Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nightmute, AK
Considering a move to Nightmute, AK? This remote village of 306 residents is rich in Alaska Native culture and offers affordable housing, with a median home price of $95,000 and average rent around $700. While cost of living and utilities are higher than national averages, crime remains relatively low and commutes are short, averaging just 7 minutes. Nightmute provides a small, tight-knit community experience, a cold subarctic climate, and access to basic local education and healthcare—ideal for those seeking a unique, rural lifestyle in Alaska.
Demographics - Nightmute, AK
Demographics - Nightmute, AK
Nightmute is a small village with a population of 306, characterized by a predominantly Alaska Native (Yup’ik) community and a young median age of 22. Most residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area’s strong cultural heritage. The community has a slightly higher number of males than females and maintains a low population density, offering a close-knit rural atmosphere.
Population:
306
Density:
36 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.0
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
85.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
98.0% (Primarily Alaska Native/Yup’ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nightmute, AK?
While housing in Nightmute is quite affordable with a median home value of $95,000 and typical rent near $700, overall living costs are higher than the national average due to expensive groceries and utilities. Residents benefit from Alaska’s lack of state income and sales taxes, but should be prepared for higher charges on electricity and transportation. The cost of living index stands at 122, reflecting these elevated expenses.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.0
Grocery:
150.0
Housing:
78.0
Utilities:
170.0
Transportation:
160.0
Health Care:
140.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Nightmute, AK a safe place to live?
Nightmute experiences lower crime rates than many urban areas, with a violent crime rate of 320 per 100,000 and a 1 in 312 chance of being affected. Property crime is somewhat higher, with a 1 in 60 chance, but the overall crime index remains modest for a rural Alaskan village. Most residents find the community to be safe and welcoming.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,650
Crime Index:
1,970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 60
Weather
What is the weather like in Nightmute, AK year-round?
Nightmute has a cold subarctic climate, featuring long, frigid winters with average lows around -10°F and short, cool summers peaking at 62°F. The area receives about 18 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine just 35% of the year, so residents should be prepared for extended periods of chilly, cloudy weather. Seasonal changes are pronounced, making warm clothing and weather resilience essential.
Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
9°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
62°F
Fall
Min:
19°F
Max:
41°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
18 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
The community has modest household incomes, with a median around $38,000 and a relatively high poverty rate of 31%. Most residents have a high school education, though college attainment is low, and unemployment is higher than average at 18%. Neighbors primarily speak Yup’ik, and public transportation is nonexistent, but commutes are very short, averaging just 7 minutes.
Median Income:
$35,000
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$42,000
Per Capita Income:
$12,500
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
31.0%
Non English Speakers:
85.0%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
18.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
68.0%
Bachelors or More:
7.0%
Education
How are the schools in Nightmute, AK?
Nightmute offers local K-12 education through Nightmute School, which serves about 87 students with a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1. There are no private schools in the area, and the nearest college, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Kuskokwim Campus, is located about 95 miles away in Bethel. Educational opportunities are focused on serving the community’s needs, with an emphasis on local culture and practical learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Nightmute School
Street:
Nightmute, AK 99690
Phone:
(907) 647-6312
Students:
87
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Kuskokwim Campus
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
95 miles
Students:
650
Healthcare
Nightmute is served by a local health clinic for basic care, while major services and emergencies require travel to Bethel Hospital, about 95 miles away. Most residents (90%) have health insurance, but physician availability is limited at 0.6 per 1,000 people. Healthcare accessibility is adequate for routine needs, but more serious conditions may require regional travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Nightmute Health Clinic
Address:
Nightmute, AK 99690
Phone:
(907) 647-6312
Type:
Community Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
YKHC Bethel Hospital
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6000
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.0%
Health Care Index:
55.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nightmute, AK?
The Nightmute housing market features low median home prices at $95,000 and affordable rents, with most homes owner-occupied (81%). Vacancy and foreclosure rates are minimal, and the market sees little new construction or turnover. Home appreciation is steady but modest, making it a stable environment for long-term residents.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
81.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
Nightmute residents obtain driver and vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Juneau and accessible online or via phone. Local DMV offices are not present in the village, so most transactions are handled remotely or require travel to regional centers. Alaska’s DMV provides comprehensive information and service options through its official website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
450 Whittier St, Juneau, AK 99801
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.