By SUZANNE DOWNING
Jan. 29, 2026 – Property assessment notices are landing in mailboxes across the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and the numbers show another year of rising property values.
The average assessed value of a single-family home in the Mat-Su is up 7.41% over last year.
Last year, the average assessed value of a single-family home rose to $388,091, about a 5% increase over the prior year’s average. Overall property values across the borough (including various property types) increased in 2025 by an average of 8.3% year-over-year.
The Mat-Su Borough continues to be one of the more sought-after addresses in Alaska, even more so as people flee the Anchorage bowl due to crime and deteriorating quality of life.
Officials stress that the 7.41% figure is an average, meaning individual properties may see higher or lower changes depending on location, condition, improvements, and market activity.
The increase reflects continued pressure in the Mat-Su housing market, driven by limited inventory, population growth, and sustained demand for single-family homes.
A higher assessed value does not automatically mean a higher property tax bill. Property taxes are determined by two separate factors, including the assessed value and the actual mill rate. That is the rate applied to each $1,000 of assessed value.
In addition to residential property adjustments, the assessor’s office is also moving forward with a plan to increase the assessed value of vacant land. Vacant properties are currently assessed below market value, and the office intends to raise those assessments by approximately 15% over the next few years to bring them in line with real market conditions.
Property owners who believe their assessment is inaccurate will have the opportunity to appeal through the borough’s formal assessment review process, which is outlined in the assessment notices.
One thought on “Mat-Su Borough property assessments up over 7%”
Our house, in the Fishhook area, has been a little bit undervalued for a few years so I was expecting an adjustment eventually. I know it has been undervalued because I used to be a real estate appraiser, and still pay attention to the market.
With that said, and never mind my feelings about private property taxation being used to generate government revenue as that is another discussion, an increase in value does not equate to a higher tax bill. That will only happen if it is combined with an increased budget.
The formula that generates our tax bills, a little simplistically, uses the budget, assessed value, and mil rate. If the budget stays the same, and values go up, the mil rate should go down. That won’t occur until this summer with the new fiscal year. Tax bills come out in July. With that said, look at your value. Consider that it is a determination of what your house would sell for on January 1. If you think it is too high then call the assessors office and go over your records to make sure all is in order. Sometimes an adjustment will occur. If you still feel it is too high then file a formal appeal.