Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Bettles, AK
Considering a move to Bettles, AK? With a tiny population of just 12, Bettles offers a true remote Alaskan lifestyle surrounded by wilderness. Housing costs are low, with median home prices around $85,000 and average rent at $850, but expect a high cost of living for groceries and utilities due to its isolation. Crime is virtually nonexistent, and with a 5-minute average commute, life moves at a relaxed pace. You'll find limited local amenities, but Bettles stands out for its unique climate, extreme winters, and incredible access to outdoor adventure.
Demographics - Bettles, AK
Demographics - Bettles, AK
Bettles is an exceptionally small community with just 12 residents, a median age of 48, and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, with a notable Native American presence, and about 16% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density offers a secluded and tranquil living environment.
Population:
12
Density:
2.0 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.0
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
8.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Bettles, AK?
While Bettles boasts low housing costs, with median home values around $85,000 and average rent at $850, the overall cost of living is significantly higher than the national average due to steep prices for groceries and utilities. Residents benefit from zero state income tax, but should be prepared for higher expenses in daily necessities. Utility costs and transportation are particularly elevated, reflecting the town's remote location.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$240
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.0
Grocery:
138.0
Housing:
70.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Bettles, AK a safe place to live?
Bettles enjoys an extremely safe environment, with no reported violent or property crimes, making it one of the safest places in the region. The absence of crime contributes to a peaceful lifestyle and close-knit community feel. Residents can expect a very low risk of encountering criminal activity.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Very rare
Chance Of Property Crime:
Very rare
Weather
What is the weather like in Bettles, AK year-round?
Bettles experiences dramatic seasonal changes, with winters frequently dropping between -30°F and -10°F, and summers offering mild highs up to 70°F. The area receives about 10 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine around 45% of the year. Extreme cold and short summers define the local climate, ideal for those who appreciate the wilderness and don't mind harsh winters.
Winter
Min:
-30°F
Max:
-10°F
Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
32°F
Summer
Min:
40°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
-5°F
Max:
30°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Residents of Bettles share a modest median household income of $36,000, with a poverty rate of 21% and a very short average commute of 5 minutes. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and public transportation usage is nonexistent. The community is close-knit, with a slower pace of life and limited economic opportunities.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$36,000
Family Income:
$44,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,000
Income Male:
$23,000
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
21.0%
Non English Speakers:
16.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
17.0%
Education
How are the schools in Bettles, AK?
Local schooling is limited, with area students typically attending Allakaket School, which has a low student-teacher ratio and small student body. For higher education, residents look to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located about 180 miles away. Educational options reflect the city’s small size and remote setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Allakaket School (serving area)
Street:
Allakaket School Rd, Allakaket, AK 99720
Phone:
907-968-2230
Students:
40
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
180 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Healthcare services in Bettles are limited, with the Kanuti Health Clinic serving as the primary facility and no local hospitals or emergency services available. Most residents are insured, but access to physicians is extremely limited, requiring travel for specialized or emergency care. Those with ongoing medical needs should plan for the town’s remote healthcare options.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kanuti Health Clinic
Address:
Bettles, AK 99726
Phone:
(907) 692-5000
Type:
Community Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
62.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Bettles, AK?
The housing market in Bettles features affordable median home prices at $85,000 and average rents of $850 for a two-bedroom unit, with half the homes being owner-occupied. Vacancy rates are modest, and there is little new construction or foreclosure activity. The market is stable but limited, reflecting the city's size and remote location.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
50.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
Residents manage vehicle registrations and licensing through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Fairbanks. Services require a significant trip, so planning ahead for DMV needs is essential. The state DMV offers resources online and by phone for added convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
907-451-5192
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.