Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Edna Bay, AK
Thinking of moving to Edna Bay, AK? With a tiny population of just 43 residents, Edna Bay offers a remote, tight-knit coastal lifestyle with a median home price of $157,000 and average rent around $900. Expect low commute times, very limited public services, and beautiful but rainy weather—over 120 inches of rain annually and only 30% sunny days. While crime rates are moderate for Alaska, education options are minimal and healthcare is accessed in nearby towns. Edna Bay is perfect for those seeking solitude, scenic beauty, and a true off-the-grid experience.
Demographics - Edna Bay, AK
Demographics - Edna Bay, AK
Edna Bay is an exceptionally small and close-knit community, home to just 43 residents with a median age of 57, making it one of Alaska's more mature populations. The town is predominantly White, with a notable Native American presence and a slightly higher number of men than women. Its low density and limited diversity contribute to a peaceful, rural atmosphere ideal for those seeking tranquility.
Population:
43
Density:
3 per sq mi
Median Age:
57
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Edna Bay, AK?
The cost of living in Edna Bay is moderately above the national average, driven by high utility and transportation expenses. Housing remains affordable, with median home values at $157,000 and average rents around $900, but groceries and healthcare are pricier due to the town's remote location. Residents benefit from Alaska's 0% state income tax, which helps offset some higher day-to-day costs.
Median House Value:
$157,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
104.2
Grocery:
112.0
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
139.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Edna Bay, AK a safe place to live?
Edna Bay experiences low violent crime, with a chance of 1 in 454, and moderate property crime relative to its size. The small population and remote location contribute to a generally safe environment, though property crime rates are something to be mindful of. Residents enjoy a sense of security typical of isolated Alaskan communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
1,620
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 454
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Edna Bay, AK year-round?
The climate in Edna Bay is cool and wet, with average summer highs reaching only 63°F and over 120 inches of annual rainfall. Winters are relatively mild for Alaska, but sunshine is scarce, with sunny days making up just 30% of the year. This weather supports lush vegetation but can mean long stretches of overcast skies.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
53°F
Summer
Min:
49°F
Max:
63°F
Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
52°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
120 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
Edna Bay’s residents enjoy a median household income of $48,000 and a notably short commute time of just 8 minutes. Educational attainment is high for the region, with 92% of adults holding a high school diploma or more, and public transportation is nonexistent, reflecting the community’s rural, self-reliant lifestyle. The poverty rate sits at 13%, which is higher than the national average, but many residents benefit from close neighborly ties.
Median Income:
$30,500
Household Income:
$48,000
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,000
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
13.0%
Non English Speakers:
5.0%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
8.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.0%
Bachelors or More:
16.0%
Education
How are the schools in Edna Bay, AK?
Education options in Edna Bay are minimal, with a small correspondence-based public school serving about five students and a student-teacher ratio of 5 to 1. There are no private schools, and the nearest college, University of Alaska Southeast-Ketchikan Campus, is 50 miles away by boat and road. Families seeking more comprehensive educational resources may need to consider remote or distance learning solutions.
Public Schools
Name:
Edna Bay School (Correspondence/Remote)
Street:
PO Box 70, Edna Bay, AK 99950
Phone:
(907) 594-2171
Students:
5
Student Teacher Ratio:
5.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast - Ketchikan Campus
City:
Ketchikan
State:
AK
Distance:
50 miles (by boat and road)
Students:
700
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Edna Bay is limited, with the nearest major hospital located in Ketchikan, requiring travel by boat or plane. The area has about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 83% of locals have health insurance. While basic care is available, residents should be prepared to travel for specialized or emergency services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
Address:
3100 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone:
(907) 225-5171
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.2%
Health Care Index:
61.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Edna Bay, AK?
Edna Bay’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $157,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of 86%. Home appreciation is modest at 2.2% annually, and rental options are limited but reasonably priced at around $900 for a two-bedroom. New construction is currently nonexistent, making existing homes the primary option for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$157,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Edna Bay are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Anchorage. Most DMV services are accessible online or by phone, which is convenient given the town’s remote setting. For in-person transactions, significant travel is required, so planning ahead is essential.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, Ste 200, 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.