Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Diomede, AK
Considering a move to Diomede, AK? This remote island village has just 82 residents, mostly Iñupiat, and offers a tight-knit community with very low housing costs (median home price $74,000; rent $500). The cost of living is high due to its isolation, especially for groceries and utilities, but crime is virtually nonexistent. Commutes are minimal, and while educational and healthcare options are basic, Diomede’s unique culture and dramatic arctic climate (summer highs near 50°F, long winters) offer a truly distinctive lifestyle for adventurous movers.
Demographics - Diomede, AK
Demographics - Diomede, AK
Diomede is a small, close-knit community of just 82 residents, predominantly Native Alaskan (Iñupiat), with a median age of 29.5 and a high percentage of non-English speakers. The population density is low, and the gender ratio slightly favors males. This village offers a unique cultural environment shaped by its indigenous heritage.
Population:
82
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
70%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
98% (Primarily Native Alaskan/Iñupiat)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Diomede, AK?
While Diomede has affordable housing with a median home value of $74,000 and rents around $500, the cost of living index is high at 158 due to its remote location. Residents pay more for groceries and utilities, and basic expenses can be higher than national averages despite the absence of state income taxes. Living in Diomede requires budgeting for higher daily costs, especially for essentials and transportation.
Median House Value:
$74,000
Gross Rent:
$500
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
158.0
Grocery:
175.0
Housing:
70.0
Utilities:
240.0
Transportation:
200.0
Health Care:
150.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Diomede, AK a safe place to live?
Diomede boasts an exceptionally safe environment with virtually no reported violent or property crimes. Residents enjoy peace of mind and a strong sense of security in this isolated village. The crime index is effectively zero, making it one of the safest places to live in Alaska.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely rare
Chance Of Property Crime:
Extremely rare
Weather
What is the weather like in Diomede, AK year-round?
Diomede experiences an arctic climate, with long, cold winters where temperatures drop to -10°F, and short, cool summers rarely exceeding 50°F. The area receives about 9.5 inches of rainfall annually and has limited sunshine, with only 25% of days considered sunny. Prospective residents should be prepared for extreme seasonal variations and frequent cold weather.
Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
25°F
Summer
Min:
35°F
Max:
50°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
25%
Neighbors
The community has modest incomes, with a median household income of $22,000 and a high poverty rate of 41%. Most residents are Native Alaskan, and the unemployment rate is substantial at 24%. Neighbors rely on each other in this small, isolated setting, and public transportation is nonexistent, with commutes averaging just two minutes.
Median Income:
$18,000
Household Income:
$22,000
Family Income:
$24,000
Per Capita Income:
$9,800
Income Male:
$19,000
Income Female:
$17,000
Poverty Rate:
41%
Non English Speakers:
70%
Rent:
$500
Unemployment Rate:
24%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
66%
Bachelors or More:
4%
Education
How are the schools in Diomede, AK?
Educational opportunities in Diomede are limited to a single public school serving about 30 students, with a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1. There are no private schools or colleges in the village. The school provides basic education, but options for advanced learning are minimal.
Public Schools
Name:
Diomede School
Street:
Main St
Phone:
(907) 686-3311
Students:
30
Student Teacher Ratio:
10
Healthcare
Healthcare in Diomede is limited to a small rural clinic that does not provide emergency services, and there are only 0.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. About 68% of the population has health insurance coverage. For specialized or emergency care, residents must travel off the island.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Diomede Clinic
Address:
Main St, Diomede, AK 99762
Phone:
(907) 686-3311
Type:
Rural Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
68%
Health Care Index:
55.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Diomede, AK?
Diomede's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $74,000 and average rents around $500 for a two-bedroom unit. Most homes are owner-occupied, and there is little new construction or foreclosure activity. Housing availability is steady, but options are limited due to the community's small size.
Median Home Price:
$74,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$500
Owner Occupied Rate:
78%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
Diomede residents access vehicle registration and licensing through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, based in Anchorage. While there is no local DMV office, services can be reached online or by phone. The remote location means in-person visits require significant travel.
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.