Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kotzebue, AK
Considering a move to Kotzebue, AK? With a close-knit population of just over 3,100, Kotzebue offers a unique Arctic lifestyle and a rich Alaska Native heritage. Housing prices average $225,000, and rents run about $1,350, reflecting the higher cost of living typical for remote Alaska. While crime rates are higher than the national average, commutes are short at just 7.5 minutes, and the community boasts excellent access to local healthcare and outdoor adventure. The climate is cold, with long winters and cool summers, and local schools and a branch of the University of Alaska provide educational opportunities for all ages.
Demographics - Kotzebue, AK
Demographics - Kotzebue, AK
Kotzebue is a small Arctic city with just over 3,100 residents, a young median age of 30.7, and a population that is predominantly Alaska Native, reflecting strong indigenous roots. The area has a balanced gender ratio and a significant percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to its cultural diversity.
Population:
3,102
Density:
130 per sq mi
Median Age:
30.7
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
15.1%
Black:
0.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
11.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Kotzebue, AK?
The cost of living in Kotzebue is notably higher than the U.S. average, with a cost of living index of 146.5 and elevated grocery, utility, and transportation costs. Median home values are around $225,000 and rents average $1,350, influenced by the city's remote location and limited access to goods.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,390
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.5
Grocery:
170.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
165.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Kotzebue, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Kotzebue are higher than national averages, with a violent crime rate of 1,090 per 100,000 and a 1 in 92 chance of experiencing violent crime. While property crime is also a concern, community awareness and local initiatives aim to foster safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,090
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,610
Crime Index:
3,700
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 92
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Kotzebue, AK year-round?
Kotzebue experiences long, cold winters with average lows near -10°F and cool summers peaking around 65°F. The city receives about 12.6 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 41% of the year, making for a rugged but scenic climate.
Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
7°F
Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
34°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
33°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
12.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
41%
Neighbors
Local households in Kotzebue typically earn a median income of $79,000, with a poverty rate of 14.2% and a relatively low average commute time of 7.5 minutes. Most residents have at least a high school education, though higher education attainment is less common.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$79,000
Family Income:
$88,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,200
Income Male:
$48,000
Income Female:
$41,000
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
8.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.0%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.2%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Kotzebue, AK?
Kotzebue supports educational needs through local public schools, including Kotzebue Middle High School and June Nelson Elementary, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. The city also hosts the Chukchi Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, expanding higher education opportunities for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Kotzebue Middle High School
Street:
980 3rd Ave
Phone:
907-442-1899
Students:
345
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1
Name:
June Nelson Elementary School
Street:
911 Third Ave
Phone:
907-442-1899
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Colleges
Name:
Chukchi Campus - University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Kotzebue
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Kotzebue offers accessible healthcare through the Maniilaq Health Center, which provides general and emergency services to the community. With a physician ratio of 1.5 per 1,000 residents and over 90% health insurance coverage, residents benefit from reliable medical care despite the city's remote setting.
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:
1.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.1%
Health Care Index:
78.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Kotzebue, AK?
The median home price in Kotzebue is around $225,000, with owner-occupied housing making up just under half the market and rents for a two-bedroom averaging $1,350. The housing market is stable, with modest appreciation and low foreclosure rates, but new construction is limited.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Kotzebue use the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located locally at 436 5th Ave, for all licensing and registration needs. The DMV provides essential services both in-person and online, making vehicle management convenient even in a remote region.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
436 5th Ave, Kotzebue, AK 99752
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.