Anchorage, AK 99501
Environmental Risk Assessment • Population: 291,247
Risk Factor Breakdown
Air Quality
Air quality is satisfactory and poses little or no risk.
Water Quality
Flood Risk
This area faces significant flood risk. Flood insurance is strongly recommended. Have an evacuation plan ready.
Toxic Sites
Very few hazardous waste sites in this area. This is a positive indicator for local environmental health.
Environmental Profile: Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska has good air quality with an AQI of 28. Water quality scores 38/100 with 1801 health-based violations recorded. The area has 0 toxic release inventory sites. Flood risk is very high based on FEMA disaster history.
What This Means For You
Anchorage has received an overall environmental risk score of 51/100 (Fair). This means that the area has significant environmental challenges that can affect residents' health and quality of life.
The air quality in Anchorage is rated Good with an AQI of 28, primarily driven by PM2.5 pollution. Water quality scores 38 out of 100, with 1801 reported violations and detected contaminants including Disinfection Byproducts, Nitrate.
Flood risk is classified as Very High (AE - Coastal High-Risk Flood Zone), and there are 0 Superfund sites and 0 Toxics Release Inventory facilities in the area.
How to Protect Yourself in Anchorage
- ✓Air quality is generally acceptable, but monitor AirNow.gov during seasonal events like wildfires or heat waves.
- ✓Consider installing of a certified water filter. Anchorage water has had 1801 violations.
- ✓Have your tap water independently tested, especially for lead if your home has older plumbing.
- ✓Read the annual Consumer Confidence Report from your water utility.
- ✓Purchase flood insurance even if not required — standard homeowner insurance does not cover floods.
- ✓Create an emergency evacuation plan with designated meeting points and essential documents in a go-bag.
- ✓Check your specific property flood zone at msc.fema.gov — Anchorage is in AE - Coastal High-Risk Flood Zone.
Other Cities in Alaska
Disclaimer: Environmental risk data is compiled from public U.S. government sources (EPA, FEMA) for informational purposes only. Risk scores are estimates and should not replace professional environmental assessments, real estate evaluations, or health consultations. Always consult local authorities and certified professionals for site-specific evaluations. For environmental emergencies, call 911 or the EPA National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. See our Terms of Service for more details.