Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Arctic Village, AK
Considering a move to Arctic Village, AK? This remote, primarily Gwich’in community of about 152 offers a unique lifestyle with a low median home price of $82,000 and average rent around $600. Expect a high cost of groceries and utilities due to its location, but low crime rates and a close-knit, peaceful environment. With a short five-minute commute, basic education onsite, and a climate featuring long, cold winters, Arctic Village is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility far from city crowds.
Demographics - Arctic Village, AK
Demographics - Arctic Village, AK
Arctic Village is a small, close-knit community of about 152 people, with most residents identifying as Gwich’in Alaska Native. The population is young, with a median age of 33.5, and over a third of residents speak a language other than English at home. The area is sparsely populated, providing a peaceful and culturally rich environment.
Population:
152
Density:
6 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.5
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35%
Ethnic Composition
White:
4%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
96% (predominantly Gwich’in Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Arctic Village, AK?
Living in Arctic Village comes with a moderate median home value of $82,000 and average rent of $600, but the overall cost of living is high due to expensive groceries and utilities. Residents benefit from no state income tax, though essential services and goods often cost more because of the remote location. Monthly electricity charges and transportation expenses are notably above national averages.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$600
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$300
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
90.0
Utilities:
170.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Arctic Village, AK a safe place to live?
Arctic Village experiences very low crime, with both violent and property crime rates well below national averages. Residents have a 1 in 581 chance of encountering violent crime, making it a safe place to live. The village’s small population and tight community foster a secure atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
172
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,025
Crime Index:
1,197
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 581
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Arctic Village, AK year-round?
Expect long, harsh winters in Arctic Village, with temperatures frequently dropping as low as -40°F, while summers remain mild, reaching up to 70°F. The area receives about 7.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny conditions about half the year. Seasonal extremes are typical, so residents should be prepared for cold and variable weather conditions.
Winter
Min:
-40°F
Max:
-10°F
Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
38°F
Summer
Min:
38°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Households in Arctic Village tend to have modest incomes, with a median household income of $28,000 and a high poverty rate of 36.5%. The unemployment rate is elevated at 22%, yet commute times are short at just five minutes. The majority of residents are long-term locals, sharing a strong sense of community and tradition.
Median Income:
$19,500
Household Income:
$28,000
Family Income:
$33,000
Per Capita Income:
$12,000
Income Male:
$23,000
Income Female:
$17,000
Poverty Rate:
36.5%
Non English Speakers:
35%
Rent:
$600
Unemployment Rate:
22.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.0%
Bachelors or More:
6.0%
Education
How are the schools in Arctic Village, AK?
Arctic Village offers K-12 education through its local public school, which serves a small student body with a favorable student-teacher ratio. Higher education opportunities are available in Fairbanks, about 290 miles away, home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Educational resources are limited but provide foundational learning within the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Arctic Village School
Street:
Arctic Village, AK 99722
Phone:
(907) 587-5229
Students:
35
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
290 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Arctic Village is primarily provided by a local rural health clinic, with more extensive services available in nearby Fort Yukon. There are relatively few physicians per capita, but health insurance coverage is high at 89%. Residents rely on basic healthcare facilities, with emergency services located outside the immediate area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Arctic Village Health Clinic
Address:
Arctic Village, AK 99722
Phone:
(907) 587-5229
Type:
Rural Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Fort Yukon Health Center
Address:
Fort Yukon, AK 99740
Phone:
(907) 662-2460
Type:
Rural Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
64.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Arctic Village, AK?
The housing market features low median home prices at $82,000 and affordable average rent of $600 for a two-bedroom unit. Most homes are owner-occupied, reflecting a stable residential base, while new construction and foreclosure rates remain minimal. Housing is accessible, though options may be limited due to the village’s small size.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$600
Owner Occupied Rate:
87.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Arctic Village residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Anchorage. Services can be accessed online or by phone, given the remote location. Residents typically handle DMV tasks remotely or during trips to larger cities.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503
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.