Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Little Diomede, AK
Thinking of moving to Little Diomede, AK? With a tiny population of just 82 and median home prices around $75,000, this remote island village offers an authentic Alaska Native community and a unique Arctic lifestyle. Crime is virtually nonexistent, but the cost of living is high due to remote logistics, and winters are extremely cold. Expect basic amenities, a local K-12 school, and access to clinics and services primarily by air. If you’re seeking a close-knit, adventurous, and culturally rich experience, Little Diomede is one of Alaska’s most distinctive places to call home.
Demographics - Little Diomede, AK
Demographics - Little Diomede, AK
Little Diomede is a small, close-knit community of 82 residents, with a median age of 31.5 years and a population density of 132 per square mile. The village is predominantly Alaska Native/Inuit, and about 60% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a strong indigenous cultural presence.
Population:
82
Density:
132 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.5
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
60%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
98% (predominantly Alaska Native/Inuit)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Little Diomede, AK?
The cost of living in Little Diomede is significantly higher than the national average, with an index of 135, driven by elevated grocery, utility, and transportation expenses due to its remote location. However, housing remains relatively affordable, with median home values at $75,000 and average rents around $350. Alaska's 0% state income and sales taxes offer some relief for residents.
Median House Value:
$75,000
Gross Rent:
$350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$490
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$185
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135
Grocery:
180
Housing:
95
Utilities:
170
Transportation:
170
Health Care:
120
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Little Diomede, AK a safe place to live?
Little Diomede is an exceptionally safe place to live, with no reported violent or property crimes in recent years. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment, making crime concerns virtually nonexistent in this isolated village.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely rare
Chance Of Property Crime:
Extremely rare
Weather
What is the weather like in Little Diomede, AK year-round?
The climate in Little Diomede is arctic, featuring long, extremely cold winters with lows averaging -15°F and brief, cool summers that rarely exceed 50°F. Precipitation is low at about 10 inches annually, mostly as snow, and sunny days are infrequent, accounting for just 37% of the year.
Winter
Min:
-15°F
Max:
6°F
Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
28°F
Summer
Min:
34°F
Max:
50°F
Fall
Min:
20°F
Max:
35°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10 inches (mostly snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
37%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in Little Diomede are characterized by modest incomes, with a median household income of $27,000 and a poverty rate of 28%. Most residents walk to work due to the village's compact size, and a strong sense of community is present among its predominantly Alaska Native population.
Median Income:
$18,000
Household Income:
$27,000
Family Income:
$30,000
Per Capita Income:
$12,500
Income Male:
$17,000
Income Female:
$13,500
Poverty Rate:
28%
Non English Speakers:
60%
Rent:
$350
Unemployment Rate:
16%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
2 minutes (walking, small village)
Education
High School or Higher:
71%
Bachelors or More:
4%
Education
How are the schools in Little Diomede, AK?
Education in Little Diomede is centered around the local Diomede School, which serves about 35 students in a K-12 setting with a low student-teacher ratio of 8:1. Higher education opportunities are accessible via the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Northwest Campus in Nome, though travel is possible only by air.
Public Schools
Name:
Diomede School
Street:
Main St, Little Diomede, AK 99762
Phone:
(907) 686-3311
Students:
35
Student Teacher Ratio:
8
Colleges
Name:
Northwest Campus (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
135 miles (air only)
Students:
500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Little Diomede is limited to a primary/remote clinic, with most medical care provided by visiting providers or via telehealth. While 89% of residents have health insurance, access to advanced medical services requires travel to larger hubs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Diomede Health Clinic
Address:
Main St, Little Diomede, AK 99762
Phone:
(907) 686-3311
Type:
Primary/Remote Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0 (remote telehealth/visiting providers)
Health Insurance Coverage:
89%
Health Care Index:
67
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Little Diomede, AK?
The housing market in Little Diomede is stable, with a median home price of $75,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $350. Most homes are owner-occupied, and there is little new construction or foreclosure activity, reflecting the village's small, stable population.
Median Home Price:
$75,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$350
Owner Occupied Rate:
65%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
12%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0%
DMV Information
Residents of Little Diomede rely on the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Anchorage. Most DMV services, including vehicle registration and licensing, are handled remotely or by mail due to the village's isolated location.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
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.