Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mcgrath, AK
Thinking of moving to McGrath, AK? This small riverside community of 301 offers affordable housing with a median home price around $110,000 and average rent at $900. While utilities and groceries run higher due to the rural location, you’ll enjoy a short average commute of just 7 minutes and access to local healthcare. Crime rates are moderate for Alaska, and the city’s strong Alaska Native culture adds unique character. Expect cold winters, a tight-knit atmosphere, and a peaceful lifestyle in the heart of interior Alaska.
Demographics - Mcgrath, AK
Demographics - Mcgrath, AK
McGrath, AK is a small community of 301 residents, with a strong Alaska Native presence making up nearly half of the population. The area has a median age of 38 and a slightly higher number of males than females, fostering a close-knit, diverse environment where about 15% of people speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
301
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
45.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mcgrath, AK?
McGrath offers affordable housing, with median home values near $110,000 and average rents around $900, but the overall cost of living is higher than the national average due to elevated prices for groceries and utilities. Residents benefit from zero state income tax and moderate expenses in categories like transportation and healthcare.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
90.0
Utilities:
175.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
125.0
Crime
Is Mcgrath, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in McGrath are moderate for Alaska, with a 1 in 190 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 54 chance for property crime. While these figures are higher than the national average, the small-town setting fosters a sense of community and vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
525
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,375
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 190
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Mcgrath, AK year-round?
McGrath experiences long, cold winters with lows dipping to -25°F, while summers are mild with highs reaching 70°F. Residents enjoy about 45% sunny days each year and receive approximately 16 inches of rainfall, creating a distinctly subarctic climate.

Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
0°F

Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F

Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
35°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Neighborhoods in McGrath have a median household income of $49,000 and a poverty rate of 16%. Most residents commute just 7 minutes to work, and while educational attainment is solid—with 84% holding a high school diploma or higher—college degrees are less common in this rural setting.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$49,000
Family Income:
$54,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,000
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$31,000
Poverty Rate:
16.0%
Non English Speakers:
15.0%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
9.0%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.0%
Bachelors or More:
13.0%
Education
How are the schools in Mcgrath, AK?
Education in McGrath centers around a small public school with about 60 students and a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1. While there are no private schools locally, distance learning opportunities are available through the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located 220 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
McGrath School
Street:
1 Tiger Way
Phone:
907-524-1207
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Interior Alaska Campus (distance learning available)
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
220 miles
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in McGrath is served by a local primary care and emergency clinic, with about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 87% of the population covered by health insurance. Access to medical services is reliable for a remote community, though the healthcare index suggests availability is somewhat below the national average.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Southcentral Foundation McGrath Health Center
Address:
McGrath, AK 99627
Phone:
(907) 524-3299
Type:
Primary Care & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mcgrath, AK?
The McGrath housing market is stable, with a median home price of $110,000 and 65% of properties owner-occupied. Home appreciation is modest at 2% annually, and rental options are available, with an average two-bedroom rent of $900 and a low foreclosure rate.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
65.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
McGrath residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Fairbanks. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration can also be accessed online or by phone for convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.