Alaska / Northwest Arctic County

Moving to Kotzebue, AK

Thinking of making a move to Kotzebue, AK? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kotzebue, AK

Considering a move to Kotzebue, AK? This welcoming community of 3,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $240,000 and average rents near $1,450. Commute times average 11 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (38% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kotzebue's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kotzebue, AK

Kotzebue has a population of 3,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 31 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 16% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 72% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
3,200
Density
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age
30.6
Gender Ratio
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
72.0%

Ethnic Composition

White
16.0%
Black
2.0%
Asian
2.5%
Others
79.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kotzebue, AK?

The cost of living in Kotzebue is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 146.0. Median home values are around $240,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,450. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$240,000
Gross Rent
$1,450
Monthly Electricity Charges
$220
Auto Insurance
$2,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$2,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$820
State Taxes
Low: 0.0%| High: 9.4%
Cost Of Living Index
146.0
Grocery
150.0
Housing
132.0
Utilities
175.0
Transportation
142.0
Health Care
128.0
Miscellaneous
118.0

Crime

Is Kotzebue, AK a safe place to live?

Kotzebue is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 820 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 48. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Alaska.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
820
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,100
Crime Index
2,920
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 122
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 48

Weather

What is the weather like in Kotzebue, AK year-round?

Kotzebue experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 58°F and cold winters dipping to 8°F. The area receives about 11 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 38% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
-8°F
Max
12°F

Summer

Min
40°F
Max
58°F

Spring

Min
5°F
Max
28°F

Fall

Min
18°F
Max
36°F
Average Rainfall Inches
10.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
38%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $61,000 and a low poverty rate of 20.5%. Over 79% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 14% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 11 minutes, and almost 18% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$45,000
Household Income
$61,000
Family Income
$74,000
Per Capita Income
$24,500
Income Male
$52,000
Income Female
$41,000
Poverty Rate
20.5%
Non English Speakers
78.0%
Rent
$1,450
Unemployment Rate
9.8%
Public Transport Usage
18.0%
Commute Time
10.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
79.0%
Bachelors or More
13.5%

Education

How are the schools in Kotzebue, AK?

Kotzebue offers quality education options, with public schools like Kotzebue Middle/High School and Mavis Isabellon School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Alaska Fairbanks - Northwest Campus and Ilisaġvik College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kotzebue Middle/High School
Street
1001 Lakeshore Dr
Phone
907-442-3472
Students
260
Student Teacher Ratio
11.8
Name
Mavis Isabellon School
Street
1000 Bayview Ave
Phone
907-442-3474
Students
320
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4

Private Schools

Name
Noatak School
Street
P.O. Box 70
Phone
907-692-3311
Students
45

Colleges

Name
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Northwest Campus
City
Kotzebue
State
AK
Distance
0 miles
Students
180
Name
Ilisaġvik College
City
Barrow
State
AK
Distance
550 miles
Students
200

Healthcare

Kotzebue residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital and Maniilaq Health Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.3 per 1,000 people and 78.5% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address
7000 Uula St, Barrow, AK 99723
Phone
(907) 852-9200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Maniilaq Health Center
Address
436 5th St, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone
(907) 442-3321
Type
Regional Health Center
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage
78.5%
Health Care Index
58.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kotzebue, AK?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $240,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 47%. The market has seen a 3.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.8%. Kotzebue offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,450
Owner Occupied Rate
47.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Kotzebue handle vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Anchorage. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Alaska
Department
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone
1-855-269-5551

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.

FAQs About Moving to Kotzebue, AK

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kotzebue, review the core fields on this page: population 3,200, median home value $240,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,450, commute time 10.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 38%.

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