Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Prudhoe Bay, AK
Considering Prudhoe Bay, AK for your next move? With a small population of about 1,500, this remote Arctic community is known for its oil industry, unique climate with cold winters (lows to -25°F), and stunning tundra landscapes. Housing costs are higher than the national average, with median home prices around $275,000 and average rents of $1,800. Commute times are short (10 minutes on average), and crime rates are moderate for the region. While education options are limited locally, nearby schools and a regional hospital serve the area. Expect a rugged lifestyle, high cost of living, and a strong sense of adventure!
Demographics - Prudhoe Bay, AK
Demographics - Prudhoe Bay, AK
Prudhoe Bay is a remote Arctic community with about 1,500 residents and an extremely low population density of just 1 person per square mile. The area is predominantly White (70%) and has a notable gender imbalance, with far more males than females, reflecting its oil industry focus. The median age is 38.5, and a small portion of the population speaks languages other than English at home.
Population:
1,500
Density:
1 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
450 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
70%
Black:
3%
Asian:
8%
Others:
19%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Prudhoe Bay, AK?
Living in Prudhoe Bay comes with a high cost of living index of 142, where housing, groceries, and utilities are significantly above the national average. Median home values are around $275,000, and average rents reach $1,800 per month. While Alaska has no state income tax, residents should budget for elevated everyday expenses, especially for utilities and groceries.
Median House Value:
$275,000
Gross Rent:
$1,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$225
Auto Insurance:
$1,600
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$720
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
142.0
Grocery:
155.0
Housing:
120.0
Utilities:
165.0
Transportation:
145.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Prudhoe Bay, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Prudhoe Bay are moderate for Alaska, with about 380 violent crimes and 1,950 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The odds of experiencing a violent crime are roughly 1 in 263, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 51. Residents should remain mindful of local safety, but overall crime is not unusually high for the region.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,950
Crime Index:
2,330
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Prudhoe Bay, AK year-round?
Prudhoe Bay experiences an extreme Arctic climate, with winter temperatures routinely dropping as low as -25°F and summer highs rarely exceeding 55°F. The area receives just under 5 inches of rainfall annually and sees sun about 45% of the year. Residents should be prepared for long, cold seasons and limited daylight during winter months.
Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
-5°F
Spring
Min:
0°F
Max:
25°F
Summer
Min:
35°F
Max:
55°F
Fall
Min:
0°F
Max:
25°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
4.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Households in Prudhoe Bay typically enjoy incomes above the national average, with a median household income of $92,000 and a family income of $102,000. Most adults have at least a high school education, and the unemployment rate is relatively low at 6.2%. The community is close-knit, with short average commutes of 10 minutes and nearly no reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$60,000
Household Income:
$92,000
Family Income:
$102,000
Per Capita Income:
$38,500
Income Male:
$65,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
9.5%
Non English Speakers:
8%
Rent:
$1,800
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
10 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.5%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Prudhoe Bay, AK?
Prudhoe Bay offers limited local educational resources, primarily through Kali School (K-12) in nearby Nuiqsut, which serves about 110 students with a favorable 10:1 student-teacher ratio. There are no private schools in the area, but Ilisagvik College in Utqiaġvik, 200 miles away, provides higher education opportunities. Families moving to the area should expect small, close-knit school communities.
Public Schools
Name:
Kali School (K-12)
Street:
PO Box 89, Nuiqsut, AK 99789
Phone:
907-480-6221
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10:1
Colleges
Name:
Ilisagvik College
City:
Utqiaġvik
State:
AK
Distance:
200 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Prudhoe Bay is primarily through regional facilities such as Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiaġvik, which provides general and emergency services. The area has just over one physician per 1,000 residents and a high rate of health insurance coverage at 89%. Residents can expect basic healthcare needs to be met, though options are limited compared to larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital
Address:
7000 Uula St, Utqiaġvik, AK 99723
Phone:
(907) 852-4611
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Prudhoe Bay, AK?
The Prudhoe Bay housing market features median home prices around $275,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,800. With a homeownership rate of 42% and a rental vacancy rate of 10%, both buyers and renters will find options, though inventory is limited and prices remain high. The market sees modest appreciation, offering stability for property owners.
Median Home Price:
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,800
Owner Occupied Rate:
42%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents handle driver and vehicle services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Fairbanks. Services can be accessed online or by phone, and information is available at the official state DMV website. Planning ahead for travel or mail-in services is recommended due to the community's remote location.
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.