Fort Wainwright PCS Guide: BAH Rates, Housing, Schools & Alaska Life

BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Fort Wainwright is the Army's premier Arctic training post in Fairbanks, Alaska, home to 11,000 soldiers and families. Extreme cold (-40°F winters), high cost of living, but unique Alaska lifestyle and COLA boost.

Key Numbers:

• BAH vs. Rent: Tight fit (Alaska housing is expensive, but COLA + BAH help)
• Median 3BR Rent: $1,800/month (limited supply, high demand)
• School Quality: Mixed (Fairbanks North Star Borough schools 5-7/10, better options exist)
• COLA: $700-$1,000/month (depending on rank and dependents) - critical supplement
• Deployment Tempo: High (JBER-based units, Arctic training, global deployments)

What This Guide Covers: Alaska housing realities, cold weather survival, school options, and Fairbanks local intel.

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Quick Facts

Installation Overview:

• Official Name: Fort Wainwright (formerly Ladd Army Airfield)
• Location: Fairbanks, Alaska (Interior Alaska)
• Size: 1,583 square miles (Arctic training facilities)
• Population: 11,000 active duty + 15,000 family members
• Branch: Army (U.S. Army Alaska - USARAK, 25th Infantry Division)
• Major Units: 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1-25th Aviation Battalion, Arctic training units
• Climate: Extreme continental (winters -40°F, summers 80°F, 19 hours of daylight in summer, 4 hours in winter)
• Nearest Major City: Fairbanks (adjacent), Anchorage (360 miles south, 6-hour drive)

Want real-time data? This guide provides static intel. For live housing prices, current school ratings, and personalized recommendations, use Base Navigator → (Premium)

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BAH Rates

Key Insight: BAH + COLA is critical in Alaska. Housing costs are 40-50% higher than CONUS, but COLA ($700-$1,000/month) bridges the gap. Most families use full BAH + part of COLA for rent. On-base housing waitlists are 6-12 months - plan ahead.

BAH rates sourced from Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), updated annually. See official source →

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Housing Neighborhoods (Ranked)

Top Tier: Best Value + Quality

1. North Pole (City)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,700/month (affordable for Alaska)
• Commute: 15 minutes to main gate (easy, light traffic)
• Schools: North Pole Elementary/Middle (6/10), Hutchison High School (7/10)
• Pros: Small-town vibe, Christmas-themed (Santa Claus House), family-friendly, military community
• Cons: Limited amenities, very cold winters, rural feel
• Best For: Families prioritizing affordability, small-town Alaska life

2. College/University West (Fairbanks)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,900/month
• Commute: 10 minutes to main gate
• Schools: Denali Elementary (7/10), Ryan Middle (6/10), Lathrop High (6/10)
• Pros: Near University of Alaska Fairbanks, educated community, cultural events, walkable
• Cons: Student population, limited parking, higher rent
• Best For: Families wanting culture, spouse attending UAF, intellectual vibe

3. Aurora Subdivision (Eielson Area)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,750/month
• Commute: 25 minutes to Fort Wainwright (near Eielson AFB)
• Schools: Aurora Elementary (6/10), Eielson schools nearby
• Pros: Newer homes, quiet, military community, dual-military friendly (Fort Wainwright + Eielson AFB)
• Cons: Longer commute, limited shopping, rural
• Best For: Dual-military couples, families wanting new construction

Avoid After Dark / High Crime

4. Downtown Fairbanks (Not Recommended)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,600/month
• Commute: 12 minutes
• Issues: High property crime, substance abuse issues, transient population, limited family-friendly areas
• Why: Fairbanks has Alaska's highest property crime rate - avoid downtown core for families

5. Badger Road Corridor (Mixed)

• Median 3BR Rent: $1,650/month
• Commute: 10 minutes
• Issues: Heavy traffic, strip mall sprawl, aging apartments, noise
• Why: Main commercial corridor - convenient but not ideal for families

On-Base Housing

Fort Wainwright Family Housing (Managed by Balfour Beatty Communities)

• Waitlist: 6-12 months (high demand, limited supply)
• Quality: 6/10 (aging homes, extreme cold maintenance issues, but improving)
• Rent: Free (BAH goes to Army Housing)
• Pros: Community support, no commute, plug-in heater outlets for vehicles, package acceptance
• Cons: Long waitlist, older homes, strict rules, winter maintenance delays
• Best For: First-time Alaska families, those prioritizing community over space

Reality Check: Most families live off-base due to waitlist. On-base is competitive - apply immediately upon receiving orders.

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Schools

Best Public Schools (Fairbanks North Star Borough)

Elementary:

1. Denali Elementary (7/10) - University area, diverse, good academics
2. North Pole Elementary (6/10) - Small-town feel, military-friendly
3. Hutchison Elementary (6/10) - South Fairbanks, established

Middle:

1. Ryan Middle School (6/10) - Near UAF, good teachers
2. North Pole Middle (6/10) - Small class sizes

High:

1. Hutchison High School (7/10) - Best academics, AP classes, military-friendly
2. North Pole High (6/10) - Small school, tight-knit
3. Lathrop High School (6/10) - Large, diverse, near base

Private/Alternative Options

• Effie Kokrine Charter School (K-12) - Alaska Native focus, strong community, lottery-based
• Homeschool Co-ops - Popular in Fairbanks (long winters make indoor activities key)

School Reality: Alaska schools face funding challenges and teacher retention issues. Fairbanks schools are 5-7/10 range - functional but not exceptional. University area schools slightly better due to educated parent base.

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Local Intel

Cost of Living

Overall: 45% higher than national average — Alaska premium + remote location

Housing: 50% higher — Limited supply, extreme cold construction costs

Groceries: 40% higher — Everything shipped in (milk $6/gallon, produce expensive)

Utilities: 60% higher — Heating oil ($3-5/gallon), electric $250-400/month in winter

Gas: 20% higher — Alaska refinery costs, remote location

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base): $1,800
• Utilities (heating oil, electric, water): $400 (winter), $200 (summer)
• Groceries: $1,200 (Alaska prices, limited fresh produce)
• Childcare: $1,200/month (limited supply, high demand)
• Gas: $200 (short commutes but cold starts)
• Internet: $100 (GCI or Alaska Communications)
• TOTAL: $4,900/month (winter) - But COLA covers $700-1,000 of this

Alaska Reality: COLA is critical. Without it, Alaska would be unaffordable. With it, you can break even or save modestly. Budget carefully - everything costs more.

BAH Coverage

Comfortable: BAH + COLA covers rent with buffer for utilities

Savings Potential: Modest - if you're disciplined with COLA and avoid lifestyle inflation

Alaska Tax Benefit: NO state income tax + annual Permanent Fund Dividend ($1,300-2,000/person)

Traffic & Commute

• Average Commute: 15-20 minutes (low traffic, but slow in winter due to ice/snow)
• Best Gates: Richardson Gate (main), Wainwright Gate (north)
• Rush Hour: 0730-0830, 1630-1730 (light by CONUS standards)
• Winter Reality: Add 10-15 minutes for ice/snow, vehicle warm-up (-40°F mornings)

Pro Tip: Buy a block heater and remote starter. Parking with plug-ins is standard at Fort Wainwright and most Fairbanks lots.

Commissary & Shopping

• Fort Wainwright Commissary (8/10) - Good selection, Alaska prices still apply, shop early for best produce
• Fred Meyer (Fairbanks) - Main civilian grocery, full-service (groceries + home goods)
• Safeway - Alternative grocery, slightly higher prices
• Costco/Sam's Club - NONE in Fairbanks (nearest is Anchorage, 360 miles)
• Amazon Prime - Critical for Alaska living (free shipping on many items, but delays common)

Reality: Stock up on non-perishables. Winter storms can delay shipments. Commissary saves 10-15% over civilian stores.

Healthcare

• Bassett Army Community Hospital (On-base) - Full-service, ER, birthing center, specialty care
• Tricare Options: Prime (free, on-base), Select (off-base network)
• Civilian: Fairbanks Memorial Hospital (Level III Trauma Center)

Pro Tip: Alaska has limited specialists. Some specialties require medevac to Anchorage or Seattle. Tricare covers this, but expect travel for complex care.

Weather Reality

• Winter: -40°F to 20°F (November-March), extreme cold, 4 hours of daylight in December
• Summer: 60°F to 80°F (June-August), 19+ hours of daylight, midnight sun
• Challenges: Vehicle maintenance (battery + oil), frostbite risk, ice fog, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), aurora borealis viewing (pro!)

Survival Tips:

• Buy extreme cold gear IMMEDIATELY (Carhartt, Canada Goose, military ECW gear)
• Synthetic oil, block heater, remote starter, battery tender (essential)
• Vitamin D supplements (winter darkness causes deficiency)
• Embrace winter activities (skiing, dog mushing, ice fishing) or you'll go stir-crazy

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What's It Like to Live at Fort Wainwright?

Fort Wainwright is the ultimate "love it or hate it" assignment. The extreme cold (-40°F) isn't hyperbole - your eyelashes freeze, cars don't start without block heaters, and running outside is painful. But the Alaska lifestyle is unmatched: aurora borealis in your backyard, world-class hunting/fishing, midnight sun summers, and a tight-knit military community that shares the hardship.

Deployment Tempo: High. 1st Stryker Brigade deploys regularly to Korea, Pacific rotations, and global contingencies. Arctic training exercises are frequent (JPMRC at Fort Gregg-Adams, Alaska Shield, Yukon exercises). Expect 6-9 month deployments every 18-24 months. Single soldiers and geobachelors are common.

Quality of Life: Mixed. If you love the outdoors (hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing), Alaska is paradise. If you're a city person who needs restaurants, nightlife, and warm weather, you'll struggle. Fairbanks is small (pop. 32,000), isolated, and dark half the year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is real - get a light therapy lamp.

Pros: COLA boost ($700-1,000/month), no state income tax, Permanent Fund Dividend ($1,300-2,000/year per person), incredible outdoor recreation, aurora borealis, midnight sun, unique duty station, strong military community, Alaska travel opportunities (Denali, Anchorage, glaciers).

Cons: Extreme cold, isolation (360 miles to Anchorage, 1,500+ miles to Seattle), expensive cost of living, long winters with minimal daylight, limited shopping/dining, aging infrastructure, high property crime in Fairbanks, teacher/specialist shortages.

Family Reality: Alaska is HARD on families with young kids. Childcare waitlists are 6-12 months, schools are mediocre, and cabin fever is real. But if you embrace the Alaska lifestyle (winter sports, community events, exploration), it's an adventure your kids will remember forever.

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Cost of Living Breakdown

Overall: 45% higher vs. national average — Alaska premium due to remote location and extreme climate.

Housing: 50% higher — Limited inventory, extreme cold construction costs, high demand from military and oil workers.

Groceries: 40% higher — Everything shipped in via Seattle or barge. Fresh produce limited and expensive ($6 tomatoes, $8 lettuce). Stock up on frozen/canned.

Utilities: 60% higher — Heating oil ($3-5/gallon, $400-600/month in winter), electricity ($200-400/month), water/sewer ($100).

Transportation: 20% higher — Gas prices, extreme cold vehicle maintenance (batteries die fast, oil changes every 3,000 miles due to cold starts).

Childcare: $1,200/month — Limited providers, high demand, long waitlists.

Monthly Budget for E5 with 2 Kids:

• Rent (3BR off-base, North Pole): $1,750
• Utilities (heating oil, electric, water/sewer): $500 (winter average)
• Groceries: $1,200 (shop commissary + Fred Meyer)
• Childcare: $1,200 (if both spouses work)
• Gas: $200 (short commutes but cold starts)
• Internet/Phone: $150 (GCI or Alaska Communications)
• Car Maintenance: $150 (oil changes, battery, winter prep)
• TOTAL: $5,150/month

But COLA covers $700-1,000 of this, so effective cost is $4,150-4,450/month.

Alaska Financial Reality:

• BAH (E-5 with deps): Covers $1,750 rent comfortably
• COLA (E-5 with deps): ~$850/month (adjusts quarterly)
• PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend): $1,300-2,000/person annually (family of 4 = $5,200-8,000/year)
• No State Income Tax: Saves $1,500-3,000/year depending on income

Net Result: Break even or save $200-500/month IF you budget carefully. Alaska is expensive, but COLA + PFD + no state tax make it manageable.

Savings Tips:

• Use commissary religiously (10-15% savings)
• Buy winter gear on sale in spring (Carhartt, Columbia, military surplus)
• DIY vehicle maintenance (block heaters, oil changes)
• Amazon Prime for non-perishables (free shipping on many items)
• Take advantage of free MWR activities (skiing, ice fishing, base gym)

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Spouse Employment & Family Life

Job Market Reality: Fairbanks is small (pop. 32,000) with limited private-sector jobs. Main employers: Fort Wainwright, Eielson AFB, University of Alaska Fairbanks, oil/gas support services, state/federal government, healthcare. Unemployment rate: 5-6% (seasonal fluctuations due to summer tourism).

Top Employers for Military Spouses:

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) - Admin, student services, research support ($35-50K)
2. Fort Wainwright (NAF/Contractor) - Childcare, MWR, youth services, gym ($30-40K)
3. Bassett Army Community Hospital - Medical admin, nursing, pharmacy tech ($40-60K)
4. Fairbanks North Star Borough School District - Teachers, paraprofessionals, substitutes ($35-55K)
5. Fred Meyer / Safeway - Retail, pharmacy, management ($30-40K)
6. State of Alaska - Admin, social services (remote options) ($40-55K)

Remote Work: Best option for spouses. Internet is reliable (GCI fiber in most areas), and remote work avoids commute in extreme cold. Tech, customer service, admin roles available.

Salary Range: $30-50K for most spouse jobs (lower than CONUS due to small economy). Cost of living higher, but COLA helps. Remote work from CONUS employers pays more.

Military Spouse Preference: Applies to Fort Wainwright NAF jobs. Also check EIELSON AFB (25 miles away) - dual installation opportunities.

Childcare Reality: HUGE issue. Fort Wainwright CDC has 6-12 month waitlist. Off-base childcare is $1,200/month with similar waitlists. Many families use family care plans or one spouse stays home. Factor this into PCS decision.

Family Support:

• Army Community Service (ACS) - Exceptional (Alaska-specific orientation, cold weather training, family programs)
• MWR Programs - Outdoor recreation (skiing, fishing, camping gear rental), youth sports, holiday events
• Spouses' Club - Active (monthly meetings, support groups, fundraisers, Alaska adventure trips)

Alaska Family Life: Fairbanks is isolated - nearest major city (Anchorage) is 360 miles and 6 hours by car. Limited restaurants, shopping, entertainment. But outdoor recreation is world-class: Denali National Park (2 hours), Chena Hot Springs (1 hour), aurora viewing, midnight sun festivals, dog mushing, ice fishing, skiing.

Pro Tip: Embrace the Alaska lifestyle or you'll be miserable. Join spouses' club, take MWR trips to Denali, learn to ski, go aurora hunting. The cold is bearable if you stay active.

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Common Questions About Fort Wainwright

Q: Is Fort Wainwright a good duty station?

A: Depends on your priorities. If you love the outdoors, adventure, and can handle extreme cold, Alaska is incredible. You'll see aurora borealis, explore Denali, fish world-class rivers, and have stories for life. But if you need warm weather, city amenities, or easy travel, you'll struggle. Fairbanks is isolated, dark half the year, and expensive. Most soldiers either love it or count down the days to PCS.

Q: Should I live on-base or off-base at Fort Wainwright?

A: Off-base for most families. On-base waitlist is 6-12 months, and housing quality is 6/10 (aging, but improving). North Pole offers best value ($1,700/month, 15-min commute, family-friendly). College area near UAF is walkable with better schools. Aurora/Eielson area works for dual-military. Avoid downtown Fairbanks (high crime). Apply for on-base immediately upon orders, but plan to live off-base initially.

Q: How bad is the cold at Fort Wainwright?

A: Extreme. -40°F is common in January/February. Your eyelashes freeze, exposed skin gets frostbite in minutes, and vehicles won't start without block heaters. But with proper gear (Carhartt, Canada Goose, military ECW), it's manageable. Fairbanks life adapts - remote starters, plug-in parking, indoor activities. Summer compensates with 19+ hours of daylight and 80°F temps. Buy extreme cold gear FIRST WEEK.

Q: What's the deployment tempo like?

A: High. 1st Stryker Brigade deploys regularly (Korea, Pacific rotations, contingency ops). Expect 6-9 month deployments every 18-24 months. Arctic training exercises are frequent (JPMRC, Alaska Shield, Yukon exercises). Single soldiers and geobachelors are common. If you're looking for a "chill" assignment, Fort Wainwright isn't it.

Q: Are schools good at Fort Wainwright?

A: Mediocre. Fairbanks schools are 5-7/10 range. Denali Elementary (near UAF) and Hutchison High are best (7/10). North Pole schools are 6/10 (small, military-friendly). Alaska faces teacher retention and funding issues. If education is a top priority, consider DoDEA schools at other bases or wait for better assignment.

Q: Is Alaska expensive for military families?

A: Yes, but manageable. Cost of living is 45% higher than national average, but COLA ($700-1,000/month) bridges the gap. BAH + COLA covers rent + utilities. No state income tax and Permanent Fund Dividend ($1,300-2,000/person/year) help. Budget carefully - groceries, childcare, and heating costs add up. You can break even or save modestly if disciplined.

Q: What's spouse employment like?

A: Limited. Fairbanks is small with few private-sector jobs. Best options: UAF ($35-50K), Fort Wainwright NAF ($30-40K), hospital ($40-60K), schools ($35-55K), or remote work (best option). Childcare waitlists (6-12 months) make dual-income challenging. Many spouses stay home or work remote. Plan ahead.

Q: Can I bring my car to Alaska?

A: Yes, but winterize it IMMEDIATELY. Extreme cold kills batteries, thickens oil, and cracks windshields. You MUST have: synthetic oil, block heater, remote starter, winter tires, battery tender. Fairbanks has mechanics who specialize in Alaska prep. Budget $500-1,000 for winterization. Some soldiers ship cars and buy Alaska vehicles locally.

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Next Steps

Planning Your PCS?

1. Calculate Your Entitlements - PCS Copilot → generates your custom 180-day timeline with JTR-compliant entitlements and finance-office-ready documentation.

Based on Joint Travel Regulations (JTR). Official regulations →

2. Explore Fort Wainwright Data - Base Navigator → (Premium) - Live housing prices, school ratings, and interactive maps

3. Get Your Questions Answered - Ask Military Expert → (Premium) - RAG-powered AI with 6,539 embeddings of official military regulations and real community insights

4. Audit Your LES - LES Auditor → (Premium) - Verify your BAH, COLA, and special pays match official 2025 rates

Essential Reading

• Alaska PCS Guide - OCONUS move regulations, shipping, and cold weather prep
• COLA Explainer - How OCONUS COLA works and adjusts

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Official Resources & References

This guide synthesizes data from official Department of Defense sources. For additional information:

• Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) - Official military pay and allowances
• Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) - PCS entitlements and regulations
• MilitaryOneSource - Free 24/7 counseling and family support
• Defense Travel Management Office - Official BAH rates and per diem
• Fort Wainwright Official Site - Installation information and resources

Last verified: January 24, 2025. Garrison Ledger is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense.

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