Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kobuk, AK
Considering a move to Kobuk, AK? With a small population of just 192, this remote village offers affordable housing (median home value $82,000, average rent $700) but higher living costs due to its rural Alaska location. Expect cold winters, unique Alaska Native culture, and a close-knit community. Commutes are short (5 minutes), crime is moderate for the region, and education is served by a local K-12 school—perfect for those seeking adventure and a slower pace of life.
Demographics - Kobuk, AK
Kobuk is a tight-knit and predominantly Alaska Native community with a population of 192 and a youthful median age of 26.5 years. The area features a low population density and a significant portion of residents speak a language other than English at home, highlighting the village’s strong cultural heritage.
Population:
192
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
55.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
1.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
98.5% (predominantly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kobuk, AK?
Living in Kobuk comes with modest housing costs, with a median home value of $82,000 and average rent around $700, but overall expenses are higher than the national average due to elevated utility and grocery prices. Residents benefit from Alaska’s 0% state income tax, helping to offset the higher cost of goods and services.
Median House Value:
$82,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.0
Grocery:
155.0
Housing:
98.0
Utilities:
165.0
Transportation:
135.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Kobuk, AK a safe place to live?
Kobuk experiences moderate crime levels for its remote location, with a chance of property crime at roughly 1 in 83 and violent crime at 1 in 210. Residents generally enjoy a sense of safety, though small-town dynamics mean community awareness is important.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
470
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,670
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 210
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Kobuk, AK year-round?
Kobuk’s climate is characterized by long, harsh winters with temperatures often dipping below zero, while summers are brief and mild, reaching up to 70°F. The area receives about 13 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine around 35% of the year, so residents should be prepared for cold and limited daylight.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
0°F
Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.0 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
The community’s median household income is about $45,000, but nearly 28% of residents live below the poverty line and unemployment is relatively high at 14%. Most people have short commutes and there is minimal public transportation, reflecting the village’s rural and self-reliant lifestyle.
Median Income:
$43,000
Household Income:
$45,000
Family Income:
$46,500
Per Capita Income:
$13,200
Income Male:
$26,000
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
28.0%
Non English Speakers:
55.0%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
14.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
60.0%
Bachelors or More:
7.0%
Education
How are the schools in Kobuk, AK?
Education in Kobuk is provided by a single K-12 public school with small class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio, promoting personalized attention. Higher education opportunities require travel, with the closest university campus located 180 miles away in Nome.
Public Schools
Name:
Kobuk School
Street:
School Road
Phone:
907-948-2211
Students:
42
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Northwest Campus
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
180 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Kobuk residents rely on the Maniilaq Health Center in nearby Kotzebue for general and emergency care, with a physician availability below the national average at 0.7 per 1,000 residents. Most people have health insurance, but healthcare access is limited by geography and available services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maniilaq Health Center
Address:
436 5th Ave, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone:
(907) 442-3321
Type:
General & Tribal Health
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kobuk, AK?
Kobuk’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $82,000 and 61% owner occupancy. Rental options are limited but reasonably priced, and the market is stable with low rates of foreclosure and new construction.
Median Home Price:
$82,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Kobuk are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, based in Anchorage. Residents can access DMV services online or by phone, though in-person visits require travel to larger regional centers.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
5700 E Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
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.