Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Noatak, AK
Considering a move to Noatak, AK? This small, remote community of 514 residents offers a unique Arctic lifestyle, affordable housing (median home price $111,000, average rent $850), and a predominantly Alaska Native culture. While the cost of living is high due to logistics, the tight-knit community enjoys short commute times and abundant natural beauty, though amenities are limited. Be prepared for extreme winters, a youthful population, and a slower pace of life—perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
Demographics - Noatak, AK
Demographics - Noatak, AK
Noatak is a small, close-knit community of 514 residents, with a youthful median age of 22.4 and a population that is predominantly Alaska Native. The area has a low population density, and most households speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its rich indigenous heritage.
Population:
514
Density:
21 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.4
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
63%
Ethnic Composition
White:
1.2%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
98.8% (primarily Alaska Native/Inuit)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Noatak, AK?
While Noatak offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,000 and average rent of $850, the overall cost of living index is significantly higher than the U.S. average due to elevated prices for groceries, utilities, and transportation. Residents benefit from no state income or sales tax, but should be prepared for higher monthly expenses, especially for basic necessities.
Median House Value:
$111,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (No state income or sales tax)
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.0
Grocery:
150.0
Housing:
95.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
170.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Noatak, AK a safe place to live?
Noatak experiences moderate crime rates, with chances of property crime at 1 in 67 and violent crime at 1 in 222. While safety is generally comparable to other rural Alaskan communities, it's important for newcomers to remain vigilant and engaged with the local community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
450
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,500
Crime Index:
1,950
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 222
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Noatak, AK year-round?
The climate in Noatak is marked by long, harsh winters with temperatures often dropping below -25°F and brief, mild summers peaking around 65°F. Residents experience limited sunshine, with only about 38% of days considered sunny, and annual rainfall is low at just under 10 inches.
Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
-5°F
Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
38%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $46,800, but faces a high poverty rate of 31.2% and an unemployment rate above 20%. Most residents have short commutes and there is no public transportation, with a majority speaking a language other than English and educational attainment primarily at the high school level.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$46,800
Family Income:
$48,900
Per Capita Income:
$13,400
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$25,000
Poverty Rate:
31.2%
Non English Speakers:
63%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
21.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
67.0%
Bachelors or More:
7.2%
Education
How are the schools in Noatak, AK?
Education in Noatak is centered on the Napaaqtugmiut School, serving about 210 students with a favorable 13:1 student-teacher ratio and no local private schools. For higher education, students typically travel to the Chukchi Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located 55 miles away in Kotzebue.
Public Schools
Name:
Napaaqtugmiut School
Street:
Main St, Noatak, AK 99761
Phone:
907-485-2177
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Colleges
Name:
Chukchi Campus – University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Kotzebue
State:
AK
Distance:
55 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Local healthcare is served by the Maniilaq Health Center in nearby Kotzebue, offering regional hospital and tribal health services with emergency care. Health insurance coverage is fairly high at 79%, though physician availability is limited, which may require traveling for certain medical needs.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Maniilaq Health Center
Address:
436 5th Ave, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone:
(907) 442-3321
Type:
Regional Hospital & Tribal Health
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
79.0%
Health Care Index:
64.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Noatak, AK?
The housing market in Noatak features a high owner-occupancy rate of 86.5%, with a median home price of $111,000 and low rental vacancy. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and the market remains stable with very few foreclosures and new constructions.
Median Home Price:
$111,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Noatak residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office located in Kotzebue, which provides standard DMV services for the region. The office is accessible for licensing, registration, and vehicle-related needs, with more information available on the official Alaska DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
516 Third Avenue, Kotzebue, AK 99752
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.