks exploring tide pools nature walks
• The Cities people commute to from Ward-Cove are Ketchikan 61 miles away Juneau 10 miles away Sitka 129 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Ward-Cove or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: limited access routes creating delays. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Ward-Cove’s Tsunamis risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Ward Cove is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Ward-Cove are Ketchikan 61 miles away Juneau 10 miles away Sitka 129 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 10 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Ward-Cove has 166 days in a row below freezing and 0 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Ward-Cove people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   20 homeless people living in Ward-Cove. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general small and community-driven with local governance priorities could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Ward-Cove.

Retiree & Senior Life in Ward-Cove

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax relief programs aiding in their financial planning
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Haven at Ward Cove
• Ward Cove Community Center hosts social gatherings and recreational activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Ward-Cove, Alaska?

If Ward-Cove, Alaska ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Ward-Cove, Alaska, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!