Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Atka, AK
Considering a move to Atka, AK? This remote Aleutian community is home to just 54 residents, with affordable median home prices around $94,000 and low rental rates. While cost of living is high for groceries and utilities due to its isolation, crime is virtually nonexistent and commutes are a breeze. Atka offers a tight-knit Alaska Native community, basic K-12 schooling, and a cool, maritime climate with frequent rain and few sunny days. If you're seeking tranquility, strong cultural traditions, and scenic island living, Atka may be a unique fit.
Demographics - Atka, AK
Atka is a close-knit community of just 54 residents, predominantly Alaska Native, with a median age of 46.5 and a slightly higher number of males than females. About 65% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's strong cultural heritage. The low population density provides a peaceful and spacious living environment.
Population:
54
Density:
5 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
65%
Ethnic Composition
White:
5%
Asian:
0%
Others:
5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Atka, AK?
Living in Atka involves higher costs for groceries and utilities compared to national averages, largely due to its remote island location. However, housing remains affordable, with a median home value of $94,000 and average rents around $800 per month. Residents benefit from no state income tax, balancing out some of the higher day-to-day expenses.
Median House Value:
$94,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$200
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128
Grocery:
145
Housing:
75
Utilities:
180
Transportation:
200
Health Care:
120
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Atka, AK a safe place to live?
Atka stands out for its exceptionally low crime rates, with no reported violent or property crimes in recent years. Residents enjoy a strong sense of safety and security, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. The community's small size and close ties contribute to its safe atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Rare
Chance Of Property Crime:
Rare
Weather
What is the weather like in Atka, AK year-round?
Atka experiences a cool, maritime climate with mild temperatures ranging from the upper 20s in winter to the mid-50s in summer. The area receives about 54 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine only about 25% of the year, resulting in frequent overcast skies. Residents should be prepared for damp, breezy conditions throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
44°F
Summer
Min:
43°F
Max:
55°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
45°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
25%
Neighbors
Households in Atka typically have modest incomes, with a median household income of $38,000 and a poverty rate of 25%. The unemployment rate is relatively high at 15%, and most residents have short commutes of just 5 minutes. Education levels vary, with roughly 73% having completed high school and 8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Median Income:
$31,250
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$45,000
Per Capita Income:
$18,000
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
25%
Non English Speakers:
65%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
15%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
73%
Bachelors or More:
8%
Education
How are the schools in Atka, AK?
Atka is served by a small K-12 public school with a low student-to-teacher ratio, creating a personalized learning environment for its handful of students. Higher education opportunities are available remotely through the University of Alaska Anchorage, which is a significant distance from the island. Educational resources are basic but foster a strong sense of community among students.
Public Schools
Name:
Atka School
Street:
Atka, AK 99547
Phone:
(907) 839-2231
Students:
12
Student Teacher Ratio:
6:1
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage (remote/distance)
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
1,100 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Atka is served by a local community clinic, with more comprehensive emergency services available in Unalaska, over 100 miles away. Health insurance coverage is relatively high at 85%, but access to physicians is limited, reflecting the rural setting. Residents should be prepared for basic care locally and travel for specialized or emergency medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Atka Health Clinic
Address:
Atka, AK 99547
Phone:
(907) 839-2232
Type:
Community Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Iliuliuk Family and Health Services (nearest hospital)
Address:
Iliuliuk Harbor, Unalaska, AK 99685
Phone:
(907) 581-1202
Type:
General Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
85%
Health Care Index:
78
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Atka, AK?
The housing market in Atka is characterized by low median home prices around $94,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 70%. Rental options are limited but affordable, with two-bedroom units averaging $800 per month. Home appreciation is modest, and there are no recent foreclosures or new construction.
Median Home Price:
$94,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
70%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.5%
New Construction Rate:
0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Atka residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office in Anchorage. Most transactions can be handled online or via mail, given the community's remote location. Residents can access comprehensive DMV information and services through the state's official website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
400 Gambell Street, Anchorage, AK 99501
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.