Alaska / North Slope County

Moving to Barrow, AK

Thinking of making a move to Barrow, AK? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Barrow, AK

Considering a move to Barrow, AK? This welcoming community of 4,400 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $275,000 and average rents near $1,850. Commute times average 11 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (35% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Barrow's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Barrow, AK

Barrow has a population of 4,400 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 29 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 18% White, 3% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 18% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
4,400
Density
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age
29.1
Gender Ratio
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
18.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
18.0%
Black
3.0%
Asian
2.0%
Others
77.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Barrow, AK?

The cost of living in Barrow is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 145.0. Median home values are around $275,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,800. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$275,000
Gross Rent
$1,800
Monthly Electricity Charges
$220
Auto Insurance
$2,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$780
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 0.0%
Cost Of Living Index
145.0
Grocery
132.0
Housing
150.0
Utilities
165.0
Transportation
138.0
Health Care
128.0
Miscellaneous
125.0

Crime

Is Barrow, AK a safe place to live?

Barrow is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 520 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 45. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alaska.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
520
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,200
Crime Index
2,720
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 45

Weather

What is the weather like in Barrow, AK year-round?

Barrow experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 48°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 35% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
-20°F
Max
-5°F

Summer

Min
35°F
Max
48°F

Spring

Min
-5°F
Max
20°F

Fall

Min
10°F
Max
28°F
Average Rainfall Inches
4.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
35%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $83,000 and a low poverty rate of 14.0%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 11 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$72,000
Household Income
$83,000
Family Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$28,500
Income Male
$78,000
Income Female
$64,000
Poverty Rate
14.0%
Non English Speakers
16.0%
Rent
$1,800
Unemployment Rate
7.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.0%
Commute Time
10.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.0%
Bachelors or More
18.0%

Education

How are the schools in Barrow, AK?

Barrow offers quality education options, with public schools like Utqiaġvik High School and Fred Ipalook Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Ilisagvik College and University of Alaska Fairbanks. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Utqiaġvik High School
Street
1692 Okpik St
Phone
907-852-9600
Students
330
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8
Name
Fred Ipalook Elementary School
Street
1001 Ahkovak St
Phone
907-852-9425
Students
420
Student Teacher Ratio
12.6

Private Schools

Name
Immaculate Heart of Mary School
Street
1160 Agvik St
Phone
907-852-4951
Students
85

Colleges

Name
Ilisagvik College
City
Utqiaġvik
State
AK
Distance
1 mile
Students
170
Name
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City
Fairbanks
State
AK
Distance
560 miles
Students
8,000

Healthcare

Barrow residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital and Maniilaq Health Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 0.8 per 1,000 people and 88.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address
7000 Uula St, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723
Phone
(907) 852-2762
Type
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Maniilaq Health Center
Address
436 5th Ave, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone
(907) 442-3321
Type
Regional Health Center
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage
88.0%
Health Care Index
62.0

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Barrow, AK?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $275,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 52%. The market has seen a 3.0% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.0%. Barrow offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,850
Owner Occupied Rate
52.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.0%
New Construction Rate
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Barrow handle vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Anchorage. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alaska
Department
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone
1-855-269-5551

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.

FAQs About Moving to Barrow, AK

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Barrow, review the core fields on this page: population 4,400, median home value $275,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,850, commute time 10.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 35%.

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