Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Anaktuvuk Pass, AK
Considering a move to Anaktuvuk Pass, AK? This small Arctic village of 427 residents offers affordable housing with a median home price of $120,000 and average rents around $900. Cost of living is high for groceries and utilities due to remote access, but there’s no state income tax. Expect a tight-knit, mostly Native community, low commute times, and a unique subarctic climate with cold winters and cool summers. While local education and healthcare are limited, the area’s cultural heritage and scenic wilderness offer a truly distinctive lifestyle.
Demographics - Anaktuvuk Pass, AK
Demographics - Anaktuvuk Pass, AK
Anaktuvuk Pass is a small Arctic village with a population of 427, where nearly nine out of ten residents are Native American and the median age is just under 30. The community is close-knit, with a slightly higher number of males and a significant portion of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The low population density and cultural diversity give the area a unique, village-like atmosphere.
Population:
427
Density:
10 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
45.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Anaktuvuk Pass, AK?
Despite its remote location, Anaktuvuk Pass offers relatively affordable housing with a median home value of $120,000, but living expenses like groceries and utilities are considerably higher than the national average. Residents benefit from Alaska’s lack of state income tax, though the overall cost of living index is elevated due to transportation and supply costs. Monthly rent averages $900, and utilities can be costly, reflecting the challenges of Arctic living.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$275
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
130.0
Grocery:
170.0
Housing:
105.0
Utilities:
210.0
Transportation:
150.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Anaktuvuk Pass, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Anaktuvuk Pass are low compared to national averages, with a 1 in 333 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 56 chance of property crime annually. The village’s small size and strong community ties contribute to overall safety. Most residents experience a secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
300
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,100
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Anaktuvuk Pass, AK year-round?
Anaktuvuk Pass has a true subarctic climate, featuring long, extremely cold winters where temperatures often drop well below zero, and short, cool summers with highs reaching the mid-60s. The area receives about 7.5 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys only 35% sunny days, making for a harsh but striking natural setting. Residents should be prepared for significant temperature swings and limited sunlight, especially in winter.

Winter
Min:
-30°F
Max:
-10°F

Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
30°F

Summer
Min:
40°F
Max:
65°F

Fall
Min:
0°F
Max:
25°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
The median household income in Anaktuvuk Pass is $54,000, though about a quarter of residents live below the poverty line and unemployment is relatively high. Most people commute less than five minutes to work, and public transportation is not available, highlighting the village’s small size and local employment. Educational attainment is moderate, with three-quarters of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$54,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,000
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
25.0%
Non English Speakers:
45.0%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
9.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
75.0%
Bachelors or More:
10.5%
Education
How are the schools in Anaktuvuk Pass, AK?
Educational opportunities in Anaktuvuk Pass are centered around Nunamiut School, which serves about 80 students with a low student-teacher ratio, providing a personalized learning environment. There are no private schools in the village, and the closest college is Ilisagvik College, located 250 miles away in Utqiaġvik. Families seeking higher education should be prepared for limited local options and possible relocation for advanced studies.

Public Schools
Name:
Nunamiut School
Street:
PO Box 49, Anaktuvuk Pass, AK 99721
Phone:
907-661-3211
Students:
80
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0

Colleges
Name:
Ilisagvik College
City:
Utqiaġvik
State:
AK
Distance:
250 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Healthcare options are limited locally, with only a small community health clinic in town and the nearest full-service hospital located over 200 miles away in Utqiaġvik. Most residents have health insurance, but physician availability is low, reflecting the village’s remote setting. Emergency medical services require significant travel, so access to specialized care can be challenging.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Anaktuvuk Pass Health Clinic
Address:
Anaktuvuk Pass, AK 99721
Phone:
(907) 661-3619
Type:
Community Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address:
7000 Uula St, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723
Phone:
(907) 852-4611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Anaktuvuk Pass, AK?
The housing market in Anaktuvuk Pass is stable, with a median home price of $120,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom home at $900. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees little new construction or foreclosure activity. Home appreciation is modest, reflecting the steady, tight-knit nature of the local market.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents access motor vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Fairbanks. Services and information can be found on the official state DMV website or by phone. Due to the village's remote location, in-person DMV visits may require long-distance travel.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
1-855-269-5551
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.