Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hooper Bay, AK
Considering a move to Hooper Bay, AK? This remote city of about 1,325 residents offers affordable housing with median home values around $135,000 and average rents near $800, though the cost of living is higher due to groceries and utilities. Commutes are very short at just over 7 minutes, and the city experiences long, cold winters and cool summers. Hooper Bay is a predominantly Alaska Native community with a strong Yup'ik heritage, and local education is served by Hooper Bay School. While violent and property crime rates are higher than average, the town's unique culture and tight-knit community stand out.
Demographics - Hooper Bay, AK
Demographics - Hooper Bay, AK
Hooper Bay is a small, close-knit community of about 1,325 people, with a youthful median age of 24.4 years and a strong Alaska Native, primarily Yup'ik, presence. Nearly two-thirds of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the city's deep cultural roots and unique heritage.
Population:
1,325
Density:
170 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.4
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
67%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.8%
Black:
0.1%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
96.9% (primarily Alaska Native, mostly Yup'ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hooper Bay, AK?
The cost of living in Hooper Bay is higher than the national average, driven mostly by elevated grocery and utility prices, but housing is relatively affordable with median home values at $135,000 and average rents around $800. Residents benefit from Alaska's lack of state income and sales taxes, though monthly expenses for essentials like electricity remain significant.
Median House Value:
$135,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
131.0
Grocery:
140.0
Housing:
88.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
150.0
Health Care:
128.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Hooper Bay, AK a safe place to live?
Hooper Bay experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 91 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 34 chance of property crime annually. Prospective residents should be aware of these figures and consider community safety when relocating.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,900
Crime Index:
4,000
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 91
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 34
Weather
What is the weather like in Hooper Bay, AK year-round?
The climate in Hooper Bay features long, cold winters with temperatures often dipping below zero, and short, cool summers where highs rarely surpass the upper 50s. The city receives about 17 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys limited sunny days, making for a unique subarctic weather experience.
Winter
Min:
-5°F
Max:
12°F
Spring
Min:
12°F
Max:
32°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
57°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Median household incomes in Hooper Bay are modest, with many households earning around $36,100 and a notable poverty rate of 37.6%. The community has a high percentage of non-English speakers, low public transport usage, and short average commutes of just over seven minutes, contributing to its small-town feel.
Median Income:
$26,200
Household Income:
$36,100
Family Income:
$40,500
Per Capita Income:
$12,900
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$20,000
Poverty Rate:
37.6%
Non English Speakers:
67%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
15.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
7.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
71.4%
Bachelors or More:
5.1%
Education
How are the schools in Hooper Bay, AK?
Education in Hooper Bay is centered on the local public school serving approximately 470 students, with a student-teacher ratio of 15.5. Nearby higher education options include the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel, located about 155 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Hooper Bay School
Street:
School Rd, Hooper Bay, AK 99604
Phone:
(907) 758-1200
Students:
470
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks — Kuskokwim Campus
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
155 miles
Students:
650
Healthcare
Healthcare in Hooper Bay is provided primarily by a local clinic, with comprehensive services and emergency care available at a regional hospital in Bethel, about 155 miles away. Most residents have health insurance, but the area has a limited number of physicians per capita.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Hooper Bay Sub-Regional Clinic
Address:
Hooper Bay, AK 99604
Phone:
(907) 758-4711
Type:
Primary Care/Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hooper Bay, AK?
Hooper Bay offers relatively affordable housing, with median home prices at $135,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $800. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating a stable but small housing market.
Median Home Price:
$135,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents of Hooper Bay access driver and vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Anchorage. Essential DMV information and online services are available through the state website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
(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.