Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Lower Kalskag, AK
Considering a move to Lower Kalskag, AK? This tight-knit village of 265 residents offers affordable housing (median price around $92,000 and average rent of $680), but a high cost of living typical for rural Alaska. With a youthful median age of 27.3 and a strong Alaska Native presence, the community enjoys a quiet lifestyle amid subarctic seasons. Commutes are short, but amenities are limited; education and healthcare options are local but basic, with larger services a plane or river trip away. Expect a unique, close community with rugged climate and simple living.
Demographics - Lower Kalskag, AK
Demographics - Lower Kalskag, AK
Lower Kalskag is a small, close-knit village of 265 people with a youthful median age of 27.3. The community is predominantly Alaska Native, and a significant portion of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density and higher male-to-female ratio contribute to its rural character.
Population:
265
Density:
50 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.3
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
65.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
6.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
94.0% (predominantly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Lower Kalskag, AK?
Living costs in Lower Kalskag are high compared to the national average, with a cost of living index of 132.0 and groceries and utilities especially expensive. Housing remains affordable, with a median home value of $92,000 and average rent at $680 per month. State taxes are absent, but essentials like electricity and transportation can add up quickly.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$680
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$230
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.0
Grocery:
150.0
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
190.0
Transportation:
160.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Lower Kalskag, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Lower Kalskag are notably higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,900 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,700 per 100,000. Residents face a one in 53 chance of experiencing violent crime. While the village is tight-knit, newcomers should be aware of these safety considerations.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,900
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,700
Crime Index:
4,600
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 53
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 37
Weather
What is the weather like in Lower Kalskag, AK year-round?
Lower Kalskag experiences a subarctic climate with long, cold winters where temperatures often drop below zero, and short, mild summers reaching up to 68°F. The area receives about 17 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 45% of the year. Residents should be prepared for extreme seasonal changes and limited daylight during winter months.
Winter
Min:
-15°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Local households typically earn around $36,000, but the poverty rate is high at 36%. Most residents have short commute times and rely on personal vehicles, as public transportation is unavailable. The community is largely Alaska Native, with 65% speaking a language other than English, and education levels are modest, with 62% holding a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$36,000
Family Income:
$38,500
Per Capita Income:
$11,800
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$23,000
Poverty Rate:
36.0%
Non English Speakers:
65.0%
Rent:
$680
Unemployment Rate:
18.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
62.0%
Bachelors or More:
3.5%
Education
How are the schools in Lower Kalskag, AK?
Education is provided by George Morgan Sr. High School, which serves about 85 students with a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1. There are no private schools in town, and the nearest college, University of Alaska Fairbanks – Kuskokwim Campus, is located 95 miles away in Bethel. Local schooling options are basic, and higher education requires travel.
Public Schools
Name:
George Morgan Sr. High School
Street:
Lower Kalskag School Rd
Phone:
(907) 222-9977
Students:
85
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Kuskokwim Campus
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
95 miles
Students:
700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Lower Kalskag is provided by a local health clinic, but more comprehensive and emergency services require travel to nearby Aniak. The area has a low physician-to-population ratio, with 0.7 doctors per 1,000 residents. Most residents (84%) have health insurance, but access to specialized care is limited.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lower Kalskag Health Clinic
Address:
Lower Kalskag, AK 99626
Phone:
(907) 222-9977
Type:
Community Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
YKHC Aniak Subregional Clinic
Address:
Aniak, AK 99557 (18 miles by river/air)
Phone:
(907) 675-4556
Type:
Regional Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.0%
Health Care Index:
61.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Lower Kalskag, AK?
The housing market in Lower Kalskag is stable, with a median home price of $92,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $680. Most homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a very low vacancy and foreclosure rate. New construction is rare, reflecting the community's steady size and rural setting.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$680
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
Lower Kalskag does not have a local DMV office; residents must access vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest physical office located in Bethel. Most DMV tasks can be managed online or by phone. This arrangement is typical for remote Alaskan communities.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Statewide (no local DMV; nearest in Bethel, AK)
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.