I’ve been diving into the Zillow Home Value Index data to uncover the financial landscape of Alaska’s real estate market as of March 31, 2025. My analysis reveals striking patterns of growth across the state’s most valuable property markets, with some towns seeing extraordinary appreciation over the past 15 years.
The data shows stark regional differences in real estate investments across Alaska. Coastal communities generally command premium prices, with Sitka topping the charts at over $510,000 for the average home. Meanwhile, investment growth rates vary dramatically—ranging from Meadow Lakes’ impressive 80.83% fifteen-year growth to more modest single-digit gains in areas like Petersburg.
By examining the financial performance of these properties since 2010, I’ve identified which Alaska towns offer the strongest investment returns and which areas maintain their position as premium locations despite market fluctuations. Let’s explore the complete rankings from most affordable to most premium.
25. North Pole
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $308,363
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $277,508
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $221,576
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $225,800
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 11.12%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 39.17%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 36.56%
North Pole’s property values showcase a compelling financial trajectory, appreciating from $225,800 in 2010 to $308,363 by 2025—representing a solid 36.56% return on investment over 15 years. The town experienced a slight dip after 2010 but recovered strongly, delivering accelerated growth of 39.17% in the decade from 2015. Located just 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks, North Pole offers investors an entry-level position in Alaska’s appreciating market with moderate but consistent returns.
24. Wrangell
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $310,283
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $263,890
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 17.58%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Wrangell’s real estate market demonstrates impressive financial resilience with a substantial 17.58% appreciation in just five years, pushing average home values to $310,283 by 2025. While historical data before 2020 is unavailable, this island community’s recent performance suggests strong market momentum and increasing investor confidence. Situated on Wrangell Island in the Alexander Archipelago, this southeastern Alaska town benefits from its strategic location along the Inside Passage, attracting both tourism dollars and residential investment.
23. Petersburg
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $320,007
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $322,262
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: -0.70%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Petersburg’s housing market demonstrates unusual price stability in a state characterized by substantial appreciation, with values actually decreasing marginally by 0.70% from 2020 to 2025. The slight contraction to $320,007 from a 2020 high of $322,262 may represent a correction in this fishing community’s market. Located on Mitkof Island in Southeast Alaska, Petersburg’s economic foundation in commercial fishing and seafood processing has historically created more steady, less speculative real estate conditions than tourism-dependent communities.
22. Haines
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $320,480
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Haines enters the 2025 market data with properties valued at a competitive $320,480, though historical comparison isn’t possible due to insufficient prior data. The 2025 valuation positions this market squarely in Alaska’s mid-tier investment landscape, suggesting moderate financial barriers to entry. Situated on the Chilkat Peninsula in Southeast Alaska where the Inside Passage meets the Chilkoot Trail, Haines combines historical significance with natural beauty, creating a distinctive real estate market that balances tourism appeal with residential stability.
21. Valdez
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $324,567
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Valdez shows a 2025 property valuation of $324,567, establishing it as an emerging investment opportunity in Alaska’s real estate portfolio despite the absence of historical benchmarking data. The current pricing reflects Valdez’s strategic economic position and value proposition to investors seeking exposure to Alaska’s market. Nestled at the head of a fjord on Prince William Sound, Valdez serves as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, creating a unique economic microclimate where oil industry infrastructure meets stunning natural surroundings.
20. Kenai
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $327,810
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $280,259
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $233,556
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $209,790
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 16.97%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 40.36%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 56.26%
Kenai’s real estate market delivers exceptional financial performance with a 56.26% appreciation over 15 years, transforming a $209,790 investment in 2010 into $327,810 by 2025. With consistent growth across all measured periods, including a robust 16.97% five-year return since 2020, Kenai represents one of Alaska’s more reliable investment markets. Located on the western coast of the Kenai Peninsula at the mouth of the Kenai River, this city’s economy benefits from both commercial fishing and petroleum industries, providing economic diversity that supports property value resilience.
19. Delta Junction
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $329,481
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $252,843
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 30.31%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Delta Junction presents an exceptional investment case with 30.31% appreciation in just five years, outperforming many Alaskan markets as values climbed from $252,843 in 2020 to $329,481 by 2025. This accelerated growth rate signals strong market momentum and potential for continued appreciation in this strategic location. Positioned at the confluence of the Delta River and Tanana River where the Alaska Highway meets the Richardson Highway, Delta Junction’s transportation hub status creates economic advantages that appear to be translating into robust property value increases.
18. Meadow Lakes
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $342,664
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $262,305
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $212,026
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $189,496
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 30.64%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 61.61%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 80.83%
Meadow Lakes stands out as Alaska’s top-performing market with an extraordinary 80.83% return on investment over 15 years, transforming a $189,496 property in 2010 into a $342,664 asset by 2025. The market acceleration shows no signs of cooling, with the most recent five-year period delivering a remarkable 30.64% return—nearly matching the rate of the previous decade. Located near Wasilla in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, this community benefits from proximity to Anchorage while offering the space and natural surroundings that command premium valuations in the Alaskan context.
17. Diamond Ridge
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $342,908
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $282,804
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $230,162
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $203,282
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 21.25%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 48.99%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 68.69%
Diamond Ridge delivers exceptional capital appreciation with a 68.69% increase over 15 years, growing from $203,282 in 2010 to $342,908 by 2025—representing one of Alaska’s strongest long-term investment returns. The market shows consistent performance across all measured timeframes, with the most recent five-year period yielding a healthy 21.25% appreciation. Situated on the southern Kenai Peninsula near Homer, Diamond Ridge combines breathtaking views of Kachemak Bay with relative accessibility, creating a premium valuation proposition that continues to attract investment.
16. Sterling
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $350,810
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $284,544
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $225,614
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $203,910
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 23.29%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 55.49%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 72.04%
Sterling demonstrates remarkable financial performance with property values increasing 72.04% over 15 years, from $203,910 in 2010 to $350,810 by 2025—ranking among Alaska’s top-performing real estate markets. The consistent appreciation across all timeframes, including a substantial 23.29% five-year return since 2020, indicates strong market fundamentals. Located on the Kenai Peninsula along the Sterling Highway, this community benefits from its proximity to world-class fishing on the Kenai River and relative accessibility from Anchorage, creating lasting value drivers that support long-term appreciation.
15. Soldotna
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $355,910
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $297,055
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $249,227
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $228,258
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 19.81%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 42.81%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 55.92%
Soldotna properties demonstrate strong financial performance with 55.92% appreciation over 15 years, growing from $228,258 in 2010 to $355,910 by 2025—representing a balanced risk-return profile in Alaska’s market. With consistent growth across all measured periods, including a solid 19.81% return since 2020, Soldotna offers reliable investment characteristics. Positioned at the heart of the Kenai Peninsula at the junction of the Sterling and Kenai Spur Highways, Soldotna serves as both a commercial center and gateway to outdoor recreation, creating economic diversification that supports sustainable property values.
14. Seward
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $357,548
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $272,937
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $210,237
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $195,111
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 31.00%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 70.07%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 83.25%
Seward emerges as Alaska’s second-strongest real estate market with an exceptional 83.25% appreciation over 15 years, transforming a $195,111 investment in 2010 into $357,548 by 2025. The acceleration in recent years is particularly notable, with a remarkable 31% growth in just the past five years—signaling increasing investor confidence. Located at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula, Seward’s position as both a vital port and gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park creates a powerful combination of economic utility and natural amenity that continues driving premium valuations.
13. Palmer
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $384,647
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $295,118
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $245,429
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $222,803
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 30.34%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 56.72%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 72.64%
Palmer’s housing market delivers outstanding financial returns with 72.64% appreciation over 15 years, growing from $222,803 in 2010 to $384,647 by 2025—placing it among Alaska’s top-performing investment locations. The market shows particularly strong momentum in recent years with a 30.34% five-year return since 2020, signaling accelerating demand. Situated in the Matanuska Valley about 42 miles northeast of Anchorage, Palmer combines agricultural heritage with accessibility to urban amenities, creating a distinctive market position that continues attracting both residents and investment capital.
12. Ketchikan
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $385,428
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $331,621
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $260,072
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $229,278
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 16.23%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 48.20%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 68.11%
Ketchikan shows impressive financial performance with properties appreciating 68.11% over 15 years, climbing from $229,278 in 2010 to $385,428 by 2025—representing substantial wealth creation for long-term investors. While the most recent five-year period shows a more moderate 16.23% return, the overall trajectory remains strongly positive. Situated on Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska, Ketchikan’s position as both Alaska’s southernmost city and a major cruise ship destination creates a unique economic ecosystem where tourism dollars help support premium property valuations.
11. Wasilla
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $386,091
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $296,118
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $247,251
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $227,443
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 30.38%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 56.15%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 69.75%
Wasilla demonstrates exceptional investment characteristics with property values climbing 69.75% over 15 years, from $227,443 in 2010 to $386,091 by 2025—marking one of Alaska’s strongest sustained growth stories. The market shows accelerating momentum with a 30.38% appreciation in just the past five years, significantly outperforming many other regions. Located in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley about 43 miles north of Anchorage, Wasilla combines suburban convenience with enough distance from the urban core to appeal to those seeking more space and value, creating favorable long-term market dynamics.
10. Anchorage
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $392,717
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $340,674
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $298,492
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $269,722
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 15.28%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 31.57%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 45.60%
Anchorage property values show steady financial appreciation of 45.60% over 15 years, increasing from $269,722 in 2010 to $392,717 by 2025—delivering reliable but less spectacular returns than many smaller Alaskan communities. Recent performance remains positive with a 15.28% five-year return since 2020, though at a more moderate pace than boom markets elsewhere in the state. As Alaska’s largest city and economic center containing about 40% of the state’s population, Anchorage offers greater market liquidity and economic diversification than smaller communities, typically resulting in more stable but less explosive growth patterns.
9. Homer
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $394,741
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $314,170
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $256,308
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $236,387
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 25.65%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 54.01%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 66.99%
Homer’s real estate market delivers strong financial performance with 66.99% appreciation over 15 years, growing from $236,387 in 2010 to $394,741 by 2025—representing considerable wealth creation for property owners. The market shows consistent strength across all timeframes, including a robust 25.65% return in just the past five years. Located at the southwestern end of the Kenai Peninsula overlooking Kachemak Bay, Homer’s nickname as “the Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” understates its appeal—the dramatic setting with mountain and glacier views creates persistent demand that supports premium valuations.
8. Cordova
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $411,773
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Cordova commands a premium position in Alaska’s 2025 real estate market with properties valued at $411,773, though historical comparison data is unavailable to calculate return metrics. This substantial valuation places Cordova firmly in the upper tier of Alaska’s property markets, indicating strong investor and homebuyer demand. Situated at the southeastern end of Prince William Sound, Cordova’s remote location accessible only by boat or plane creates a distinctive market dynamic where limited supply meets persistent demand from those seeking its unique combination of fishing industry employment and natural splendor.
7. Kodiak
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $444,911
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $391,035
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $310,879
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $255,574
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 13.78%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 43.11%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 74.08%
Kodiak’s property market showcases exceptional financial appreciation with a 74.08% increase over 15 years, transforming a $255,574 investment in 2010 into $444,911 by 2025—placing it among Alaska’s strongest performers for long-term returns. Though recent growth has moderated to 13.78% since 2020, the overall trajectory remains impressively positive. Located on Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska, this community’s economic foundation in commercial fishing, seafood processing, and Coast Guard operations creates a diverse economic base that helps insulate property values from the boom-bust cycles affecting more resource-dependent regions.
6. Eagle River
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $462,899
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $404,200
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 14.52%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Eagle River properties demonstrate solid financial performance with 14.52% appreciation over five years, rising from $404,200 in 2020 to $462,899 by 2025—representing steady but not explosive growth in this premium market. The 2025 valuation establishes Eagle River firmly in Alaska’s upper-tier real estate segment, with prices substantially higher than the state average. Situated about 13 miles northeast of Anchorage, Eagle River offers an attractive combination of proximity to Alaska’s largest job market while providing enough separation to create a distinct community feel with superior access to wilderness recreation.
5. Cooper Landing
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $467,012
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $344,859
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $274,930
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 35.42%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 69.87%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Cooper Landing demonstrates extraordinary financial growth with a 35.42% surge in property values in just five years, climbing from $344,859 in 2020 to $467,012 by 2025—representing one of Alaska’s hottest recent markets. The ten-year appreciation of 69.87% further confirms this area’s exceptional investment characteristics and accelerating demand curve. Located at the confluence of Kenai Lake and Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula, Cooper Landing’s reputation for world-class fishing, breathtaking scenery, and recreational opportunities drives persistent premium valuation that continues attracting investment capital.
4. Kachemak City
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $482,946
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $376,020
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $293,916
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $283,930
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 28.44%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 64.31%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 70.09%
Kachemak City’s real estate market delivers exceptional investment performance with 70.09% appreciation over 15 years, growing from $283,930 in 2010 to $482,946 by 2025—creating substantial wealth for property owners. Recent years show accelerating momentum with a 28.44% five-year return since 2020, signaling increasing market desirability. Located near Homer on the Kenai Peninsula overlooking Kachemak Bay, this small community of approximately 500 residents benefits from stunning views of the bay, mountains, and glaciers, creating natural amenity values that continue driving premium pricing for waterfront and view properties.
3. Chugiak
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $483,252
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $406,668
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 18.83%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Chugiak properties show healthy financial appreciation of 18.83% over five years, increasing from $406,668 in 2020 to $483,252 by 2025—representing solid growth in this premium market segment. This substantial current valuation positions Chugiak firmly among Alaska’s most valuable residential real estate markets, with prices significantly above the state average. Located approximately 20 miles northeast of Anchorage along the Glenn Highway, Chugiak offers a desirable combination of commuting access to Alaska’s largest employment center while maintaining a distinct community identity with superior recreational opportunities.
2. Juneau
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $490,068
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $406,151
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $362,870
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $308,574
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 20.66%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: 35.05%
- % change from 2010 to 2025: 58.82%
Juneau’s housing market demonstrates strong financial performance with 58.82% appreciation over 15 years, climbing from $308,574 in 2010 to $490,068 by 2025—delivering substantial returns to long-term investors. Recent growth remains robust with a 20.66% five-year return since 2020, indicating continuing market strength in Alaska’s capital city. Located in Alaska’s southeastern Panhandle between the Gastineau Channel and the Boundary Ranges, Juneau’s unique status as the only U.S. state capital not accessible by road creates distinct market dynamics where limited developable land meets persistent demand driven by government employment, tourism, and mining.
1. Sitka
- Home value on 3/31/2025: $510,351
- Home value on 3/31/2020: $498,066
- Home value on 3/31/2015: $N/A
- Home value on 3/31/2010: $N/A
- % change from 2020 to 2025: 2.47%
- % change from 2015 to 2025: N/A
- % change from 2010 to 2025: N/A
Sitka commands Alaska’s highest property values at $510,351 in 2025, though recent appreciation has moderated to just 2.47% over the past five years—suggesting a mature market potentially nearing price stabilization at these premium levels. As the state’s most valuable real estate market, Sitka represents the ceiling for Alaska residential property investment. Spread across Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska, Sitka combines extraordinary natural beauty with rich cultural heritage as a former Russian colonial capital, creating a distinctive market where limited developable land meets persistent demand driven by fishing, healthcare, tourism, and education sectors.