Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Metlakatla, AK
Thinking about relocating to Metlakatla, AK? This welcoming island community of about 1,250 residents offers affordable housing with median home values around $190,000 and rents near $850. You'll enjoy a short average commute of just 8.5 minutes and a quiet, safe environment—violent crime is low at 155 per 100K. While the cost of groceries and utilities is higher than the national average, Metlakatla features a unique cultural heritage, small class sizes in its schools, and a cool, rainy climate with mild summers. Explore the essentials below to see if this friendly Alaskan town is your next home.
Demographics - Metlakatla, AK
Demographics - Metlakatla, AK
Metlakatla is a close-knit community of around 1,250 people, with a majority Native American/Alaska Native population and a median age of 40.1 years. The town has a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.
Population:
1,246
Density:
68 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.1
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
8.3%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
4.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Metlakatla, AK?
Living in Metlakatla is relatively affordable, with median home values around $190,000 and average rent at $850. While housing costs are reasonable, residents should expect higher-than-average prices for groceries and utilities, reflecting the island’s remote location.
Median House Value:
$190,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,060
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.0
Grocery:
129.0
Housing:
84.0
Utilities:
185.0
Transportation:
122.0
Health Care:
134.0
Miscellaneous:
111.0
Crime
Is Metlakatla, AK a safe place to live?
Metlakatla enjoys a low violent crime rate of 155 incidents per 100,000 residents, making it a generally safe place to live. Property crime does occur more frequently, but overall, the community is considered peaceful and secure.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
155
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,505
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 645
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Metlakatla, AK year-round?
The climate in Metlakatla is cool and wet, with mild summers reaching highs of 63°F and winters rarely dropping below 31°F. The town experiences significant rainfall—about 120 inches annually—and only about a quarter of the days are sunny, so residents should be prepared for frequent rain.
Winter
Min:
31°F
Max:
41°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
52°F
Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
63°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
51°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
120 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
25%
Neighbors
Households in Metlakatla typically earn a median income of about $51,400, with a poverty rate of 17.5%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and commute times are short, averaging just 8.5 minutes, highlighting the community’s convenient, small-town feel.
Median Income:
$40,500
Household Income:
$51,400
Family Income:
$58,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,800
Income Male:
$38,500
Income Female:
$33,100
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
5.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
8.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Metlakatla, AK?
Local public schools in Metlakatla offer small class sizes and personal attention, with the high school and elementary school both conveniently located in town. For higher education, the University of Alaska Southeast in Ketchikan is accessible via a short ferry ride.
Public Schools
Name:
Metlakatla High School
Street:
6th Ave & Milton St
Phone:
907-886-7561
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.1
Name:
Richard Johnson Elementary
Street:
6th Ave & Milton St
Phone:
907-886-6330
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast - Ketchikan
City:
Ketchikan
State:
AK
Distance:
16 miles (via ferry)
Students:
600
Healthcare
Metlakatla offers primary and urgent care services locally, with a major hospital in nearby Ketchikan providing emergency and specialized care. About 87% of residents have health insurance, ensuring access to essential medical services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Metlakatla Indian Community Health Center
Address:
8th Ave & Milton St, Metlakatla, AK 99926
Phone:
(907) 886-6977
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
Address:
3100 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone:
(907) 225-5171
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Metlakatla, AK?
The housing market in Metlakatla is stable, with a median home price of $190,000 and an owner-occupancy rate of over 70%. Rental options are available, but vacancy rates are moderate, and home values have appreciated by over 6% in the past year.
Median Home Price:
$190,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Metlakatla residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles at the Ketchikan office, with services accessible by phone or online for convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2030 Sea Level Dr Suite 206, Ketchikan, AK 99901
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.