Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chevak, AK
Considering a move to Chevak, AK? This small, predominantly Alaska Native community has a population of about 950 and features affordable housing, with median home prices around $79,000 and typical rents near $800. While the cost of living is high due to utility and grocery expenses, Chevak boasts a close-knit atmosphere and minimal commute times. Expect cold winters, limited healthcare services, and K-12 education at the local Chevak School, all set amidst the unique climate and culture of rural Alaska.
Demographics - Chevak, AK
Demographics - Chevak, AK
Chevak is a small, close-knit community of approximately 950 residents, with a notably young median age of 24.6 and a predominantly Alaska Native population. Around 80% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its strong indigenous heritage. The population density is low, offering a rural village lifestyle.
Population:
951
Density:
173 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.6
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
80.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
98.0% (Predominantly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chevak, AK?
While Chevak's median home value is a modest $79,000 and average rent is about $800, residents face higher overall living costs due to elevated utility and grocery prices. The cost of living index is 134, meaning expenses are above the national average, particularly for basics like electricity and food. However, Alaska's lack of state income and sales tax may offer some financial relief.
Median House Value:
$79,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
134
Grocery:
160
Housing:
90
Utilities:
200
Transportation:
120
Health Care:
135
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Chevak, AK a safe place to live?
Chevak experiences higher-than-average crime rates for its size, with a violent crime rate of 800 per 100,000 and a property crime risk of 1 in 34. While it's a small community, residents should be mindful of safety and take common precautions. The overall crime index reflects challenges typical of remote rural areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
800
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,900
Crime Index:
3,700
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 125
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Chevak, AK year-round?
Chevak has a subarctic climate, with long, cold winters where temperatures often drop below zero and short, mild summers that rarely exceed 62°F. The area receives about 17 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys limited sunshine, with roughly one-third of days considered sunny. Residents should be prepared for extreme cold and variable weather conditions.
Winter
Min:
-11°F
Max:
9°F
Spring
Min:
6°F
Max:
33°F
Summer
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Fall
Min:
11°F
Max:
36°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
33%
Neighbors
Chevak's households have modest incomes, with a median household income around $41,000 and a relatively high poverty rate of 36%. The unemployment rate is above average, but commute times are extremely short, averaging just over five minutes. Most residents do not rely on public transportation, and educational attainment rates are lower than national averages.
Median Income:
$30,600
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$42,500
Per Capita Income:
$11,900
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
36.0%
Non English Speakers:
80.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
13.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
54.0%
Bachelors or More:
5.5%
Education
How are the schools in Chevak, AK?
Chevak offers K-12 education through Chevak School, which serves about 325 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15.5. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available via the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus, located about 120 miles away. Educational attainment in the area is lower than the national average, with a small percentage holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Chevak School (K-12)
Street:
Main Street
Phone:
(907) 858-7715
Students:
325
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus (satellite outreach)
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
120 miles
Students:
800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chevak is limited to the local Chevak Health Clinic, which provides primary care but no emergency services. There are only 0.4 physicians per 1,000 residents, making access to specialized care challenging. However, about 85% of residents have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chevak Health Clinic
Address:
Main Street, Chevak, AK 99563
Phone:
(907) 858-7122
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
62
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chevak, AK?
The housing market in Chevak is affordable, with a median home price of $79,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $800. Nearly half of residents own their homes, and the market sees minimal new construction or foreclosures. Home appreciation is modest, reflecting a stable but slow-growing market.
Median Home Price:
$79,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
48.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Chevak residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Anchorage. DMV services, including licensing and registration, can be accessed online or by phone. Alaska’s DMV provides essential resources for vehicle owners throughout the state.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Hwy, 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.