Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nome, AK
Considering a move to Nome, AK? With a close-knit population of about 3,700 and a uniquely northern lifestyle, Nome offers affordable housing—median home prices are around $266,000 and average rents near $1,200. Expect a higher cost of living due to remote location and utilities, but short commutes (under 8 minutes) and a strong sense of community make up for it. Crime rates are above national average, but Nome’s standout features include dramatic Arctic scenery, a rich Alaska Native heritage, small class sizes in local schools, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in a subarctic climate.
Demographics - Nome, AK
Nome, Alaska is home to approximately 3,690 residents, with nearly half identifying as Native American or Alaska Native, highlighting the city's strong indigenous heritage. The population is relatively young, with a median age of 34.6 and a slightly higher male-to-female ratio. Around 16.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a diverse cultural landscape.
Population:
3,690
Density:
28 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.6
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
16.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
37.2%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
11.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nome, AK?
Living in Nome comes with a higher cost of living index at 132.5, largely due to its remote Arctic location and elevated utility expenses. Median home values are about $266,000, and renters typically pay around $1,200 per month. While there is no state income tax, groceries and utilities are notably more expensive than the national average.
Median House Value:
$266,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$260
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,650
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$520
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.5
Grocery:
152.0
Housing:
112.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
160.0
Health Care:
115.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Nome, AK a safe place to live?
Nome experiences higher crime rates than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,320 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 3,950 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 76 chance of encountering violent crime and a 1 in 25 chance of property crime. Awareness and community vigilance are important for those considering a move here.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,950
Crime Index:
5,270
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 76
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 25
Weather
What is the weather like in Nome, AK year-round?
Nome's climate is subarctic, with long, cold winters where temperatures often dip below zero, and cool, short summers peaking in the upper 50s. Annual rainfall is modest at 16.7 inches, and the city receives sunshine about 41% of the year. The dramatic seasonal shifts offer unique opportunities for winter and summer outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
-3°F
Max:
13°F
Spring
Min:
13°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
59°F
Fall
Min:
19°F
Max:
37°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
41%
Neighbors
Residents of Nome enjoy a median household income of $66,200, though about 13.4% live below the poverty line. The community is well-educated, with over 90% holding a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a brief 7.5 minutes. Nome’s small-town feel is complemented by a diverse population and a strong sense of local connection.
Median Income:
$38,000
Household Income:
$66,200
Family Income:
$69,500
Per Capita Income:
$29,100
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
13.4%
Non English Speakers:
16.5%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.6%
Bachelors or More:
17.1%
Education
How are the schools in Nome, AK?
Nome offers small class sizes in its public schools, such as Nome Elementary and Nome-Beltz Junior/Senior High School, supporting personalized learning for students. Higher education is available locally through the University of Alaska Fairbanks - Northwest Campus. The educational environment emphasizes community involvement and accessibility.
Public Schools
Name:
Nome Elementary School
Street:
200 Bering St
Phone:
907-443-5299
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Nome-Beltz Junior/Senior High School
Street:
3145 Greg Kruschek Ave
Phone:
907-443-5201
Students:
325
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.8
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Northwest Campus
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
250
Healthcare
Nome is served by the Norton Sound Regional Hospital, offering general and emergency care to the community. With 2.4 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 87% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is solid for a remote location. The city maintains a healthcare index score of 80.5, reflecting reliable medical services for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Norton Sound Regional Hospital
Address:
1000 Greg Kruschek Ave, Nome, AK 99762
Phone:
(907) 443-3311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.2%
Health Care Index:
80.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nome, AK?
The Nome housing market features a median home price of $266,000 and average rents of $1,200 for a two-bedroom unit. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees moderate home appreciation. Rental vacancies are relatively low, making for a steady but limited housing supply.
Median Home Price:
$266,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Nome residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Anchorage and accessible online or by phone. The DMV provides all standard vehicle registration and licensing services. Remote residents can utilize online resources for many transactions.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
519 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501
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.