Whittier, Matanuska-susitna Borough County, AK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
411
-12.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$62,500/yr
9.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
315
-7.3% year-over-year change

Whittier population

How many people live in Whittier

Whittier is home to 411 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 40.6% of Whittier locals are male, and 59.4% are female.

Total population
411
-12.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
40.6%
167
Female
59.4%
244
Value Percent YoY change
Male 167 40.6% -20.9%
Female 244 59.4% -6.2%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Whittier is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 24.3% are children under 15, then 10.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 34.6% of the population, while another 16.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
31.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
24.3%
15 to 24
10.5%
25 to 44
34.6%
45 to 64
16.3%
Over 65
14.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 100 24.3% -25.4%
15 to 24 43 10.5% 2.4%
25 to 44 142 34.6% -4.0%
45 to 64 67 16.3% -24.7%
Over 65 59 14.4% 1.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Whittier, 75.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 20.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.4% of residents are non-citizens. Another 10% are Indigenous American, 7.3% are Pacific Islanders, while 7.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 16.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
20.4%
Non-citizens
4.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 309 75.2% -8.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 84 20.4% -22.2%
Non-citizens 18 4.4% -30.8%
Racial breakdown
White
37.5%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
10%
Asian
21.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
7.3%
Two or more races
16.3%
Other
7.1%
Value Percent
White 154 37.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 41 10%
Asian 90 21.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 30 7.3%
Two or more races 67 16.3%
Other 29 7.1%

Households in Whittier

A peek inside Whittier households

Whittier has 138 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.6% are families, while the remaining 46.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
138
-17.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
64
Family households
74
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 64 46.4% -4.5%
Family households 74 53.6% -26.0%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Whittier

The housing landscape of Whittier

Whittier's housing consists of 315 units, with 6.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space.

Housing units
315
-7.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 20 6.4%
5 to 9 units 35 11.1%
10 to 19 units 19 6%
20 to 49 units 1 0.3%
50 or more units 238 75.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 2 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Whittier

In Whittier, the median construction year is 1954. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 26% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 3 1% -50.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 82 26% -6.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 202 64.1% -7.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 8 2.5% 60.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6 1.9% -14.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3 1% 0.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1 0.3% -75.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 9 2.9% 28.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1 0.3% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Whittier occupancy rates

Out of the 138 occupied housing units in Whittier, 40.6% are owner-occupied, while 59.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 56.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
138
-17.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
82
Owner occupied
56
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 82 59.4% -24.1%
Owner occupied 56 40.6% -5.1%
Unoccupied housing units
56.2%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Whittier housing costs

Housing costs in Whittier come to a median of $845 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $961.

Median housing costs per month
$845/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Whittier
$961/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Whittier

Whittier education at a glance

About 45.6% of the population in Whittier went to high school, while 16.1% pursued college studies. Another 8.2% earned an associate degree and 17.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
High school diploma 139 45.6% 8.6%
College diploma 49 16.1% -18.3%
Associate degree 25 8.2% -32.4%
Bachelor's degree 54 17.7% -40.0%
Graduate degree 38 12.5% 216.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Whittier

How much people earn in Whittier

The average annual household income in Whittier was $84,610 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $62,500, reflecting a +9.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Whittier
$84,610/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Whittier
$62,500/year
9.3% year-over-year change

Whittier income by age

In Whittier, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $70,833. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $72,500 overall. Overall, 79.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $70,833 35.1%
45 - 64 $72,500 -6.0%
Over 65 $58,125 49.3%
Above poverty level
323
Below poverty level
82
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 323 79.8% -17.6%
Below poverty level 82 20.2% 10.8%

Average renter income in Whittier

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Whittier, their median household income was $47,969 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 24%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$47,969
Rent-to-income ratio
24%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Whittier

Workforce and job types in Whittier

The job market in Whittier is powered by 184 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 71.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 28.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.1% run their own businesses, 69.6% are employed by private companies, and 21.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
184
-16.4% year-over-year change
White collar
131
Blue collar
53
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 131 71.2% -25.6%
Blue collar 53 28.8% 20.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.1%
Private companies
69.6%
Governmental workers
21.7%
Not for profit companies
1.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 13 7.1% -43.5%
Private companies 128 69.6% 13.3%
Governmental workers 40 21.7% -41.2%
Not for profit companies 3 1.6% -81.2%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
6.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Whittier stands at 8%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Whittier

How people get around in Whittier

Commuting methods vary: 58% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 34.5% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 101 58% -12.2%
Walk 60 34.5% 3.5%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Whittier by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
99693 429 139 $59,688 $84,177

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FAQs about Whittier demographics 

What is the total population of Whittier?

Whittier has a total population of 411 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -12.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Whittier?

The gender ratio in Whittier is as follows:
  • 40.6% males (167 residents)
  • 59.4% females (244 residents)

What is the median age in Whittier?

The median age in Whittier is 31.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Whittier?

The age distribution in Whittier is as follows:
  • Under 15: 24.3% (100 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.5% (43 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 34.6% (142 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.3% (67 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.4% (59 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Whittier?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Whittier is as follows:
  • White: 37.5% (154 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 10% (41 residents)
  • Asian: 21.9% (90 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 7.3% (30 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 16.3% (67 residents)
  • Other: 7.1% (29 residents)

What percentage of the population in Whittier are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.2% of the population in Whittier.

How many housing units are there in Whittier?

There are 315 housing units in Whittier, reflecting a -7.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Whittier and what is the average household size?

Whittier has a total of 138 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Whittier?

Whittier has a median household income of $62,500, representing a +9.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Whittier?

The employment rate is 92% in Whittier, with a workforce of 184 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 71.2% (131 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 28.8% (53 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.1% (13 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.6% (128 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.7% (40 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.6% (3 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025