Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Goodnews Bay, AK
Thinking of moving to Goodnews Bay, AK? With a small population of just 236, this remote community offers affordable housing (median home price around $70,000) and low average rents. While cost of living is higher for groceries and utilities due to its rural location, commutes are quick and crime rates are moderate for the region. The climate is cold year-round, and the community is closely knit, with a strong Alaska Native presence and a small local school. If you're seeking a quiet, close community and don't mind the remote lifestyle, Goodnews Bay could be a unique fit.
Demographics - Goodnews Bay, AK
Demographics - Goodnews Bay, AK
Goodnews Bay is a small, close-knit community of 236 residents, where the majority identify as Alaska Native and about 40% speak a language other than English at home. The city has a youthful median age of 32, a slightly higher number of males than females, and a moderate population density for rural Alaska.
Population:
236
Density:
118 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
40.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
5.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
95.0% (Mostly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Goodnews Bay, AK?
While housing in Goodnews Bay is affordable, with a median home value of $70,000 and average rent around $720, the overall cost of living is higher than the national average due to elevated prices for groceries, utilities, and transportation. Residents benefit from Alaska's 0% state income tax, but can expect to pay more for basic needs given the community's remote location.
Median House Value:
$70,000
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (No state income tax)
|
High:
0% (No state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
123.0
Grocery:
140.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
180.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Goodnews Bay, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Goodnews Bay are moderate for rural Alaska, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 57 and violent crime at 1 in 313. While the city is generally peaceful, it's wise for newcomers to stay alert and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,750
Crime Index:
2,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 57
Weather
What is the weather like in Goodnews Bay, AK year-round?
Goodnews Bay experiences a cold and damp climate throughout the year, with winter lows averaging 3°F and summer highs rarely exceeding 59°F. The area receives about 21 inches of rainfall annually, and only 15% of days are sunny, making it important to be prepared for frequent overcast and chilly conditions.
Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
19°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
43°F
Max:
59°F
Fall
Min:
20°F
Max:
41°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
21 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
15%
Neighbors
Residents of Goodnews Bay enjoy a tight-knit community with a median household income of $36,000 and an average commute time of just six minutes. However, the area faces a higher-than-average poverty rate at 29% and an unemployment rate of 11.2%, with limited public transportation options and a significant proportion of non-English speakers.
Median Income:
$23,250
Household Income:
$36,000
Family Income:
$40,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,400
Income Male:
$28,500
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
29.0%
Non English Speakers:
40.0%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
11.2%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.0%
Bachelors or More:
8.0%
Education
How are the schools in Goodnews Bay, AK?
Goodnews Bay offers local public education through Goodnews Bay School, a small institution serving about 55 students with an 11:1 student-teacher ratio. For higher education, the nearest college is the University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus in Dillingham, approximately 120 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Goodnews Bay School
Street:
School Rd, Goodnews Bay, AK 99589
Phone:
907-967-8535
Students:
55
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus
City:
Dillingham
State:
AK
Distance:
120 miles
Students:
500
Healthcare
Goodnews Bay residents have access to healthcare services such as the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation’s Kanakanak Hospital in Dillingham, which provides general and tribal health care including emergency services. The community is fairly well insured, with 88% coverage and about 1.5 physicians per 1,000 residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation – Kanakanak Hospital
Address:
Kanakanak Hospital, 6000 Kanakanak Rd, Dillingham, AK 99576
Phone:
(907) 842-5201
Type:
General & Tribal Health
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
66.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Goodnews Bay, AK?
The housing market in Goodnews Bay is marked by affordable prices and a majority owner-occupied rate of 55%. With a median home price of $70,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $720, the market is stable and experiences low foreclosure and vacancy rates, making it accessible for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$70,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Goodnews Bay residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Anchorage. Residents can access DMV resources online or by phone for convenience.
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.