Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kake, AK
Considering a move to Kake, AK? This small, close-knit city of around 543 residents offers affordable housing, with median home prices near $136,000 and average rents around $825. The cost of living is moderate, though groceries and utilities are higher due to its remote Alaskan location. Crime rates are low, and most commutes are under 10 minutes. Kake features a unique blend of cultures, a strong Native American presence, and access to local schools, with beautiful coastal scenery and a cool, rainy climate. It’s a quiet community ideal for those seeking a slower pace and a strong sense of place.
Demographics - Kake, AK
Kake is a small Alaskan community with a population of 543, notable for its strong Native American heritage, which makes up over two-thirds of residents. The city has a median age in the early 40s and a slightly higher proportion of males, creating a close-knit and diverse atmosphere. Non-English speakers are present but make up less than 10% of the population, contributing to the town’s unique cultural fabric.
Population:
543
Density:
35 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.3
Gender Ratio:
113 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
9.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
21.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
9.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kake, AK?
Living in Kake is generally affordable, with median home values around $136,000 and average rents at $825, though groceries and utilities are priced above the national average due to its remote location. Residents benefit from zero state income tax, while household costs remain moderate compared to other Alaskan cities. Transportation and healthcare costs are also slightly higher, reflecting the challenges of rural living.
Median House Value:
$136,000
Gross Rent:
$825
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$215
Auto Insurance:
$1,370
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$375
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
108.0
Grocery:
132.0
Housing:
65.0
Utilities:
148.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Kake, AK a safe place to live?
Kake experiences low rates of both violent and property crime, providing a safe environment for families and individuals. With a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents, the chance of facing such incidents is quite low. The overall crime index suggests that safety is a community strength in this small town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
187
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,667
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 535
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Kake, AK year-round?
Kake features a cool, maritime climate with mild summers reaching the low 60s and winters that rarely dip below 25°F. The city receives abundant rainfall—about 54 inches annually—and enjoys relatively few sunny days, giving it a lush, green landscape. Residents should be prepared for overcast skies and frequent precipitation throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
25°F
Max:
36°F
Spring
Min:
33°F
Max:
49°F
Summer
Min:
46°F
Max:
62°F
Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
50°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Most households in Kake enjoy a quiet lifestyle, with median incomes under $40,000 and a typical commute of just 7.5 minutes. The local poverty rate is around 16%, and unemployment is slightly higher than average, but the community boasts strong ties and minimal reliance on public transportation. Educational attainment is modest, with most residents having completed high school and a small percentage holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$39,500
Family Income:
$44,000
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
9.5%
Rent:
$825
Unemployment Rate:
9.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78.0%
Bachelors or More:
8.0%
Education
How are the schools in Kake, AK?
Education in Kake is centered around its combined elementary and high school, which serves just over 100 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible through the University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka, located about 90 miles away by ferry or air. The local school fosters a supportive, community-oriented learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Kake Elementary/High School
Street:
100 Schoolhouse Rd
Phone:
907-785-3741
Students:
107
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast – Sitka Campus
City:
Sitka
State:
AK
Distance:
90 miles (by ferry/air)
Students:
1,200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kake is anchored by the local health center, providing primary and urgent care, while more comprehensive services are available in nearby Sitka. About 83% of residents have health insurance, and physician availability is consistent with rural Alaskan standards. Emergency medical services require travel, so residents should plan accordingly for specialized care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kake Health Center
Address:
1250 Keku Rd, Kake, AK 99830
Phone:
(907) 785-3333
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital
Address:
222 Tongass Drive, Sitka, AK 99835
Phone:
(907) 966-2411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.0%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kake, AK?
Kake offers a stable housing market, with median home prices at $136,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 71%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and property values have seen steady appreciation in recent years. The small-town setting and affordable housing make it an appealing option for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Median Home Price:
$136,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$825
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Kake utilize the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Juneau. Services like licensing and vehicle registration are coordinated through this regional center, and information is accessible online or by phone. Planning ahead is advisable given the city’s remote setting.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
130 Seward St, Room 202, 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.