Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chefornak, AK
Considering a move to Chefornak, AK? This small, close-knit Alaska Native community of 418 offers affordable housing with a median home price of $151,000 and average rent of $800. Cost of living is high for groceries and utilities, but you’ll enjoy short 5-minute commutes, a rich Yup'ik cultural environment, and access to local K-12 schooling. While crime rates are slightly above average and household incomes are modest, Chefornak’s unique tundra climate and tight community spirit make it a special place for those seeking a remote and authentic Alaskan lifestyle.
Demographics - Chefornak, AK
Demographics - Chefornak, AK
Chefornak is a small, close-knit community of 418 residents, predominantly Alaska Native (Yup'ik), with a notably young median age of 23.2 years. The vast majority of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the strong cultural heritage of the area.
Population:
418
Density:
37 per sq mi
Median Age:
23.2
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
86.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
1.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
99.0% (Predominantly Alaska Native/Yup'ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chefornak, AK?
Living in Chefornak comes with a high cost of living index at 132.5, particularly due to elevated grocery and utility expenses, though housing remains relatively affordable with a median home value of $151,000. State taxes are nonexistent, but monthly electricity charges and transportation costs are higher than national averages.
Median House Value:
$151,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.5
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
94.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
170.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Chefornak, AK a safe place to live?
Chefornak experiences a moderate crime rate, with violent crime occurring at a rate of 410 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,400 per 100,000, slightly above the national average. Residents have a 1 in 244 chance of being affected by violent crime, but the community’s small size contributes to heightened awareness and vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,810
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Chefornak, AK year-round?
The climate in Chefornak is characterized by long, cold winters with temperatures often between -10°F and 10°F, and brief, mild summers peaking around 60°F. The area receives about 16.8 inches of rainfall annually and sees sunshine roughly 30% of the year, contributing to a distinct tundra environment.
Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
10°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
60°F
Fall
Min:
20°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
Household incomes in Chefornak are modest, with a median around $38,000 and a poverty rate of 35%, while unemployment stands at 14.2%. Most residents have short commutes of just five minutes, and the community is largely non-English speaking, with 86% using another language at home.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$40,500
Per Capita Income:
$7,900
Income Male:
$26,500
Income Female:
$22,800
Poverty Rate:
35.0%
Non English Speakers:
86.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
14.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
5.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
68.5%
Bachelors or More:
5.0%
Education
How are the schools in Chefornak, AK?
Education in Chefornak centers around Chaputnguak School, a local public K-12 school with about 210 students and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 12.5. For higher education, residents can access the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel, located approximately 98 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Chaputnguak School
Street:
Main St
Phone:
(907) 867-8912
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Kuskokwim Campus
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
98 miles
Students:
650
Healthcare
Medical care in Chefornak includes a local community clinic and access to a regional hospital in Bethel, 98 miles away, with 92% of residents having health insurance. Physician availability is limited, but basic healthcare needs are supported locally and more comprehensive services are accessible regionally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chefornak Health Clinic
Address:
Main St, Chefornak, AK 99561
Phone:
(907) 867-8919
Type:
Community Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
YKHC Bethel Hospital
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6393
Type:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
61.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chefornak, AK?
The housing market in Chefornak features affordable options, with a median home price of $151,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $800. Homeownership stands at 45%, and housing inventory remains steady with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$151,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
45.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Chefornak residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Anchorage. Services and information are accessible online or by phone, offering support for vehicle registration and licensing needs.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3300 Arctic Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99503
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.