Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Chitina, AK
Considering a move to Chitina, AK? This small, close-knit community of about 100 residents offers affordable housing with median home prices around $146,000 and average rents near $900. The cost of living is slightly above the national average, and utilities tend to run high due to the rural location. Residents enjoy short commutes and a peaceful lifestyle, but should be prepared for cold winters and limited local amenities. Education options are limited to nearby schools, and crime rates are moderately higher than national averages for rural Alaska. If you’re seeking scenic beauty and a quiet pace, Chitina could be a unique fit.
Demographics - Chitina, AK
Demographics - Chitina, AK
Chitina, AK is a small and close-knit community with a population of just 101 residents, a median age of 54, and a density of 1.7 people per square mile. The area is predominantly White (56%) and Alaska Native or American Indian (36%), with a higher proportion of males than females. About 8.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
101
Density:
1.7 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
56.4%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Chitina, AK?
The cost of living in Chitina is slightly above the national average, with a cost of living index of 112 and notably high utility costs. Median home values are affordable at around $146,000 and average rents are $900, but residents should budget for higher electricity bills and transportation expenses. Alaska's lack of state income or sales tax helps offset some living expenses.
Median House Value:
$146,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
114.0
Housing:
97.0
Utilities:
146.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
119.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Chitina, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Chitina are moderately higher than average for rural Alaska, with a violent crime rate of 410 per 100,000 people and a 1 in 56 chance of property crime. While the community is generally peaceful, new residents should be aware of these factors when considering safety. Property crimes are more common than violent offenses in the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,210
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Chitina, AK year-round?
Chitina experiences long, cold winters with average lows dipping to -8°F, while summers are mild with highs reaching around 70°F. The area receives about 13.7 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 42% of the year. Residents should be prepared for significant seasonal temperature swings and a brisk climate.
Winter
Min:
-8°F
Max:
9°F
Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
43°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
41°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
Residents of Chitina enjoy a quiet, rural lifestyle with a median household income of $37,000 and a poverty rate of about 21%. Most people commute just over 13 minutes to work, and the community has a relatively high high school graduation rate of 86%. Public transportation is nonexistent, so personal vehicles are essential for daily life.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$37,000
Family Income:
$40,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,800
Income Male:
$35,500
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
20.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
9.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
16.0%
Education
How are the schools in Chitina, AK?
Education options in Chitina are limited, with the local public school, Kenny Lake School, offering small class sizes and serving about 65 students. There are no private schools in town, and the nearest college, Prince William Sound College’s Glennallen extension, is 65 miles away. Families seeking higher education or specialized programs may need to consider nearby communities.
Public Schools
Name:
Kenny Lake School
Street:
Mile 5 Edgerton Hwy
Phone:
907-822-3870
Students:
65
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.2
Colleges
Name:
Prince William Sound College - Glennallen Extension
City:
Glennallen
State:
AK
Distance:
65 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Chitina is served primarily by the local community clinic and a general clinic in nearby Glennallen, with limited emergency services locally. There are about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 people, and 84% of residents have health insurance. Access to specialized care may require travel to larger towns or cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wrangell-St. Elias Community Clinic
Address:
Mile 33 Edgerton Hwy, Chitina, AK 99566
Phone:
(907) 823-2205
Type:
Community Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Cross Road Medical Center
Address:
Mile 186 Glenn Hwy, Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone:
(907) 822-3203
Type:
General Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.0%
Health Care Index:
61.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Chitina, AK?
The housing market in Chitina is affordable, with a median home price of $146,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $900. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees a modest home appreciation rate of 3.5% annually. New construction is rare, and rental vacancies are somewhat higher than average, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$146,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
13.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Chitina residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Fairbanks. Services include vehicle registration, licensing, and titling, and more information can be found on the Alaska DMV website. It's advisable to plan ahead for travel and wait times due to the rural location.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.