Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Pilot Station, AK
Considering a move to Pilot Station, AK? This rural community of about 650 residents is primarily Alaska Native, with a strong cultural heritage and close-knit feel. Housing is affordable, with median home values around $85,000 and average rents at $650, though utilities and groceries are costlier due to its remote location. Violent and property crime rates are higher than average, but commutes are short (about 6.5 minutes), and the town offers a quiet lifestyle with cold winters and short, mild summers. Local schools are available, and bigger healthcare and college options are accessible in nearby Bethel.
Demographics - Pilot Station, AK
Demographics - Pilot Station, AK
Pilot Station is a small, close-knit community of approximately 650 people, where Alaska Natives make up about 95% of the population and the median age is just 26.5 years. The town's strong cultural identity is reflected in the high percentage (75%) of non-English speakers. Residents benefit from a youthful atmosphere and a rich heritage that shapes everyday life.
Population:
650
Density:
110 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.5
Gender Ratio:
107 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
75.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2.5%
Black:
0.2%
Others:
2.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Pilot Station, AK?
Living in Pilot Station offers affordable housing with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent of $650, but the overall cost of living is elevated—especially for groceries and utilities—due to its remote location. State taxes can range from 0% to 9.4%, and electricity bills average around $225 per month. While housing is reasonably priced, residents should budget for higher everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$930
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
9.4%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
135.0
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
165.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Pilot Station, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Pilot Station are higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 1,400 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 2,800 per 100,000. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are about 1 in 71, while property crime risk is around 1 in 36. While the community is small and close-knit, new residents should be aware of these safety considerations.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,400
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,800
Crime Index:
4,200
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 71
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 36
Weather
What is the weather like in Pilot Station, AK year-round?
Pilot Station experiences long, cold winters with temperatures often dipping to -20°F, while summers are short and mild, reaching highs around 67°F. The area receives about 16 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 35% of the year. Seasonal shifts are distinct, making warm clothing essential for much of the year.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
37°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
67°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Households in Pilot Station have a median income of about $31,500, with a high poverty rate of 34% and unemployment at 18%. Most residents are Alaska Native, and 75% speak a language other than English at home. Commutes are quick—averaging just 6.5 minutes—and public transportation is not used, reflecting the town's small size and rural character.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$31,500
Family Income:
$33,000
Per Capita Income:
$10,600
Income Male:
$20,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
34.0%
Non English Speakers:
75.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
18.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
6.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
61.0%
Bachelors or More:
7.0%
Education
How are the schools in Pilot Station, AK?
Pilot Station offers public education locally through Pilot Station School, which serves about 180 students with a student-teacher ratio of 12:1. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, located 90 miles away in Bethel. Educational attainment rates are lower than average, but local resources support student learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Pilot Station School
Street:
School Rd
Phone:
(907) 549-3211
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Colleges
Name:
Yukon-Kuskokwim Campus, UAF
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
90 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Pilot Station is limited, but residents have access to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital in Bethel for major medical needs. With about 0.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and 78% health insurance coverage, access to care can be a challenge, though emergency services are available within the region. The healthcare index suggests moderate quality and availability for a rural area.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6000
Type:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
78.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Pilot Station, AK?
The local housing market in Pilot Station is affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $650. Owner-occupancy is high at 70%, and vacancy and foreclosure rates are low, indicating stability. Home appreciation is modest, reflecting the community's steady but slow growth.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Pilot Station residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Anchorage. The DMV provides licensing, registration, and related services, and residents can find more information or complete certain tasks online. As with much of rural Alaska, travel to access in-person services may be required.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, Suite 900, Anchorage, AK 99503
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.