Doing Business in Sitka, Alaska

There is no doubt that living on an island in the Pacific Ocean has its obstacles, but there is also no denying that Sitka's quality of life is extraordinarily high. It is this high quality of life that draws people to Sitka, not just to visit but to call home. Sitka is a charming little town with a thriving art community, exceptional healthcare, and the spirit of Alaskan entrepreneurs.  Isn't it time you relocated or started your business in Sitka, Alaska? Visit buyalaska.com to discover some of the local Sitka, and Alaska businesses that are already doing business here!

A Great Tax Climate for Business

Alaska has the lowest individual State and Local tax burden in the United States. There is no State income tax on individuals and no State sales tax. Learn more about Alaska's Tax system.  

Alaska ranks 2nd on the Tax Foundation's State Business Tax Climate Index in 2019. The Index compares the states in five areas of taxation that impact business: corporate taxes (25th), individual income taxes (1st), sales taxes (5th), unemployment insurance taxes (35th), and taxes on property (23rd), including residential and commercial property.  

Sitka

Sitka enjoys all the qualities of a small town lifestyle while also having the services and amenities of a much larger city, all within a compact area. Sitka even has daily 737 jet service via Alaska Airlines and seasonal service by Delta Airlines that provides reliable access to Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage.

Located on the Great Circle Trade Route of the Pacific Rim, Sitka is in a position to take advantage of back-haul cargo capacity from the Port of Prince Rupert to Asian markets. 

 

Sitka Business Assets:

Communications- fiber optic connection to lower 48

Transportation- Daily jet service, deep water access, short commute time

Financial Incentives- no state personal income tax, low property tax, HUBZone

Resources and Business Opportunities - Abundant pure fresh water, a top port for seafood harvest, second growth timber, over 30 acres of waterfront property for development at the Gary Paxton Industrial Park.

Superb Quality of Life & Great place to Raise a Family

OTHER ASSETS INCLUDE:

  • Designated as one of the top ten "Best Small Towns to Visit in 2013" - Smithsonian

  • Named a “2010 Distinctive Destination” - National Trust for Historic

  • PreservationOne of the “12 Great Places You’ve Never Heard Of”- Mother Earth News Aug/Sept 2006

  • Second BIGGEST small town in America

  • 8,929 population (2016 estimate)

  • Land area 2874 square miles

  • Water area 1927 square miles

  • Four banks and a credit union

  • Two hospitals, including 24 hour emergency care

  • Branch campus of the University of Alaska

  • 17% Alaska Native population

  • State boarding school, Mt. Edgecumbe High School

  • Five City-owned boat harbors and three boat launch facilities

  • Outdoor recreational opportunities include an extensive trail system

  • Three public auditoriums

  • Two small movie theaters

  • Alaska State Trooper Academy

  • U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Maple

  • Local Fire Department - ISO rating of 5

  • Active Fire, EMS, Dive volunteers

  • Active Search & Rescue volunteers

  • Local Police Department with 18 full-time police officers

  • Tsunami-ready community

  • Enhanced 911 emergency response system

  • Sitka is one of the safest cities in Alaska, based on FBI Crime Statistics