Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kivalina, AK
Considering a move to Kivalina, AK? This close-knit Arctic village of 441 people offers a unique cultural experience, with over 99% Alaska Native/Inuit residents and a strong sense of community. Housing is affordable, with median home values around $89,000 and rents near $800, though the cost of living is high due to remote location and supply costs. Violent crime rates are moderate for Alaska, and commutes are virtually non-existent. While educational and job opportunities are limited, Kivalina’s standout features include its rich native heritage, stunning tundra landscape, and a climate marked by cold winters and cool, short summers.
Demographics - Kivalina, AK
Demographics - Kivalina, AK
Kivalina is a small Arctic village with a population of 441, characterized by a youthful median age of 26.8 and a predominantly Alaska Native/Inuit community. Over 60% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's strong cultural heritage and close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
441
Density:
1,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.8
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
62.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
1.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
99.0% (predominantly Alaska Native/Inuit)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kivalina, AK?
Living in Kivalina comes with affordable housing—median home values are around $89,000 and rents average $800—but the overall cost of living is high due to remote location and expensive utilities and groceries. State taxes are nonexistent, but transportation and everyday goods tend to be more costly than the national average.
Median House Value:
$89,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
138.0
Grocery:
170.0
Housing:
84.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
180.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Kivalina, AK a safe place to live?
Kivalina experiences moderate crime for its region, with a violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 residents and property crimes at 850 per 100,000. The chances of being affected by crime are relatively low, contributing to the village’s reputation as a safe, tight-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
850
Crime Index:
1,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 116
Weather
What is the weather like in Kivalina, AK year-round?
Kivalina’s Arctic climate means long, cold winters with temperatures often below zero, while summers are cool and brief, rarely exceeding 58°F. The area receives about 11.5 inches of annual precipitation, mostly as snow, and enjoys roughly 35% sunny days.
Winter
Min:
-5°F
Max:
10°F
Spring
Min:
8°F
Max:
26°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
58°F
Fall
Min:
20°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.5 inches (mostly snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn about $52,000 annually, though nearly a third of the population lives below the poverty line and unemployment is higher than average at 16%. Residents generally enjoy short commute times and a strong sense of community, but educational attainment beyond high school is limited.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$52,000
Family Income:
$55,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,500
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
34.0%
Non English Speakers:
62.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
16.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
67.0%
Bachelors or More:
4.0%
Education
How are the schools in Kivalina, AK?
Education in Kivalina centers around its local public school, which serves about 135 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio. Higher education options are limited locally, but the Chukchi Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks is available 80 miles away in Kotzebue.
Public Schools
Name:
Kivalina School (Northwest Arctic Borough School District)
Street:
Kivalina, AK 99750
Phone:
907-645-2126
Students:
135
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Colleges
Name:
Chukchi Campus - University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Kotzebue
State:
AK
Distance:
80 miles
Students:
150
Healthcare
Healthcare in Kivalina is provided by a local clinic and supported by a regional health center in Kotzebue, with emergency services available. With just 0.5 physicians per 1,000 residents, medical resources are limited, but 92% of residents have health insurance coverage.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Kivalina Clinic (Maniilaq Health Center - remote site)
Address:
Kivalina, AK 99750
Phone:
(907) 645-2133
Type:
Primary and Emergency Outpost
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Maniilaq Health Center
Address:
436 5th Ave, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone:
(907) 442-3321
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kivalina, AK?
Kivalina’s housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $89,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom around $800. Most homes are owner-occupied, vacancy rates are low, and new construction is rare, reflecting a steady but limited housing supply.
Median Home Price:
$89,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
Kivalina residents access vehicle and licensing services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, primarily based in Anchorage, with information and forms available on the state DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, Suite 900, 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.