Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Point Lay, AK
Thinking of moving to Point Lay, AK? This close-knit Iñupiat village of about 330 residents offers unique Arctic living, with median home prices around $155,000 and average rents near $850. Expect a higher cost of living and utilities, but a short 5-minute commute and a strong sense of community. Crime rates are moderate for rural Alaska, and the local school provides small class sizes. Be prepared for long winters, limited sunshine, and the adventure of remote Alaskan life!
Demographics - Point Lay, AK
Demographics - Point Lay, AK
Point Lay is a small Arctic village with a population of about 330, where the majority of residents are Alaska Native/Iñupiat and the median age is 27.5 years. The community is predominantly non-English speaking, with 68% of households using a language other than English at home, creating a culturally rich and close-knit environment.
Population:
330
Density:
21 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
104 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
68%
Ethnic Composition
White:
5%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
95% (primarily Alaska Native/Iñupiat)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Point Lay, AK?
Living in Point Lay comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, reflected by a cost of living index of 142 and above-average expenses for groceries and utilities. Median home values are about $155,000, while monthly rent averages $850, and residents benefit from no state income or sales tax.
Median House Value:
$155,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$300
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
142.0
Grocery:
170.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
210.0
Transportation:
160.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Point Lay, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Point Lay are moderate for rural Alaska, with a property crime rate of 1,700 per 100,000 people and a violent crime rate of 350 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 285 chance of experiencing violent crime, making safety a consideration but not a major concern compared to urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
350
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
2,050
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 285
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Point Lay, AK year-round?
Point Lay experiences harsh Arctic weather, with winter temperatures often ranging from -20°F to -5°F and cool summers peaking near 55°F. The area receives just 5.5 inches of precipitation annually, mostly as snow, and enjoys about 35% sunny days, so newcomers should prepare for long, cold winters and limited sunshine.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
-5°F
Spring
Min:
2°F
Max:
25°F
Summer
Min:
38°F
Max:
55°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
28°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
5.5 inches (mostly snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
The median household income in Point Lay is around $68,000, with a poverty rate of 21% and an unemployment rate of 13%. Most residents enjoy a very short 5-minute commute, but educational attainment beyond high school is limited, and the community relies on personal vehicles rather than public transport.
Median Income:
$44,000
Household Income:
$68,000
Family Income:
$75,500
Per Capita Income:
$19,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
21%
Non English Speakers:
68%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
13%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80%
Bachelors or More:
7%
Education
How are the schools in Point Lay, AK?
Point Lay offers K-12 education at Kali School, known for its small class sizes and personalized attention, with a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. Higher education options include remote and online programs through Ilisagvik College, located about 170 miles away in Utqiaġvik.
Public Schools
Name:
Point Lay School (Kali School)
Street:
Kali School Rd, Point Lay, AK 99759
Phone:
907-833-2312
Students:
90
Student Teacher Ratio:
11:1
Colleges
Name:
Ilisagvik College (remote/online programs available)
City:
Utqiaġvik
State:
AK
Distance:
170 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Local healthcare is supported by the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in nearby Utqiaġvik, offering general and tribal health services including emergency care. With about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 82% health insurance coverage, essential medical needs are met, though specialized care may require travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address:
7000 Uula St, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723
Phone:
(907) 852-4611
Type:
General & Tribal Health
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
82%
Health Care Index:
58.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Point Lay, AK?
The housing market in Point Lay features a median home price of $155,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom unit at $850. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, vacancy rates are low, and home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$155,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
70%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Point Lay residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Fairbanks. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration can also be accessed online through the state DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.