Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Dot Lake, AK
Thinking of relocating to Dot Lake, AK? This tiny rural community of just 19 residents is known for its scenic wilderness, quiet lifestyle, and strong Alaska Native heritage. Housing is affordable with a median home price of $88,000 and average rents around $850, though utilities and groceries can be higher than the national average. Crime rates are relatively low, commutes are short (about 13 minutes), and the climate features cold winters and mild summers. While amenities are limited, you'll find a small local school and healthcare within driving distance, making Dot Lake ideal for those seeking remoteness and a tight-knit community.
Demographics - Dot Lake, AK
Demographics - Dot Lake, AK
Dot Lake, Alaska is a tiny rural community with just 19 residents, featuring a median age of 53 and a majority Alaska Native population. The area is sparsely populated with only 0.3 people per square mile, offering a tranquil and close-knit atmosphere. Non-English speakers make up about 14% of the community, reflecting its cultural diversity.
Population:
19
Density:
0.3 per sq mi
Median Age:
53.0
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14%
Ethnic Composition
White:
36.8%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Dot Lake, AK?
Dot Lake offers affordable housing, with the median home value at $88,000 and typical rents around $850 per month, but expect higher utility and grocery costs due to its remote location. The overall cost of living index is 121, above the national average, especially in utilities and groceries. Alaska's lack of state income tax can be a financial benefit for residents.
Median House Value:
$88,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$240
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
121.0
Grocery:
142.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
133.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Dot Lake, AK a safe place to live?
Dot Lake experiences relatively low crime for its size, with a violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,100 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is about 1 in 250, making it a generally safe community for newcomers. Residents enjoy peace of mind in this quiet rural setting.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
400
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,500
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Dot Lake, AK year-round?
The climate in Dot Lake is characterized by long, cold winters with temperatures dipping as low as -28°F, while summers are mild with highs reaching 72°F. The area receives about 12.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly half the year. Weather conditions support outdoor activities for those prepared for Alaska's seasonal extremes.
Winter
Min:
-28°F
Max:
2°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Fall
Min:
5°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Residents of Dot Lake enjoy a low population density and a median household income of $43,500, with an 18% poverty rate. The community has a modest unemployment rate of 7.5%, and average commute times are short at 13 minutes. Most residents drive, as public transportation is not available in the area.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$43,500
Family Income:
$50,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,000
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
18.0%
Non English Speakers:
14.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
13.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
11.0%
Education
How are the schools in Dot Lake, AK?
Dot Lake is served by a small public school, Dot Lake School, with a close student-teacher ratio of 6:1, ensuring personalized attention. While local educational options are limited, higher education is accessible at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located about 80 miles away. The community places value on education, with nearly 89% of residents holding at least a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Dot Lake School
Street:
Mile 1363 Alaska Hwy
Phone:
907-882-2663
Students:
6
Student Teacher Ratio:
6.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
80 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Healthcare services for Dot Lake residents are accessible in nearby Fairbanks, with facilities such as Tanana Valley Clinic and Bassett Army Community Hospital offering emergency and general care. The area has a physician availability of 1.2 per 1,000 people and about 87% of locals have health insurance coverage. While local options are limited, quality medical support is within reasonable driving distance.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Tanana Valley Clinic
Address:
1001 Noble St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone:
(907) 459-3500
Type:
General & Family Medicine
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Bassett Army Community Hospital
Address:
4076 Neely Rd, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703
Phone:
(907) 361-5172
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Dot Lake, AK?
Dot Lake features an affordable housing market, with a median home price of $88,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $850. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees minimal new construction and a low foreclosure rate. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a stable market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$88,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing in Dot Lake are handled by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Fairbanks. The DMV offers comprehensive services for residents and can be reached by phone or through their official website. Fairbanks is the nearest hub for all driving-related administrative needs.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1979 Peger Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.