Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chenega Bay, AK
Thinking of moving to Chenega Bay, AK? This remote village offers a close-knit, primarily Alaska Native community of just 59 people, affordable median home prices around $150,000, and very low crime rates. The cost of living is high for groceries and utilities due to its location, but rents are modest and commutes are virtually non-existent. Chenega Bay boasts a small local school, beautiful coastal scenery, and a cool, rainy climate—ideal for those seeking a peaceful, off-the-grid lifestyle.
Demographics - Chenega Bay, AK
Demographics - Chenega Bay, AK
Chenega Bay is a small, close-knit village with a population of just 59, where the majority of residents are Alaska Native or American Indian. The community has a median age of 41, a slightly higher ratio of males, and about 35% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density and strong cultural heritage offer a unique and tranquil living environment.
Population:
59
Density:
3 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
15.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
85.0% (primarily Alaska Native/American Indian)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chenega Bay, AK?
While Chenega Bay offers affordable median home values at $150,000 and moderate rents around $850, the overall cost of living is elevated due to higher-than-average grocery and utility costs. State taxes are non-existent, but essentials like electricity and transportation are more expensive because of the remote location. Residents benefit from low housing costs but should budget for pricier everyday goods and services.
Median House Value:
$150,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
125.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
95.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Chenega Bay, AK a safe place to live?
Chenega Bay is an exceptionally safe community, reporting no violent or property crimes in recent years. The risk of crime is extremely low, making it an appealing place for those seeking peace of mind and a secure environment. Its small size and tight-knit community contribute to this remarkable safety record.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely low
Chance Of Property Crime:
Extremely low
Weather
What is the weather like in Chenega Bay, AK year-round?
The climate in Chenega Bay is cool and rainy, with mild summers reaching up to 61°F and winters rarely dipping below 18°F. Annual rainfall is significant at 71 inches, and sunny days are limited, making it ideal for those who enjoy a misty, maritime atmosphere. Residents should be prepared for damp, cloudy weather throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
42°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
61°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
45°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
71 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
26%
Neighbors
Residents of Chenega Bay typically enjoy a quiet lifestyle with a median household income of $60,000 and a poverty rate of 18%. Commutes are virtually nonexistent at just five minutes, and public transportation is not used. The community values education, with over 80% having completed high school, though bachelor’s degrees are less common.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$60,000
Family Income:
$65,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,000
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
18.0%
Non English Speakers:
35.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
9.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.0%
Bachelors or More:
8.0%
Education
How are the schools in Chenega Bay, AK?
Education in Chenega Bay centers around its small public school, which offers a low student-to-teacher ratio and a close-knit learning environment. For higher education, residents typically look to regional institutions like the University of Alaska Anchorage, which is accessible by air. Educational opportunities are limited locally but supported by strong community involvement.
Public Schools
Name:
Chenega Bay School
Street:
100 School Road
Phone:
(907) 573-5139
Students:
15
Student Teacher Ratio:
6:1
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage (regional)
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
170 miles (air travel required)
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chenega Bay is primarily accessed through regional services, with telemedicine and clinic visits supplementing local care. The nearest major hospital is in Anchorage, and about 89% of residents have health insurance coverage. While physician access is limited locally, regional resources help meet healthcare needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Alaska Native Medical Center (serving region)
Address:
4315 Diplomacy Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone:
(907) 563-2662
Type:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.0 (local, regional access via telemedicine/clinic)
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
80.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chenega Bay, AK?
The housing market in Chenega Bay is stable, with a median home price of $150,000 and most residents owning their homes. Rental options are modestly priced at $850 for a two-bedroom unit, and vacancy rates are low. Home appreciation is steady, and new construction is rare, reflecting the village’s small, established nature.
Median Home Price:
$150,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Chenega Bay residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Anchorage. Residents can access DMV services online or by traveling to Anchorage as needed. This arrangement is typical for remote Alaskan communities.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
(907) 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.