Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Northway, AK
Thinking of moving to Northway, AK? With a small population of 234 and affordable median home prices around $98,000, Northway offers a quiet, close-knit Alaskan village experience. The cost of living is higher than the U.S. average due to utilities and groceries, but rents are low at $840. Commutes are short at just over 10 minutes, and the town's rich Alaska Native culture is notable. While amenities are limited, Northway School serves local families, and the climate features cold winters and mild summers—perfect for those seeking rural adventure in Alaska.
Demographics - Northway, AK
Demographics - Northway, AK
Northway, AK, is a small village with just 234 residents, notable for its predominantly Alaska Native community making up 88% of the population. The median age is 35.8, and about one in four residents speak a language other than English at home, adding to the area's rich cultural diversity.
Population:
234
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
35.8
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23%
Ethnic Composition
White:
12%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
88% (majority Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Northway, AK?
While Northway's median home value is an affordable $98,000 and average rent is $840, the overall cost of living is higher than the national average, mainly due to elevated utility and grocery expenses. Residents benefit from Alaska's lack of state income tax, but should budget for higher monthly electricity charges and transportation costs.
Median House Value:
$98,000
Gross Rent:
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$200
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$330
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
122
Grocery:
134
Housing:
70
Utilities:
170
Transportation:
135
Health Care:
140
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Northway, AK a safe place to live?
Northway experiences relatively low violent crime, with a rate of 210 incidents per 100,000 people, though property crime is more common at 2,050 per 100,000. Residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere but should take precautions to protect property due to the higher risk of theft.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,050
Crime Index:
2,260
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Northway, AK year-round?
Northway's climate features long, cold winters with temperatures often dipping below -30°F, while summers are mild and reach up to 72°F. The area receives about 10.3 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about 43% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
-30°F
Max:
0°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F
Fall
Min:
5°F
Max:
35°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
10.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Local households in Northway typically earn a median income of $39,900, though the poverty rate is higher than average at 23.5%. Most residents commute less than 11 minutes to work, and the community reflects strong Alaska Native roots and a tight-knit, rural lifestyle.
Median Income:
$31,700
Household Income:
$39,900
Family Income:
$41,200
Per Capita Income:
$17,200
Income Male:
$32,400
Income Female:
$28,600
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
23%
Rent:
$840
Unemployment Rate:
9.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
10.3 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.6%
Bachelors or More:
8.4%
Education
How are the schools in Northway, AK?
Education in Northway centers on Northway School, a small public institution with a low student-teacher ratio and about 45 students, contributing to personalized learning. For higher education or specialized programs, residents travel to Fairbanks, home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located 185 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Northway School
Street:
1 Eagle Drive
Phone:
907-778-2287
Students:
45
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
185 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Healthcare services are accessible via the Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center in Fairbanks, and about 85% of residents have health insurance coverage. Physician availability is limited locally, so residents often rely on regional facilities for specialized or emergency care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Chief Andrew Isaac Health Center
Address:
1717 W Cowles St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Phone:
(907) 451-6682
Type:
Regional Native Health Center
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
59.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Northway, AK?
Northway's housing market offers affordable options, with a median home price of $98,000 and most residents owning their homes. The area has a high owner-occupancy rate of 70.3% and modest annual home appreciation, making it attractive for those seeking stable, budget-friendly living.
Median Home Price:
$98,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$840
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Northway residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Fairbanks. Services like licensing and vehicle registration are accessible online or by phone, providing practical support for rural Alaskan drivers.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1979 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.