Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kaltag, AK
Considering a move to Kaltag, AK? This small, primarily Alaska Native community of 178 offers affordable housing, with median home values around $62,500 and average rents near $720. While the cost of living is higher than the national average due to remote location, residents enjoy a tight-knit atmosphere, short 7-minute commutes, and the beauty of Alaska’s interior. Winters are cold, summers mild, and schooling is intimate with a local K-12 school. Be prepared for limited amenities and higher transportation costs, but a unique lifestyle awaits in Kaltag.
Demographics - Kaltag, AK
Demographics - Kaltag, AK
Kaltag is a small, close-knit community of 178 residents, with a predominantly Alaska Native population and a median age of 38. Over one-quarter of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a rich cultural heritage. The area’s low population density and slightly higher number of males contribute to its distinct rural character.
Population:
178
Density:
2.0 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
112 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
3.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
96.5% (Predominantly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kaltag, AK?
Living in Kaltag comes with a higher cost of living index of 128, mainly due to remote location and elevated prices for groceries and utilities. Housing remains affordable, with a median home value of $62,500 and average rents at $720 per month. Residents benefit from no state income or sales tax, but should plan for higher monthly expenses on essentials like electricity and transportation.
Median House Value:
$62,500
Gross Rent:
$720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
48.0
Utilities:
170.0
Transportation:
158.0
Health Care:
142.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Kaltag, AK a safe place to live?
Kaltag experiences moderate crime for its size, with a violent crime rate of 540 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,900 per 100,000 people. The risk of property crime is higher than the national average, while violent crime remains relatively uncommon. Residents enjoy the security typical of small communities but should still take basic precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
540
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,900
Crime Index:
2,440
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 185
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Kaltag, AK year-round?
Kaltag’s climate features long, cold winters with temperatures often dropping below -20°F, while summers are mild, ranging from 48°F to 72°F. The community receives about 13 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunny weather roughly 45% of the year. Seasonal changes are pronounced, so residents should be ready for both harsh winters and pleasant, brief summers.

Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
-6°F

Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
44°F

Summer
Min:
48°F
Max:
72°F

Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Households in Kaltag typically earn a median income of $41,200, with a higher poverty rate of 26.5%. Most residents have a high school education or higher, and nearly a third speak a language other than English. Commutes are short at just over 7 minutes, and public transportation is not used, reflecting the town’s rural and self-sufficient lifestyle.
Median Income:
$26,500
Household Income:
$41,200
Family Income:
$45,100
Per Capita Income:
$16,800
Income Male:
$29,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
26.5%
Non English Speakers:
28.0%
Rent:
$720
Unemployment Rate:
13.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
7.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
6.2%
Education
How are the schools in Kaltag, AK?
Kaltag offers an intimate educational environment with a single K-12 public school serving about 30 students and a favorable student-teacher ratio of 10:1. While there are no private schools or local colleges, distance education is available through the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Northwest Campus. Families benefit from personalized attention in schools but have limited options for higher education within the city.

Public Schools
Name:
Kaltag School
Street:
School Road, Kaltag, AK 99748
Phone:
(907) 534-2206
Students:
30
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Northwest Campus (Distance Education)
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
250 miles (online/remote)
Students:
2,000
Healthcare
Kaltag has access to a local primary care clinic, with more comprehensive and emergency medical services available in nearby Nulato, about 39 miles away. The area has a low physician-to-population ratio of 0.4 per 1,000, but health insurance coverage is relatively high at 86.5%. Healthcare services are limited, so residents may need to travel for specialized care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kaltag Health Clinic
Address:
Kaltag, AK 99748
Phone:
(907) 534-2204
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Tanana Chiefs Conference – Nulato Subregional Clinic
Address:
Nulato, AK 99765 (39 miles by river/air)
Phone:
(907) 898-2205
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
60.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kaltag, AK?
The housing market in Kaltag is affordable, with a median home price of $62,500 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $720. Owner-occupancy is high at 73%, and there’s minimal new construction or foreclosures, reflecting a stable but limited market. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making the area attractive for those seeking affordable, long-term residence.
Median Home Price:
$62,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$720
Owner Occupied Rate:
73.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
For vehicle registration and licensing, Kaltag residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office in Fairbanks. The state DMV provides resources online and by phone for added convenience. Residents should be prepared for travel to access in-person services due to the city’s remote location.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, 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.