Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Alsworth, AK
Considering a move to Port Alsworth, AK? This small, welcoming community of about 186 residents offers a close-knit, rural lifestyle nestled by Lake Clark National Park. With median home prices around $275,000 and typical rents at $1,050, housing is affordable by Alaska standards, though the cost of living is higher than the national average due to its remote location. Residents enjoy short commute times, access to local K-12 schooling, and stunning wilderness, while crime rates and living costs reflect rural Alaska norms. If you value scenic beauty, tranquility, and adventure, Port Alsworth is a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Port Alsworth, AK
Demographics - Port Alsworth, AK
Port Alsworth is a small, close-knit community of just 186 people, with a balanced gender ratio and a median age of 38.5 years. The population is predominantly White (70%) with a significant Alaska Native presence (25%), reflecting the region's cultural heritage. Around 8% of residents speak a language other than English at home, contributing to the town's diversity.
Population:
186
Density:
19 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
100 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70%
Others:
5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Alsworth, AK?
The cost of living in Port Alsworth is higher than the U.S. average, with a cost of living index of 130.5, mainly due to its remote location. Housing remains relatively affordable for Alaska, with median home values at $275,000 and average rents of $1,050, but utilities and groceries are notably expensive. Residents benefit from no state income or sales tax, helping to offset other expenses.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,600
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
130.5
Grocery:
143.0
Housing:
110.0
Utilities:
140.0
Transportation:
165.0
Health Care:
125.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Port Alsworth, AK a safe place to live?
Port Alsworth experiences moderate crime rates compared to national averages, with a violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1,700 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 238 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 59 chance for property crime, reflecting typical patterns for rural Alaskan communities. Overall, the area is considered reasonably safe but residents should remain vigilant.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,700
Crime Index:
2,120
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Alsworth, AK year-round?
Port Alsworth has a subarctic climate, featuring cold winters with lows around 3°F and mild summers with highs near 66°F. The area receives about 26 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine only about 39% of the year. Residents should be prepared for long, snowy winters and cool, damp conditions throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
3°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
20°F
Max:
43°F
Summer
Min:
43°F
Max:
66°F
Fall
Min:
23°F
Max:
45°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
39%
Neighbors
Households in Port Alsworth have a median income of $40,000, with families averaging $70,000 and a per capita income of $34,500. The poverty rate stands at 11.2%, and residents enjoy short average commute times of just over 7 minutes. Most locals travel by private vehicle, and nearly 90% have a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$40,000
Household Income:
$64,000
Family Income:
$70,000
Per Capita Income:
$34,500
Income Male:
$42,000
Income Female:
$36,000
Poverty Rate:
11.2%
Non English Speakers:
8%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
7.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
7.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.0%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Port Alsworth, AK?
Education in Port Alsworth is centered around Tanalian School, which serves about 80 students in a supportive environment with a low student-teacher ratio of 11:1. There are no private schools in town, but remote learning and extension opportunities are available through the University of Alaska Anchorage, located 165 miles away. Residents benefit from local K-12 instruction and access to higher education via distance programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Tanalian School
Street:
1 School Rd
Phone:
907-781-2218
Students:
80
Student Teacher Ratio:
11
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage (Remote Learning & Extension)
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
165 miles
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Port Alsworth is provided mainly by the Lake Clark Clinic, offering primary care but no emergency services. There are about 0.9 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 85% of locals have health insurance coverage. While options are limited within town, basic healthcare needs are met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Lake Clark Clinic
Address:
1 Tanalian Ave, Port Alsworth, AK 99653
Phone:
(907) 781-2211
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
66.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Alsworth, AK?
The housing market in Port Alsworth is stable, with a median home price of $275,000 and a 69% owner-occupancy rate. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,050 and a rental vacancy rate of 7.5%. Home values have appreciated modestly in recent years, indicating a steady local market.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
69.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Port Alsworth residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Anchorage. For vehicle registration, licensing, and driving services, residents can utilize the DMV's website or contact the Anchorage office by phone. Given the community's remote setting, planning DMV visits in advance is recommended.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, 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.