Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Atqasuk, AK
Thinking of moving to Atqasuk, AK? This small Arctic city of 315 offers a tight-knit Alaska Native community, affordable housing around $120,000, and very short commute times. While the cost of living is higher than the U.S. average due to remote location and utilities, you’ll experience unique Iñupiat culture, a peaceful rural lifestyle, and crisp Arctic weather. Schools are small and community-focused, and crime rates are moderate for the North Slope region. If you’re seeking adventure and serenity in Alaska’s far north, Atqasuk could be a great fit.
Demographics - Atqasuk, AK
Demographics - Atqasuk, AK
Atqasuk is a small Arctic community with a population of 315, predominantly Alaska Native/Iñupiat, and a youthful median age of 26. The area features a low population density and a high proportion of non-English speakers, reflecting the rich local heritage and strong cultural traditions.
Population:
315
Density:
8 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.0
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
65%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
96.0% (predominantly Alaska Native/Iñupiat)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Atqasuk, AK?
Cost of living in Atqasuk is notably higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 138. Essential expenses such as groceries and utilities are elevated due to the remote location, but median home values remain relatively affordable at around $120,000.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$350
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
138
Grocery:
150
Housing:
110
Utilities:
220
Transportation:
170
Health Care:
130
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Atqasuk, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Atqasuk are moderate for the North Slope, with a property crime rate of 1,700 per 100,000 and a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000. Residents generally enjoy a sense of safety typical of small, close-knit communities in remote Alaska.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
370
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
2,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 270
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Atqasuk, AK year-round?
Atqasuk experiences extreme Arctic weather, with long, cold winters where temperatures often dip below -30°F, and summers that are brief and cool, rarely exceeding 55°F. The area receives only about 4 inches of precipitation annually, mostly as snow, and enjoys around 42% sunny days.
Winter
Min:
-30°F
Max:
-10°F
Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
25°F
Summer
Min:
35°F
Max:
55°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.0 inches (mostly snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Local households in Atqasuk have a median income of $58,000 and a poverty rate of 18%, while unemployment is higher than average at 12%. The community is tight-knit and predominantly Alaska Native, with most residents commuting very short distances and public transportation not in use.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$58,000
Family Income:
$60,500
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
18%
Non English Speakers:
65%
Rent:
$1,250
Unemployment Rate:
12%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80%
Bachelors or More:
6%
Education
How are the schools in Atqasuk, AK?
Education in Atqasuk centers around the community-focused Meade River School, which offers a low student-teacher ratio and serves about 140 students. Higher education opportunities are available at Ilisagvik College in Utqiaġvik, located 60 miles away and serving approximately 400 students.
Public Schools
Name:
Meade River School
Street:
Main St, Atqasuk, AK 99791
Phone:
(907) 633-6300
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
10:1
Colleges
Name:
Ilisagvik College
City:
Utqiaġvik
State:
AK
Distance:
60 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Healthcare services are anchored by the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital located in nearby Utqiaġvik, offering general and emergency care. With 0.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and 81% health insurance coverage, access to care is available but somewhat limited due to the region’s remote nature.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address:
7000 Uula St, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723
Phone:
(907) 852-4611
Type:
General & Tribal
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
81%
Health Care Index:
68
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Atqasuk, AK?
The housing market in Atqasuk is stable, with a median home price of $120,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 74%. Rental options are limited but affordable, and home appreciation rates remain steady, reflecting the area’s modest growth and low vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate:
74%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents of Atqasuk are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office in Fairbanks. DMV services, including licensing and vehicle registration, can also be accessed online via the state's official DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
(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.