Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chignik Lake, AK
Considering a move to Chignik Lake, AK? This small, close-knit community of 61 residents offers tranquil rural living and a median home price of just $85,000. While the cost of groceries and utilities is higher than average due to its remote location, crime is virtually nonexistent and you’ll enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Expect very short commutes, small school sizes, and a strong Alaska Native culture, all set amid a cool, maritime climate with 33 inches of annual rainfall. If you value quiet living and a tight community, Chignik Lake could be a unique fit.
Demographics - Chignik Lake, AK
Demographics - Chignik Lake, AK
Chignik Lake is a small, close-knit community of 61 people, with a population density of just 2 per square mile and a median age of 34.2 years. The area is predominantly Alaska Native, reflecting the region’s rich indigenous culture, and about 23% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
61
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23%

Ethnic Composition
White:
10%
Others:
5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chignik Lake, AK?
Living in Chignik Lake means a median home value of $85,000 and average rent around $900, but residents should anticipate higher costs for groceries and utilities due to the city’s remote location. The overall cost of living index is above the national average, with utilities and transportation notably higher than other regions.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,020
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
125
Grocery:
140
Housing:
80
Utilities:
180
Transportation:
160
Health Care:
135
Miscellaneous:
120
Crime
Is Chignik Lake, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Chignik Lake are exceptionally low, with no reported violent or property crimes, offering residents a tranquil and safe environment. This rare level of safety is a key draw for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Very rare
Chance Of Property Crime:
Very rare
Weather
What is the weather like in Chignik Lake, AK year-round?
Chignik Lake experiences a cool, maritime climate, with average summer highs reaching 60°F and winter lows dipping to 18°F. Annual rainfall is about 33 inches and the area enjoys fewer sunny days, making for a damp yet mild year-round weather pattern.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
45°F

Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
48°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Households in Chignik Lake typically earn a median income of $42,000, and the poverty rate sits at 18%. Commutes are extremely short—just three minutes on average—reflecting the town’s compact size and close-knit community.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$42,000
Family Income:
$46,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,500
Income Male:
$25,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
18%
Non English Speakers:
23%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
10.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
82%
Bachelors or More:
6%
Education
How are the schools in Chignik Lake, AK?
Education in Chignik Lake centers on a small public school with just 16 students, offering a low student-teacher ratio for personalized attention. While there are no local colleges, residents have remote access to the University of Alaska Anchorage’s programs.

Public Schools
Name:
Chignik Lake School
Street:
Chignik Lake, AK 99548
Phone:
(907) 845-2210
Students:
16
Student Teacher Ratio:
8:1

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage (remote/online access)
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
485 miles
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chignik Lake is anchored by a local clinic, with full hospital services available in Dillingham. Most residents have health insurance and access to basic care, but emergency services require travel to larger facilities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Chignik Lake Clinic
Address:
Chignik Lake, AK 99548
Phone:
(907) 845-2212
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Kanakanak Hospital
Address:
6000 Kanakanak Rd, Dillingham, AK 99576
Phone:
(907) 842-5201
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89%
Health Care Index:
65
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chignik Lake, AK?
The housing market in Chignik Lake is affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and 75% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are limited but available, and the area experiences low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
75%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Chignik Lake residents access vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Anchorage. Information and forms are available online, and the DMV can be contacted by phone for assistance.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, 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.