Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kipnuk, AK
Thinking of moving to Kipnuk, AK? This small, remote community of around 639 residents offers affordable home prices (median $92,000) and low rents, but expect high costs for groceries and utilities typical of rural Alaska. With a commute under 5 minutes, a close-knit Alaska Native culture, and access to a local K-12 school, Kipnuk is ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle. Be prepared for cold winters, limited sunny days, and modest healthcare and educational resources.
Demographics - Kipnuk, AK
Demographics - Kipnuk, AK
Kipnuk is a close-knit community of about 639 residents, with a youthful median age of 24.5 and a majority Alaska Native (Yup'ik) population, reflected in the 70% of people who speak a language other than English at home. The population density is low at 25 people per square mile, and the town has a slightly higher number of males than females.
Population:
639
Density:
25 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.5
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
70.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
98.0% (predominantly Alaska Native/Yup'ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kipnuk, AK?
While Kipnuk’s median home value is a modest $92,000 and rents average $800, the overall cost of living is high due to expensive groceries, utilities, and transportation common in remote Alaskan communities. The state’s 0% income and sales tax help offset some expenses, but essential services and goods can be significantly pricier than the national average.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$190
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
70.0
Utilities:
170.0
Transportation:
180.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Kipnuk, AK a safe place to live?
Kipnuk experiences moderate crime rates, with about 500 violent crimes and 1,200 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents have a 1 in 200 chance of being affected by violent crime and a 1 in 83 chance for property crime, making safety an important consideration for newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
500
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,700
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 200
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Kipnuk, AK year-round?
The climate in Kipnuk is marked by long, cold winters with lows around -5°F and mild summers that rarely exceed 62°F, accompanied by just 32% sunny days annually. The area receives approximately 16.5 inches of rainfall each year, so expect chilly, damp weather for much of the year.
Winter
Min:
-5°F
Max:
15°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
32%
Neighbors
Most households in Kipnuk have modest incomes, with a median around $35,000 and a high poverty rate of 37%. The unemployment rate is elevated at 18%, and the community is predominantly Alaska Native, with 70% speaking a non-English language at home and a short average commute of 5 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$11,200
Income Male:
$27,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
37.0%
Non English Speakers:
70.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
18.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
60.0%
Bachelors or More:
4.0%
Education
How are the schools in Kipnuk, AK?
Kipnuk offers K-12 education at Chief Paul Memorial School, which serves about 200 students with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1. For higher education, the nearest option is the Kuskokwim Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located approximately 100 miles away in Bethel.
Public Schools
Name:
Chief Paul Memorial School
Street:
Kipnuk, AK 99614
Phone:
(907) 896-5515
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Colleges
Name:
Kuskokwim Campus, University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
100 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kipnuk is limited, with a small local clinic and the nearest hospital located in Bethel, about 100 miles away. Most residents (85%) have health insurance, but access to physicians is low at 0.3 per 1,000 people, making it important to plan ahead for specialized or emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kipnuk Health Clinic
Address:
Kipnuk, AK 99614
Phone:
(907) 896-5515
Type:
Community Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
62.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kipnuk, AK?
Kipnuk’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $92,000 and average rents around $800 for a two-bedroom unit. The owner-occupied rate stands at 55%, while new construction and foreclosures are rare, contributing to a stable but limited housing supply.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
55.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle and driver services for Kipnuk residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the closest office located in Anchorage. Information and forms are available online, and residents should plan for travel or mail-in processing due to the community’s remote location.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
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.