Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chignik, AK
Considering a move to Chignik, AK? This remote fishing village has a tiny population of just 97, offering a close-knit community and a peaceful lifestyle. The median home price is around $155,000, while rents average $950, with a cost of living index that’s higher than the national average due to utility and grocery costs. Crime rates are low and commutes are practically nonexistent, but amenities are limited—Chignik’s only school serves about a dozen students, and healthcare is primarily provided by a local clinic. Expect cool, wet weather, with summer highs just above 60°F and limited sunshine throughout the year.
Demographics - Chignik, AK
Demographics - Chignik, AK
Chignik is a small, close-knit community of just 97 residents, with a low population density and a median age of 47.5 years. The majority of the population is Alaska Native, and about 17% speak a language other than English at home. The gender ratio leans male, and the area offers a unique cultural blend shaped by its indigenous roots.
Population:
97
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.5
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
14.4%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
85.6% (predominantly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chignik, AK?
Living in Chignik comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, mainly due to elevated grocery and utility expenses. The median home value is $155,000 and average rent is $950, while residents benefit from the absence of state income and sales tax. Utilities and transportation costs are above national averages, reflecting the community’s remote location.
Median House Value:
$155,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$190
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.5
Grocery:
130.0
Housing:
90.0
Utilities:
145.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
118.0
Crime
Is Chignik, AK a safe place to live?
Chignik offers a safe environment with a violent crime rate of 190 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,200 per 100,000, both lower than many urban areas. Residents enjoy a low chance of experiencing violent crime, estimated at 1 in 526. The overall crime index suggests peace of mind for those seeking a secure rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
190
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,390
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 526
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Chignik, AK year-round?
Chignik experiences a cool maritime climate with mild summers reaching highs of about 61°F and chilly, damp winters averaging lows in the low 20s. Rain is common, with around 24 inches annually and only 28% of days considered sunny. The weather supports a lush landscape but may require adjustment for those accustomed to more temperate or sunny climates.
Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
42°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
50°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
24 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
28%
Neighbors
Chignik’s residents have a median income of $32,000 and a family income of $62,000, with a poverty rate of 21.2%. Most people commute just 7.5 minutes to work, and public transport is nonexistent. Educational attainment is solid, with 86.4% holding a high school diploma or higher, reflecting a community focused on local ties and practical living.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
21.2%
Non English Speakers:
17.0%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.4%
Bachelors or More:
12.1%
Education
How are the schools in Chignik, AK?
Education in Chignik is provided by Chignik Bay School, which serves about 12 students with a low student-to-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention. No private schools are available locally, but the nearest college is the University of Alaska’s Bristol Bay Campus, approximately 180 miles away. The educational environment is supportive but limited in scope due to the village's small size.
Public Schools
Name:
Chignik Bay School
Street:
School Rd, Chignik, AK 99564
Phone:
(907) 749-2321
Students:
12
Student Teacher Ratio:
6.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska - Bristol Bay Campus (Dillingham)
City:
Dillingham
State:
AK
Distance:
180 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chignik is centered around a primary care clinic, with the nearest hospital offering emergency services located in Dillingham, about 180 miles away. The area has one physician per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 87.2%. While basic medical care is accessible, specialized or emergency care may require travel to larger communities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chignik Bay Sub-Regional Clinic
Address:
Chignik, AK 99564
Phone:
(907) 749-2281
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Kanakanak Hospital (Dillingham)
Address:
Kanakanak Hospital, Dillingham, AK 99576
Phone:
(907) 842-5201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chignik, AK?
The housing market in Chignik is modest, with a median home price of $155,000 and an average rent of $950 for a two-bedroom unit. About 63% of homes are owner-occupied, and the market is stable, with a 1.2% home appreciation rate and low foreclosure rates. New construction is rare, reflecting the community’s small size and slow growth.
Median Home Price:
$155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Chignik residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Anchorage. Services and information are accessible online or by phone, although some tasks may require travel to Anchorage or another hub. The DMV provides essential resources for drivers living in rural Alaska.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
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.