Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nuiqsut, AK
Considering a move to Nuiqsut, AK? This remote Iñupiat community of about 525 residents features a median home price of $155,000 and rents averaging $1,100. The cost of living is high (index 148), largely due to groceries and utilities, but housing is relatively affordable. Crime rates are moderate, commutes are short, and the area’s arctic climate brings long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The town offers close-knit living, a local K-12 school, and essential healthcare via regional services in Utqiagvik.
Demographics - Nuiqsut, AK
Demographics - Nuiqsut, AK
Nuiqsut is a close-knit community of around 525 people, with a young median age of 26.8 years and a strong Alaska Native (Iñupiat) presence making up the majority of residents. Over half the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage.
Population:
525
Density:
29 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.8
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
59%

Ethnic Composition
White:
7%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
93% (Predominantly Alaska Native/Iñupiat)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nuiqsut, AK?
Living in Nuiqsut comes with a high cost of living index of 148, primarily due to elevated grocery and utility expenses, though the median home value remains relatively affordable at $155,000. While there is no state income tax, residents can expect to pay higher prices for everyday necessities compared to national averages.
Median House Value:
$155,000
Gross Rent:
$1,100
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$320
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,450
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
148.0
Grocery:
168.0
Housing:
96.0
Utilities:
185.0
Transportation:
170.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Nuiqsut, AK a safe place to live?
Nuiqsut experiences moderate crime rates for its size, with a violent crime rate of 420 and property crime rate of 1,120 per 100,000 people. Residents face a 1 in 238 chance of experiencing violent crime, making community safety a notable but manageable concern.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,120
Crime Index:
1,540
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 89
Weather
What is the weather like in Nuiqsut, AK year-round?
The climate in Nuiqsut is arctic, featuring long, harsh winters with temperatures often between -25°F and -7°F and short, cool summers that rarely exceed 58°F. Precipitation is low at about 5.5 inches annually, mostly as snow, and the area sees sunshine roughly 44% of the year.

Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
-7°F

Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
28°F

Summer
Min:
37°F
Max:
58°F

Fall
Min:
5°F
Max:
32°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
5.5 inches (mostly snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Household incomes in Nuiqsut average around $61,000, with about 14% of residents living below the poverty line. The community has a high rate of non-English speakers and enjoys short average commute times of just 7 minutes, but faces an elevated unemployment rate of 11.5%.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$61,000
Family Income:
$67,000
Per Capita Income:
$18,000
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
14.2%
Non English Speakers:
59%
Rent:
$1,100
Unemployment Rate:
11.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.5%
Bachelors or More:
6.2%
Education
How are the schools in Nuiqsut, AK?
Education in Nuiqsut is centered around Trapper School, a local K-12 public school with a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1. For higher education, residents typically access Ilisagvik College in Utqiagvik, located 145 miles away or via remote/online programs.

Public Schools
Name:
Trapper School
Street:
Main Street, Nuiqsut, AK 99789
Phone:
907-480-2128
Students:
140
Student Teacher Ratio:
10:1

Colleges
Name:
Ilisagvik College (remote/online and in Utqiagvik)
City:
Utqiagvik
State:
AK
Distance:
145 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Healthcare services for Nuiqsut are primarily provided by the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiagvik, offering general and emergency care to the region. Most residents (88%) have health insurance, and physician availability is modest at 1.1 per 1,000 people.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address:
7000 Uula Street, Utqiagvik, AK 99723
Phone:
(907) 852-4611
Type:
General & Tribal
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nuiqsut, AK?
Nuiqsut’s housing market is largely owner-occupied, with 71% of residents owning their homes and a median home price of $155,000. Rental options are limited but affordable, and the area sees low rates of foreclosure and new construction.
Median Home Price:
$155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,100
Owner Occupied Rate:
71%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Vehicle licensing and registration for Nuiqsut residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Fairbanks. Online services and phone support are also available for added convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, 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.