Everything You Should Know Before Moving to English Bay, AK
Considering a move to English Bay, AK? This small, close-knit community of around 160 residents offers peaceful living surrounded by the stunning Alaskan wilderness. Housing is affordable, with median home prices near $190,000 and average rents at $1,050, though the cost of living—including groceries and utilities—is higher than the national average. Crime rates are moderate, commute times are short, and residents enjoy access to local schools and nearby healthcare in Anchorage. If you love scenic landscapes and a quiet lifestyle, English Bay could be a great fit.
Demographics - English Bay, AK
Demographics - English Bay, AK
English Bay is a small, close-knit community of about 160 residents, with a predominantly Native population making up 75%. The median age is 38.2, and a notable 35% of locals speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Population:
160
Density:
5 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
35%

Ethnic Composition
White:
20%
Others:
5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in English Bay, AK?
While housing remains relatively affordable with a median home value around $190,000, the overall cost of living in English Bay is higher than the national average, particularly for groceries, utilities, and healthcare. Residents benefit from Alaska’s lack of state income tax, but should expect elevated monthly expenses, including rent averaging $1,050 and high utility costs.
Median House Value:
$190,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,400
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
139.0
Housing:
115.0
Utilities:
150.0
Transportation:
135.0
Health Care:
140.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is English Bay, AK a safe place to live?
English Bay experiences moderate crime rates, with property crime being more common than violent crime. Residents face a 1 in 45 chance of property crime and a 1 in 256 chance of violent crime, making it important to stay aware of local safety measures.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
390
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,590
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 256
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in English Bay, AK year-round?
The climate in English Bay is marked by cool temperatures year-round, with summer highs rarely exceeding 61°F and winter lows averaging 18°F. The area receives abundant rainfall—about 86 inches annually—and enjoys relatively few sunny days, creating a lush, green environment.

Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F

Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
46°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
61°F

Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
45°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
86 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
The community features modest household incomes, with a median around $48,000, and a poverty rate of 13%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is a short 12 minutes, emphasizing the area’s small-town feel and close proximity to daily needs.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$48,000
Family Income:
$55,000
Per Capita Income:
$21,000
Income Male:
$34,500
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
13%
Non English Speakers:
35%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
8.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
12 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
87%
Bachelors or More:
10%
Education
How are the schools in English Bay, AK?
English Bay is served by Nanwalek School, a small public school with about 60 students and a favorable student-teacher ratio. For higher education, Kenai Peninsula College in Homer is located roughly 40 miles away, offering additional learning opportunities for the community.

Public Schools
Name:
Nanwalek School
Street:
PO Box 8007, Nanwalek, AK 99603
Phone:
907-281-2210
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5

Colleges
Name:
Kenai Peninsula College
City:
Homer
State:
AK
Distance:
40 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare access in English Bay includes basic local services and more comprehensive care options in nearby Anchorage, such as the Providence Alaska Medical Center. The majority of residents have health insurance, and with 1.3 physicians per 1,000 people, the area offers essential medical support for its population.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Southcentral Foundation Nutaqsiivik Clinic
Address:
6000 A Street, Anchorage, AK 99518
Phone:
(907) 729-8500
Type:
Primary Care & Community Health
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Address:
3200 Providence Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone:
(907) 562-2211
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.5%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in English Bay, AK?
The housing market in English Bay is stable and affordable compared to many Alaskan communities, featuring a median home price of $190,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $1,050. Owner-occupancy is high at 65%, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$190,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
65%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents access vehicle and licensing services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Anchorage. The DMV provides comprehensive resources for registrations and licensing, both in-person and online.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, 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.