Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barrow, AK
Considering a move to Barrow (Utqiaġvik), AK? With around 4,350 residents, Barrow offers a unique Arctic lifestyle with a strong Iñupiat heritage and close-knit community. The cost of living is high due to remote location, with median home prices at $225,000 and rents around $1,350. Crime rates are above the national average, but commutes are short (about 9 minutes), and local schools are small and community-focused. Expect extreme winter temperatures, minimal daylight in winter, and a truly singular Alaska experience.
Demographics - Barrow, AK
Demographics - Barrow, AK
Barrow, Alaska, is home to about 4,350 residents, most of whom are Iñupiat Alaska Native, reflecting the city’s rich Indigenous heritage. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 29.5, and the community is diverse, with over a third speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
4,350
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
15.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
82.5% (primarily Iñupiat Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Barrow, AK?
The cost of living in Barrow is high, with a cost of living index well above the national average and groceries and utilities particularly expensive due to its remote Arctic location. Median home prices are around $225,000, and monthly rents average $1,350, while state taxes remain at 0%.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$330
Auto Insurance:
$1,750
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,625
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.0
Grocery:
170.0
Housing:
95.0
Utilities:
190.0
Transportation:
170.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
125.0
Crime
Is Barrow, AK a safe place to live?
Barrow experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a chance of property crime at about 1 in 46 and violent crime at 1 in 208. While safety is a concern, community ties and local awareness remain strong.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
480
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 208
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Barrow, AK year-round?
Barrow’s weather is characterized by long, extreme winters with temperatures often below zero and only short, cool summers. Residents experience minimal annual rainfall—mostly as snow—and about 30% sunny days, making for a true Arctic climate.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
-4°F
Spring
Min:
-5°F
Max:
20°F
Summer
Min:
34°F
Max:
46°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.5 inches (mostly snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
Barrow’s residents enjoy short commutes averaging 9 minutes and a median household income of $67,500, though the poverty rate stands at 16.5%. The majority have at least a high school education, and the community is tight-knit with a significant portion speaking non-English languages.
Median Income:
$38,500
Household Income:
$67,500
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,000
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$35,000
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
35.0%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
8.6%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
9.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.0%
Bachelors or More:
12.0%
Education
How are the schools in Barrow, AK?
Barrow offers a selection of small, community-focused public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios, and is also home to Iḷisaġvik College, Alaska’s only tribal college. Educational opportunities emphasize local culture and support for a diverse student population.
Public Schools
Name:
Kiita Learning Community
Street:
829 Aivik St
Phone:
907-852-9754
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Barrow High School
Street:
1689 Okpik St
Phone:
907-852-8950
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.0
Name:
Ipalook Elementary School
Street:
1610 Ahkovak St
Phone:
907-852-5311
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Iḷisaġvik College
City:
Barrow
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
170
Healthcare
Healthcare in Barrow is anchored by the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital offering general and tribal care, including emergency services. With 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and 80% health insurance coverage, basic medical needs are met locally despite the remote setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address:
7000 Uula St, Utqiaġvik (Barrow), AK 99723
Phone:
(907) 852-4611
Type:
General & Tribal Healthcare
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
80.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Barrow, AK?
Barrow’s housing market features a median home price of $225,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $1,350, with homeownership relatively low at 36%. Housing supply is limited, and home values are seeing modest appreciation each year.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
36.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Barrow does not have a local DMV office; residents must access services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest physical office located in Fairbanks. Most DMV needs can be managed online or by phone.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Office does not exist in Barrow; nearest in Fairbanks, AK
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.