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Willow, Alaska Demographics & Population 2026

During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Willow, Alaska had a total population of 1,815, the 52nd largest community in Alaska, with a median household income of $89,000, which is 4% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 13.2%.

Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes

Willow Quick Facts

Population 1,815
Median Household Income $89,000
Median Home Value $313,800
Poverty Rate 13.2%
Unemployment Rate 6.6%
Median Age 45.9 years
Homeownership Rate 94.5%
Affordability Ratio 3.5x
Bachelor's Degree or Higher 29.8%
High School Graduation Rate 94.5%
Diversity Index 23/100
Population 1,815 52nd of 326
Median Income $89,000 top 30%
Poverty Rate 13.2% 6% higher than national
Median Home Value $313,800 top 30%

How Willow Changed

Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.

Metric2019–20232020–2024Change
Population1,7691,815+2.6%
Median household income$74,669$89,000+19.2%
Median home value$285,100$313,800+10.1%

How Willow Compares

Economy & Housing

Household Income Distribution

Under $25K 12.3%
$25K-$50K 16.2%
$50K-$100K 29.3%
$100K+ 42.2%
Detailed income brackets
Under $10K
3.8%
$10K-$15K
0.0%
$15K-$20K
5.9%
$20K-$25K
2.7%
$25K-$30K
2.8%
$30K-$35K
2.0%
$35K-$40K
2.4%
$40K-$45K
2.4%
$45K-$50K
6.5%
$50K-$60K
4.1%
$60K-$75K
8.0%
$75K-$100K
17.2%
$100K-$125K
15.4%
$125K-$150K
9.5%
$150K-$200K
5.5%
$200K+
11.8%

Employment

6.6% Unemployment Rate State: 5.9%|National: 5.2%
51.9% Labor Force Participation

Housing Overview

Owner 94.5%
Renter 5.5%
Affordability Index Affordable
3.5x home value to income ratio
Median gross rent $1,375/mo 18.5% of median household income annually

People & Demographics

Diversity Index

23out of 100
Very Low Diversity

A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.

State average: 63 | National average: 61

Education

Willow Rankings in Alaska

#52 Population of 326
#61 Median Income of 253
#72 Education of 326
#56 Home Value of 238

Other Cities in Matanuska-Susitna Borough

CityPopulationMedian IncomePovertyHome Value
Knik-Fairview 19,972 $96,437 9.2% $340,200
North Lakes 10,223 $101,679 7.3% $357,600
Wasilla 9,720 $67,234 17.5% $358,400
Tanaina 9,646 $105,536 8.6% $328,500
Meadow Lakes 8,689 $81,699 14.1% $323,100
Gateway 6,845 $137,772 4.5% $446,200
Palmer 6,268 $72,201 13.0% $294,900
South Lakes 6,180 $98,141 7.6% $377,500
Fishhook 5,819 $111,375 9.2% $416,300
Butte 4,085 $101,042 6.7% $374,600

Cities Similar to Willow

These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.

CityPopulationMedian IncomeHome ValueBachelor's+Poverty
Kodiak Station1,823$83,750N/A28.9%3.2%
Haines1,757$86,719$282,70034.2%5.1%
Bear Creek1,732$95,774$474,50036.4%3.1%
Point MacKenzie1,668N/AN/A2.9%7.3%
Prudhoe Bay1,664N/AN/A18.8%6.3%

Population Overview

Willow is a small community located in Alaska, within Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The total population is 1,815. It ranks as the 52nd most populous out of 326 Census-designated places in Alaska.

Age Demographics

The median age in Willow is 45.9 years. This is 28% higher than the state median of 35.8 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Willow is $89,000. This is 4% lower than the state median of $92,788. It is also 10% higher than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 13.2%. This is 30% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.1%. The unemployment rate is 6.6%. This is 12% higher than the state rate of 5.9%. The median home value is $313,800. Housing costs are 11% lower than the state median of $352,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 94.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 41% higher than the state average of 66.8%.

Race & Ethnicity

Willow has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 87.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.1%. The White (non-Hispanic) population is significantly higher than the state average (87.6% vs 57.7%). The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 7.3%. The Asian population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 6.3%.

Education

29.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 31.7%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.5%.

Data Sources & Methodology

All demographic data for Willow, Alaska is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Alaska state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 326 Census-designated places in Alaska. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Willow, Alaska?

Willow, Alaska has a population of 1,815 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.

What is the median household income in Willow, AK?

The median household income in Willow is $89,000, which is 10% higher than the national median of $80,734.

What is the poverty rate in Willow, AK?

The poverty rate in Willow is 13.2%. This means approximately 239 residents live below the federal poverty line.

What is the racial makeup of Willow, Alaska?

Willow's population is 87.6% White, 0.0% Black, 2.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.9% Asian.

What is the median home value in Willow, AK?

The median home value in Willow is $313,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.

How educated is Willow, Alaska?

29.8% of adults (25+) in Willow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.