Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cold Bay, AK
Considering a move to Cold Bay, AK? With a tiny population of around 50, Cold Bay offers a remote, close-knit lifestyle and some of the lowest crime rates imaginable. Home prices are modest at $120,000, but living costs are higher than average due to its isolated location. Expect chilly, windy weather, limited local educational options, and a quick commute. If you’re seeking tranquility, open spaces, and a peaceful lifestyle, Cold Bay could be a unique Alaskan adventure.
Demographics - Cold Bay, AK
Demographics - Cold Bay, AK
Cold Bay is a remote community with a population of just 50 people and a very low population density, offering a peaceful, close-knit environment. The median age is 40.5, and the city features a diverse mix of White and Alaska Native residents. The gender ratio leans male, and a small percentage of residents speak languages other than English at home.
Population:
50
Density:
0.7 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.5
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.0%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cold Bay, AK?
Living in Cold Bay comes with a higher cost of living index at 128, primarily due to its remote location and elevated utility and grocery prices, though median home values remain affordable at $120,000. Rent averages around $1,100 per month, and state taxes are nonexistent. Residents can expect higher expenses for essentials, but housing costs are reasonable for Alaska.
Median House Value:
$120,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$260
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
90.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
145.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
125.0
Crime
Is Cold Bay, AK a safe place to live?
Cold Bay boasts an exceptionally low crime rate, with no reported violent or property crimes, making it one of the safest places to live in Alaska. Residents enjoy peace of mind and a strong sense of security in this quiet community.
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 Cold Bay, AK year-round?
Cold Bay experiences cool, windy weather year-round, with summer highs barely reaching 56°F and winters dropping to 19°F. The area receives about 33.5 inches of rainfall annually and sees only 28% of days with sunshine. Expect frequent overcast skies and brisk temperatures in all seasons.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
41°F
Summer
Min:
41°F
Max:
56°F
Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
44°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
28%
Neighbors
Households in Cold Bay have a median income of $65,000, and the area features a low poverty rate and short average commute time of just 5 minutes. Most residents are well-educated, with over 90% holding at least a high school diploma. The small, tight-knit population fosters a strong sense of community and self-reliance.
Median Income:
$46,000
Household Income:
$65,000
Family Income:
$72,000
Per Capita Income:
$35,000
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
11.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.0%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
7.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
24.0%
Education
How are the schools in Cold Bay, AK?
Cold Bay currently has no operating local public schools, and students must rely on distance learning or travel to nearby communities for education. The nearest college option is the University of Alaska Anchorage, accessible via distance learning programs. Families moving to Cold Bay should plan for limited local educational resources.
Public Schools
Name:
Cold Bay School (Closed 2015, No local public school currently)
Street:
105 School Road
Phone:
(907) 532-2009
Students:
0
Student Teacher Ratio:
N/A
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage (Distance Learning)
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
625 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Cold Bay is limited to a local clinic for primary care, with the nearest major hospital located in Anchorage, over 600 miles away. Most residents (88%) have health insurance, and there is a low physician-to-resident ratio, making access to advanced care challenging. Basic healthcare needs are met locally, but emergency or specialized services require travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cold Bay Clinic
Address:
Airport Road, Cold Bay, AK 99571
Phone:
(907) 532-2000
Type:
Primary Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Alaska Native Medical Center (Regional)
Address:
4315 Diplomacy Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone:
(907) 563-2662
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cold Bay, AK?
The Cold Bay housing market is stable, with a median home price of $120,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,100. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and there are few foreclosures or new construction projects. Housing options are limited, but affordability is a key advantage.
Median Home Price:
$120,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Cold Bay residents are provided by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Anchorage. Most transactions, including licensing and vehicle registration, can be accessed online or require a trip to the nearest DMV office. For more information, residents can visit the Alaska DMV website or call the statewide helpline.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Hwy, 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.