Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mekoryuk, AK
Considering a move to Mekoryuk, AK? This remote community of around 200 residents offers affordable housing (median home price $98,000, rent ~$850) but a higher cost of living due to groceries and utilities. Crime rates are moderate for rural Alaska, and commutes are short—just 6 minutes. The local school serves about 55 students, and the climate is cool, with summer highs near 56°F. If you value close-knit living, a subsistence lifestyle, and unique natural beauty, Mekoryuk could be a fit for you.
Demographics - Mekoryuk, AK
Demographics - Mekoryuk, AK
Mekoryuk is a small, close-knit community of approximately 206 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.5 and a population that is predominantly Alaska Native. Around 40% of locals speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage. The population density is low at 11 people per square mile, offering a peaceful and spacious environment.
Population:
206
Density:
11 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.5
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
40%
Ethnic Composition
White:
4%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
96% (predominantly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mekoryuk, AK?
Living in Mekoryuk comes with affordable housing—median home values are around $98,000 and average rent is $850—but the overall cost of living is high due to expensive groceries and utilities. The cost of living index is 135, and utilities can average $250 per month, reflecting the challenges of remote Alaskan life. Residents benefit from no state income or sales taxes.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.0
Grocery:
160.0
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
160.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Mekoryuk, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Mekoryuk are moderate for a rural Alaskan village, with a violent crime rate of 410 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,580 per 100,000. This means residents have a 1 in 244 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 63 chance of property crime. While generally safe, it's wise to stay mindful of local security concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,580
Crime Index:
1,990
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Mekoryuk, AK year-round?
Mekoryuk experiences a cool, subarctic climate with winter lows dipping to -6°F and summer highs reaching only about 56°F. The area receives about 14 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys limited sunshine, with just 35% of days considered sunny. Residents should be prepared for chilly temperatures and long winters.
Winter
Min:
-6°F
Max:
13°F
Spring
Min:
11°F
Max:
33°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
56°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Residents of Mekoryuk have a median household income of $38,500, with about 26.5% living below the poverty line and an unemployment rate of 16.5%. Most people commute just 6 minutes to work, and 74% have at least a high school diploma. The community is largely Alaska Native and maintains strong local traditions.
Median Income:
$30,800
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$43,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,500
Income Male:
$23,000
Income Female:
$19,000
Poverty Rate:
26.5%
Non English Speakers:
40%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
16.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.0%
Bachelors or More:
7.2%
Education
How are the schools in Mekoryuk, AK?
Mekoryuk has a single public school serving about 55 students, offering small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. There are no local private schools, and the nearest college, the Kuskokwim Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is located 160 miles away in Bethel. Educational opportunities reflect the community's small size and remote setting.
Public Schools
Name:
Mekoryuk School (Lower Kuskokwim School District)
Street:
Mekoryuk, AK 99630
Phone:
(907) 827-8919
Students:
55
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.0
Colleges
Name:
Kuskokwim Campus, University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
160 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Mekoryuk is centered around a local community clinic, with the nearest hospital offering emergency services located in Bethel, about 160 miles away. There are 0.9 physicians per 1,000 residents, and approximately 83.5% of the population has health insurance coverage. Access to specialized care may require travel to larger towns.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mekoryuk Health Clinic
Address:
Mekoryuk, AK 99630
Phone:
(907) 827-8919
Type:
Community Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Bethel Hospital (YKHC)
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.5%
Health Care Index:
55.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mekoryuk, AK?
The Mekoryuk housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $98,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $850. About 64% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate of 0.1%. Home appreciation has been steady, increasing by 3.1% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Juneau. Most DMV services can be accessed online or by phone, making it convenient despite Mekoryuk's remote location. For more information, visit the Alaska DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
P.O. Box 110221, Juneau, AK 99811-0221
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.