Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Karluk, AK
Thinking of moving to Karluk, AK? With a tiny population of just 37, Karluk offers a quiet, remote lifestyle on Alaska’s scenic Kodiak Island. Home values are affordable at $95,000 and average rents around $800, but the cost of groceries and utilities can be high due to isolation. Crime rates are moderate for rural Alaska, and the local school provides small class sizes. Expect cool, rainy weather and a short commute—perfect for those seeking tranquility and a tight-knit community.
Demographics - Karluk, AK
Demographics - Karluk, AK
Karluk is a small, close-knit community with just 37 residents and a population density of 7 people per square mile. Most residents are Alaska Native, and the median age is 44.5, reflecting a mature population with a slightly higher number of males than females.
Population:
37
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.5
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15%
Ethnic Composition
White:
20%
Asian:
0%
Others:
5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Karluk, AK?
The cost of living in Karluk is higher than the national average, especially for groceries and utilities, but housing remains affordable with a median home value of $95,000 and average rent at $800. Residents benefit from Alaska's 0% state income tax, helping offset higher day-to-day expenses.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
127.0
Grocery:
142.5
Housing:
60.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
145.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Karluk, AK a safe place to live?
Karluk experiences moderate crime rates for rural Alaska, with a 1 in 154 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 71 chance of property crime. While not immune to crime, the community’s small size allows for increased awareness and neighborly vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
650
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Crime Index:
2,050
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 154
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 71
Weather
What is the weather like in Karluk, AK year-round?
Karluk has a cool, maritime climate with mild summers reaching highs of 62°F and winters rarely dipping below 20°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and sees limited sunshine, offering a lush, green landscape ideal for those who enjoy cooler, rainier weather.
Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
35°F
Spring
Min:
30°F
Max:
45°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
48°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
38 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
25%
Neighbors
Local households in Karluk have a median income of $41,000, but the poverty rate stands at 27%. Most residents have a high school education, and commutes are short, making for a laid-back lifestyle with a strong sense of community.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$46,000
Per Capita Income:
$17,500
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
27%
Non English Speakers:
15%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
12%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
78%
Bachelors or More:
9%
Education
How are the schools in Karluk, AK?
Karluk School serves the community’s small student population with a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention. For higher education, residents look to Kodiak College, about 90 miles away by air and ferry.
Public Schools
Name:
Karluk School
Street:
Karluk, AK 99608
Phone:
907-241-2211
Students:
8
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.0
Colleges
Name:
Kodiak College (University of Alaska Anchorage)
City:
Kodiak
State:
AK
Distance:
90 miles (by air and ferry)
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Residents rely on the Kodiak Island Medical Center, located off-island in Kodiak, for major medical needs, with a physician ratio of 1 per 1,000 people and 83% health insurance coverage. Access to healthcare is reasonable, though some travel is required for specialized services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kodiak Island Medical Center
Address:
1915 E Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615
Phone:
(907) 486-3281
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
83%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Karluk, AK?
Karluk’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $95,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $800. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees little new construction, reflecting a stable but limited market with low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
70%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Karluk residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Anchorage, which provides licensing and vehicle services. Information and resources are easily accessible online or via phone, though some travel may be necessary for in-person visits.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Division of Motor Vehicles, 912 W. 13th Ave., Suite 110, Anchorage, AK 99501
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.