Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chalkyitsik, AK
Considering a move to Chalkyitsik, AK? This small, remote Gwich’in Athabascan village has a population of just 69, with affordable housing (median price around $90,000 and rents near $750) and a low cost of living for housing but higher prices for groceries and utilities. Winters are extremely cold—with average lows dipping to -30°F—and most commutes are under 5 minutes. The local school offers small class sizes, but educational attainment and income are lower than state and national averages. If you enjoy a tight-knit rural community, breathtaking wilderness, and don’t mind the remote lifestyle, Chalkyitsik could be a unique fit.
Demographics - Chalkyitsik, AK
Demographics - Chalkyitsik, AK
Chalkyitsik is a small, close-knit community of 69 people, predominantly Alaska Native (Gwich’in Athabascan), with a median age of about 39 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population density is very low at 7 per square mile, and about 60% of residents primarily speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
69
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
97% (predominantly Alaska Native – Gwich’in Athabascan)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chalkyitsik, AK?
Chalkyitsik offers affordable housing options, with a median home value of $90,000 and average rents around $750 per month. While housing costs are relatively low, residents can expect higher expenses for groceries and utilities due to the village's remote location, and the overall cost of living index is above the national average.
Median House Value:
$90,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$380
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128
Grocery:
145
Housing:
60
Utilities:
175
Transportation:
140
Health Care:
135
Miscellaneous:
110
Crime
Is Chalkyitsik, AK a safe place to live?
The village experiences a low rate of violent crime, with a 1 in 400 chance annually, but property crimes are somewhat higher, with a 1 in 59 chance. Overall, Chalkyitsik remains a relatively safe place to live, especially when compared with urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
250
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
1,950
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Chalkyitsik, AK year-round?
Chalkyitsik endures long, harsh winters with temperatures often plunging as low as -30°F, while summers are mild, reaching highs of around 75°F. The area receives about 7.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 45% of days, making it ideal for those who appreciate a subarctic climate.
Winter
Min:
-30°F
Max:
-10°F
Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
38°F
Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
48°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
7.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Most households in Chalkyitsik have modest incomes, with a median of $30,000 and a poverty rate of 25%. The community has a high high-school graduation rate at 85%, but only 5% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and unemployment is elevated at 18%, reflecting the rural, subsistence lifestyle.
Median Income:
$30,000
Household Income:
$33,000
Family Income:
$35,500
Per Capita Income:
$14,200
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
25%
Non English Speakers:
60%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
18%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85%
Bachelors or More:
5%
Education
How are the schools in Chalkyitsik, AK?
Chalkyitsik School offers personalized attention with just 19 students and an 8:1 student-teacher ratio, ensuring a supportive learning environment. For higher education, residents typically travel to Fairbanks, home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located about 180 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Chalkyitsik School
Street:
Main St
Phone:
(907) 848-8113
Students:
19
Student Teacher Ratio:
8:1
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
180 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Chalkyitsik is served by a village clinic providing primary and emergency care, with about 0.5 physicians per 1,000 residents and 82% of locals having health insurance. While major hospitals are not nearby, basic healthcare needs are met locally for this small population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chalkyitsik Village Clinic
Address:
Chalkyitsik, AK 99788
Phone:
(907) 848-8112
Type:
Primary & Emergency Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
82%
Health Care Index:
60
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chalkyitsik, AK?
The housing market in Chalkyitsik is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $90,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 77%. Rental options are limited but reasonably priced, and vacancy and foreclosure rates remain low, indicating a steady but tight market.
Median Home Price:
$90,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
77%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Fairbanks. Most vehicle registrations and licensing needs will require travel or online services due to Chalkyitsik’s remote setting.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.