Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hyder, AK
Considering a move to Hyder, AK? This unique, tiny community of about 60 residents offers a tranquil lifestyle with very affordable home prices around $110,000 and average rents near $750. Hyder features Alaska’s remote charm, low crime rates (100 violent crimes per 100k), and a close-knit feel, though amenities are limited and the nearest major healthcare is across the border in Canada. Expect high rainfall, cool summers, and quick commutes—making it perfect for those seeking adventure and solitude in the great Alaskan wilderness.
Demographics - Hyder, AK
Hyder is a small, tight-knit community with a population of just 60 people, most of whom are White or Native American, and a median age of 54. The area is very sparsely populated, offering a tranquil atmosphere and a unique Alaskan lifestyle. The community is slightly male-dominated and has a low percentage of non-English speakers.
Population:
60
Density:
3 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
115 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.0%
Others:
5.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hyder, AK?
Hyder offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $110,000 and average rents at $750 per month. State taxes are nonexistent, but utility and grocery costs are higher than the national average due to the remote location. Residents benefit from low housing costs overall, making it an attractive option for those seeking value in Alaska.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,000
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.0
Grocery:
120.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
130.0
Transportation:
125.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Hyder, AK a safe place to live?
Hyder experiences very low crime rates, with just 100 violent crimes and 450 property crimes per 100,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 600 chance of violent crime. This makes it a safe and peaceful place to live, ideal for those seeking a secure, close-knit community. Residents can enjoy a strong sense of safety in their daily lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
100
Property Crimes Per 100k:
450
Crime Index:
550
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 600
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 133
Weather
What is the weather like in Hyder, AK year-round?
Hyder has a cool, wet climate with mild summers and chilly winters; summer highs reach about 65°F, while winters are often in the low 30s. The area receives significant rainfall—about 138 inches annually—and only 20% of days are sunny. This climate suits those who appreciate lush greenery and don’t mind frequent rain.
Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
53°F
Summer
Min:
46°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
52°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
138 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
20%
Neighbors
Residents in Hyder enjoy a modest median household income of $36,500 and a low average commute time of just five minutes. The community has a higher-than-average poverty rate at 17% and a 7.2% unemployment rate, but most neighbors have a high school education or better. This fosters a practical, hard-working atmosphere where people know each other well.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$45,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,000
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
17.0%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
5.0 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.0%
Bachelors or More:
14.0%
Education
How are the schools in Hyder, AK?
Hyder does not have a local public school, so students are served by nearby districts in Wrangell or through home and private schooling options. For higher education, the closest college is the University of Alaska Southeast in Ketchikan, about 75 miles away. These arrangements make Hyder best suited for families comfortable with alternative education paths.
Public Schools
Name:
No local public school (served by nearby district in Wrangell or home/private schooling)
Students:
N/A
Student Teacher Ratio:
N/A
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast – Ketchikan Campus
City:
Ketchikan
State:
AK
Distance:
75 miles (by ferry/road)
Students:
700
Healthcare
Major healthcare services for Hyder are accessed across the border in Stewart, Canada, with emergency care available nearby. Most residents have health insurance, and there is about one physician per 1,000 people. While local medical options are limited, essential services are within reach for this small population.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Stewart Health Centre (Canada, nearest facility)
Address:
Stewart, BC, Canada
Phone:
+1 250-636-2221
Type:
General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hyder, AK?
Hyder’s housing market is very affordable, with a median home price of $110,000 and most residents owning their homes. The area has a high owner-occupancy rate of 85% and stable home values, though new construction is rare. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
85.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Hyder residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Juneau. Services and information can be accessed online or by phone, making it convenient despite the town’s remote location. Residents should plan ahead for any in-person DMV needs due to the distance.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
400 Whittier St, Juneau, AK 99801
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.