Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Emmonak, AK
Considering a move to Emmonak, AK? With a close-knit population of around 825, Emmonak offers affordable housing with median home prices near $92,000 and typical rents of $750. The city experiences long, cold winters and enjoys a strong Alaska Native presence, reflected in its culture and daily life. While cost of living is elevated due to remote location (especially groceries and utilities), commutes are short and the community is tight-knit. Emmonak School serves local families, and basic healthcare needs are met at the local clinic.
Demographics - Emmonak, AK
Demographics - Emmonak, AK
Emmonak is a small, close-knit city with about 825 residents and a youthful median age of 27.5 years. The population is predominantly Alaska Native, primarily Yup'ik, with over half of residents speaking a language other than English at home. The community maintains a balanced gender ratio and a strong sense of cultural heritage.
Population:
825
Density:
130 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
54.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
2.0%
Black:
0.1%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
97.7% (predominantly Alaska Native, primarily Yup'ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Emmonak, AK?
While Emmonak offers affordable housing—median home values are around $92,000 and rents average $750—its remote location means higher costs for groceries, utilities, and transportation. There is no state income tax in Alaska, but the overall cost of living index is above the national average, particularly in essentials like utilities and groceries.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$240
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
120.0
Grocery:
148.0
Housing:
68.0
Utilities:
175.0
Transportation:
160.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Emmonak, AK a safe place to live?
Emmonak experiences both violent and property crime rates that are higher than average, with a 1 in 83 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 25 chance of property crime. Residents should remain vigilant, but the small, close-knit nature of the community can foster local awareness and support.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,000
Crime Index:
5,200
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 83
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 25
Weather
What is the weather like in Emmonak, AK year-round?
Emmonak has a subarctic climate, marked by long, cold winters with temperatures often dropping below zero, and brief, mild summers peaking in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. The area receives about 17 inches of rainfall annually, and sunny days are limited, making for a distinctly northern Alaskan living experience.

Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
5°F

Spring
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F

Fall
Min:
20°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
38%
Neighbors
Households in Emmonak have a median income of around $41,000, and the community faces a relatively high poverty rate of 31%. Most residents enjoy extremely short commutes, and while unemployment is higher than national averages, the strong local culture and family ties are evident in everyday life.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$42,000
Per Capita Income:
$12,500
Income Male:
$24,000
Income Female:
$19,000
Poverty Rate:
31.0%
Non English Speakers:
54.0%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
15.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
65.0%
Bachelors or More:
9.0%
Education
How are the schools in Emmonak, AK?
Local families are served by Emmonak School, which offers K-12 education with a student-teacher ratio of about 14.5. Higher education opportunities are available remotely through the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus, providing online access to further learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Emmonak School (Lower Yukon School District)
Street:
School Rd, Emmonak, AK 99581
Phone:
(907) 949-1246
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Kuskokwim Campus (remote/online)
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
100 miles (remote/online access)
Students:
650
Healthcare
Basic medical needs in Emmonak are served by the Emmonak Health Clinic, providing primary and urgent care with emergency services available. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and healthcare accessibility is typical for remote Alaska, supported by a local physician ratio of 1 per 1,000 residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Emmonak Health Clinic
Address:
1 Clinic Road, Emmonak, AK 99581
Phone:
(907) 949-1311
Type:
Primary Care & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Emmonak, AK?
Emmonak's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $92,000 and average rents at $750 for a two-bedroom. About two-thirds of homes are owner-occupied, and the area experiences low vacancy and foreclosure rates, indicating stability in local housing.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Emmonak residents access motor vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Anchorage. Most DMV needs can be managed online or by phone, reflecting the remote nature of Alaskan communities.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, 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.