Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Point Hope, AK
Considering a move to Point Hope, AK? This tight-knit Arctic community of around 830 residents offers a distinctly remote lifestyle with affordable housing (median home price around $105,000 and rents near $800). Winters are long and cold, but the area’s unique Inupiat culture and stunning coastal scenery are standouts. While the cost of living is higher due to transportation and utility costs, the average commute is just 4 minutes, and local schools serve the community. Crime rates are moderate for Alaska, and basic amenities are available locally, with regional healthcare support. If you’re seeking adventure and strong community ties, Point Hope could be your next home.
Demographics - Point Hope, AK
Demographics - Point Hope, AK
Point Hope is a small Arctic city of about 830 residents, with a youthful median age of 26.5 and a population predominantly Alaska Native/Inupiat. The community is culturally rich, with over 70% of residents speaking a language other than English at home, and features a slightly higher proportion of males to females.
Population:
830
Density:
108 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.5
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
72.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
6.5%
Black:
0.3%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
93.0% (primarily Alaska Native/Inupiat)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Point Hope, AK?
The cost of living in Point Hope is higher than the national average, driven by steep grocery and utility prices, though housing remains comparatively affordable with a median home value of $105,000 and typical rents around $800. Residents benefit from Alaska’s 0% state income tax, but should budget for elevated daily expenses due to the city’s remote location.
Median House Value:
$105,000
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$230
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,080
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
140.0
Grocery:
175.0
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
170.0
Transportation:
175.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Point Hope, AK a safe place to live?
Point Hope experiences moderate crime rates for Alaska, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 74 and violent crime at 1 in 312 annually. While crime exists, overall rates are manageable and reflect the city’s small, close-knit population.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,670
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 312
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Point Hope, AK year-round?
The climate in Point Hope features long, harsh winters with temperatures often ranging from -25°F to -5°F, and cool, brief summers peaking around 55°F. The area receives minimal annual rainfall and enjoys about 37% sunny days, making weather a key factor for those considering relocation.

Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
-5°F

Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
25°F

Summer
Min:
40°F
Max:
55°F

Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
30°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
6.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
37%
Neighbors
Residents of Point Hope enjoy a median household income of $58,200, though the area faces a higher poverty rate of 19.5% and unemployment at 13.2%. Most locals have short commutes of just 4 minutes, and over 70% speak a non-English language at home, reflecting strong community and cultural ties.
Median Income:
$48,000
Household Income:
$58,200
Family Income:
$62,700
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$31,500
Poverty Rate:
19.5%
Non English Speakers:
72.0%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
13.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
4.0 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
79.2%
Bachelors or More:
6.8%
Education
How are the schools in Point Hope, AK?
Local education is provided by Tikigaq School, serving around 210 students with a favorable student-teacher ratio of 11.5. Higher education opportunities are available at Ilisagvik College in Utqiaġvik, about 153 miles away, supporting lifelong learning for Point Hope residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Tikigaq School
Street:
PO Box 89, Point Hope, AK 99766
Phone:
(907) 368-2231
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5

Colleges
Name:
Ilisagvik College
City:
Utqiaġvik
State:
AK
Distance:
153 miles
Students:
350
Healthcare
Healthcare in Point Hope is anchored by a local health clinic with emergency services, supplemented by regional facilities like Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiaġvik. About 86% of residents have health insurance, and physician availability is limited, typical of remote Alaskan communities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital (regional)
Address:
7000 Uula St, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723
Phone:
(907) 852-4611
Type:
General & Remote Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Point Hope Health Clinic
Address:
Point Hope, AK 99766
Phone:
(907) 368-2235
Type:
Community Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.7%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Point Hope, AK?
The housing market in Point Hope is affordable compared to many U.S. cities, with a median home price of $105,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $800. Owner occupancy is relatively high at 60%, and home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$105,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Point Hope residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Fairbanks. DMV services, including licensing and registration, are accessible via the state’s website or by contacting the Fairbanks office.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
(907) 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.