Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kiana, AK
Considering a move to Kiana, AK? This small community of about 430 offers affordable housing (median home price: $110,000, average rent: $900), a uniquely Alaska Native culture, and a tight-knit lifestyle. Expect a high cost of living for groceries and utilities, but short commute times and easygoing living. While crime rates are higher than the national average, residents enjoy stunning arctic scenery and a close connection to nature. Local education is provided by McQueen School, and regional healthcare is accessible in nearby Kotzebue. Prepare for long winters and a strong sense of community!
Demographics - Kiana, AK
Kiana is a small Alaskan community with about 430 residents, where the population is predominantly Alaska Native and the median age is just 24. A youthful demographic and a significant percentage of non-English speakers contribute to a culturally rich, close-knit environment.
Population:
430
Density:
26 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.0
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
24%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.5%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kiana, AK?
Living in Kiana comes with a higher cost of living index, particularly for groceries and utilities, though housing remains affordable with a median home value of $110,000 and average rent at $900. State taxes are nonexistent, but residents should plan for higher monthly expenses and limited local shopping options.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$230
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
134.0
Grocery:
160.0
Housing:
115.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
145.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Kiana, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Kiana are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 164 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 56 chance of property crime. Prospective residents should be aware of these risks and take standard precautions to ensure personal safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
610
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,410
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 164
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in Kiana, AK year-round?
Kiana experiences long, cold winters with temperatures often dipping below zero and short, mild summers reaching into the 70s. The area receives about 13 inches of precipitation annually, including snow, and enjoys sunshine roughly 45% of the year.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
36°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.0 inches (including snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Residents enjoy a median household income of $49,000 and a strong sense of community, though the poverty rate is elevated at 28%. Most people have short commutes, and public transportation isn’t used, reflecting Kiana’s small-town, self-reliant lifestyle.
Median Income:
$33,000
Household Income:
$49,000
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$18,400
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
28.0%
Non English Speakers:
24%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
12.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
63.0%
Bachelors or More:
8.0%
Education
How are the schools in Kiana, AK?
Public education is provided by McQueen School, serving around 120 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio, while options for higher education are available at the Chukchi Campus in nearby Kotzebue. The community values education, though advanced degree attainment remains limited.
Public Schools
Name:
McQueen School
Street:
School Rd, Kiana, AK 99749
Phone:
907-475-2115
Students:
120
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.5
Colleges
Name:
Chukchi Campus (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
City:
Kotzebue
State:
AK
Distance:
57 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Local healthcare is available through the Kiana Health Clinic for primary care, while emergency and comprehensive services are accessible 57 miles away in Kotzebue. Most residents have health insurance, but physician availability is limited, typical of remote Alaskan communities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kiana Health Clinic
Address:
Main St, Kiana, AK 99749
Phone:
(907) 475-2255
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Maniilaq Health Center (Regional Hospital)
Address:
436 5th Ave, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone:
(907) 442-3321
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kiana, AK?
Kiana’s housing market is characterized by affordable prices, with a median home value of $110,000 and an average rent of $900 for a two-bedroom. Homeownership and rental opportunities are fairly balanced, and foreclosures are rare.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, which offers online resources and a centralized contact point. Local DMV services may be limited, requiring some travel or use of mail-in and online options.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
P.O. Box 110221, Juneau, AK 99811-0221
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.