Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Gakona, AK
Thinking of moving to Gakona, AK? This quiet rural community of 218 residents offers affordable living with median home prices around $155,000 and average rents near $920. Winters are cold and snowy, but you'll enjoy the scenic beauty of Alaska and a close-knit atmosphere. Commute times average 25 minutes, crime is moderate, and schools are small with low student-teacher ratios. If you're seeking a remote lifestyle, outdoor adventure, and a slower pace, Gakona is a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Gakona, AK
Demographics - Gakona, AK
Gakona is a tiny, close-knit community of just 218 people, characterized by a low population density and a median age of nearly 49. The population is predominantly White and Alaska Native, with a slightly higher number of males and about 12% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
218
Density:
0.3 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.6
Gender Ratio:
116 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
67.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
5.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Gakona, AK?
Living expenses in Gakona are moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 116. While housing is relatively affordable—median home values are around $155,000 and rents average $920—utilities and groceries tend to be more expensive due to the rural location and colder climate.
Median House Value:
$155,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$185
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
116.0
Grocery:
132.0
Housing:
93.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
145.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Gakona, AK a safe place to live?
Gakona experiences moderate crime for a rural area, with a violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 48 chance of property crime. Residents should remain mindful, but the small population supports a strong sense of community awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,520
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Gakona, AK year-round?
Gakona has a subarctic climate, featuring long, cold winters with lows dipping to -18°F and brief, mild summers reaching up to 69°F. Rainfall is modest at just over 13 inches annually, and the area enjoys about 35% sunny days each year.
Winter
Min:
-18°F
Max:
7°F
Spring
Min:
13°F
Max:
46°F
Summer
Min:
41°F
Max:
69°F
Fall
Min:
12°F
Max:
41°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
The local economy is modest, with median household incomes around $44,600 and a poverty rate of 16%. Most residents commute about 25 minutes to work, and public transportation is not commonly used, reflecting the area’s rural, self-sufficient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$44,600
Family Income:
$50,200
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$30,500
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
16.0%
Non English Speakers:
12.0%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
25.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.0%
Bachelors or More:
13.5%
Education
How are the schools in Gakona, AK?
Education in Gakona is community-focused, with very small public schools and low student-teacher ratios—Gakona Elementary has just 18 students. For higher education and larger schools, residents look to nearby Glennallen, which also hosts a local college extension.
Public Schools
Name:
Gakona Elementary School (Copper River School District)
Street:
Mile 2.5 Tok Cutoff Hwy
Phone:
(907) 822-3620
Students:
18
Student Teacher Ratio:
9:1
Name:
Glennallen School
Street:
1976 Aurora Dr, Glennallen
Phone:
(907) 822-5286
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Colleges
Name:
Prince William Sound College - Glennallen Extension
City:
Glennallen
State:
AK
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Residents have access to primary and urgent care at Cross Road Medical Center in nearby Glennallen, with emergency services available. About 84% of the population has health insurance, and physician coverage is adequate for the community's size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Cross Road Medical Center
Address:
P.O. Box 5, Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone:
(907) 822-3203
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.0%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Gakona, AK?
Gakona’s housing market features affordable options, with a median home price of $155,000 and most residents owning their homes. The area sees modest growth and low foreclosure rates, making it appealing for those seeking stable, rural living.
Median Home Price:
$155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Gakona residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Fairbanks. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration are accessible both in-person and online through the state DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1979 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.