Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Heiden, AK
Considering a move to Port Heiden, AK? With a small population of around 100, this rural Alaskan village offers affordable housing, with median home prices near $145,000 and average rents around $1,200. Crime rates are low, and the community enjoys an easy five-minute average commute. While cost of living is higher due to utilities and groceries, residents benefit from a peaceful lifestyle, direct access to nature, and a close-knit community. Education is locally provided for K-12, and the climate features cool summers and snowy winters—perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Demographics - Port Heiden, AK
Demographics - Port Heiden, AK
Port Heiden has a small, close-knit community of about 100 residents, with a median age of 38.5 and a slightly higher number of males than females. The population is predominantly Alaska Native, especially Alutiiq/Sugpiaq and Yup'ik, and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home. The extremely low population density offers a tranquil rural lifestyle.
Population:
100
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
19.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
20.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
80.0% (primarily Alaska Native, including Alutiiq/Sugpiaq and Yup'ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Heiden, AK?
The cost of living in Port Heiden is above the national average, with a cost of living index of 124, mainly driven by higher utility and grocery costs. Median home values are relatively affordable at $145,000, and there is no state income or sales tax in Alaska. Monthly expenses like electricity can be significant, reflecting the remote location.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$1,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0% (no state income or sales tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
124
Grocery:
130
Housing:
98
Utilities:
160
Transportation:
135
Health Care:
120
Miscellaneous:
110
Crime
Is Port Heiden, AK a safe place to live?
Port Heiden experiences very low crime, with violent crime rates at just 150 per 100,000 people and a property crime chance of about 1 in 100 annually. Residents generally enjoy a safe environment, contributing to the village’s peaceful atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
150
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,000
Crime Index:
1,150
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 100
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Heiden, AK year-round?
Port Heiden features a cool, coastal climate with snowy winters where temperatures range from 8°F to 30°F, and mild summers with highs around 61°F. The area receives about 22 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine roughly 30% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate crisp air and rugged Alaskan scenery.

Winter
Min:
8°F
Max:
30°F

Spring
Min:
25°F
Max:
43°F

Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F

Fall
Min:
27°F
Max:
44°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
22 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
Residents of Port Heiden typically have a median household income of $45,000, with about 18% living below the poverty line. Public transit is not available, but commutes are short—averaging just five minutes—reflecting the village's small size. The community is predominantly owner-occupied and maintains a high rate of high school completion.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$45,000
Family Income:
$50,000
Per Capita Income:
$18,500
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$22,000
Poverty Rate:
18.0%
Non English Speakers:
19.0%
Rent:
$1,200
Unemployment Rate:
8.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.0%
Bachelors or More:
12.0%
Education
How are the schools in Port Heiden, AK?
K-12 education is provided locally at Port Heiden School, which offers small class sizes with a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. While there are no private schools nearby, higher education is accessible through remote programs like the University of Alaska Anchorage. This setup ensures personalized attention for students and flexible college options for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Port Heiden School
Street:
School Rd
Phone:
(907) 837-2205
Students:
20
Student Teacher Ratio:
7:1

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage (remote/online)
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
425 miles (remote options available)
Students:
15,000
Healthcare
Healthcare in Port Heiden is served by the local village clinic, which provides primary care but no emergency services. The area has a lower physician-to-population ratio (0.8 per 1,000), but most residents have health insurance coverage. For specialized or emergency care, residents may need to travel outside the village.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Port Heiden Village Clinic
Address:
Main St, Port Heiden, AK 99549
Phone:
(907) 837-2207
Type:
Primary care/clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
68
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Heiden, AK?
Port Heiden's housing market is stable, with a median home price of $145,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,200. Homeownership is high at 80%, while rental vacancies remain low, and the area has seen modest home appreciation. New construction and foreclosure rates are minimal, indicating a steady local market.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
DMV services for Port Heiden residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office in Anchorage. Most tasks, including licensing and registration, can be handled online or by phone. Residents should plan for travel or remote processing due to the village’s remote location.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, Suite 200, 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.