There are an estimated 1,750 dwelling units in Valdez today, including 107 in

group quarters.

The median price for homes in Valdez is 36% less than the statewide median, but median rents are

10% higher.

Several factors combine to tighten the Valdez housing market and reduce available housing choice:

– The number of dwelling units being constructed per year in Valdez has declined sharply

over the last 15 years; from an average of 29 per year during 2000-2002, to 11 per year in

2003-2011, to 4 constructed per year during 2012-2014.

– The decrease in new construction creates an aging housing stock and limits housing options

for buyers and renters.

– Over the last five years, the average household size for both owner and renter occupied

housing has increased.

– Compared to Alaska, median home prices are rising faster in Valdez.

– Over one-quarter (28%) of the Valdez housing stock are mobile homes. This is a higher rate

than in Alaska (5%) or the rural U.S. (7%). An immediate housing crisis facing the city is the

pending August 2016 closure of the 60-unit Aleutian Village Trailer Park, leaving park

residents with few alternatives for affordable housing.

– Realtors report that high property tax rates discourage home purchases by retirees looking

for summer homes and first time home buyers.

Sources: City of Valdez – # Housing Units, building valuation; Est. rental sales for stays under 6 months -Sheinberg Associates estimates based on bed tax collected; All other data – Sequential 5-year American Community Surveys (ACS).

** ACS – The margin of error for these estimates is sizable. For 2013 for renters it is +/- 23.5, for owners without a mortgage it is +/- 10.9, and for owners with a mortgage it is +/- 17