Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Russian Mission, AK
Considering a move to Russian Mission, AK? With a close-knit population of just over 400, this Yukon River village offers affordable home prices (median $115,000) and low rents, though the cost of groceries and utilities is higher than average. Winters are extremely cold, summers mild, and most residents have short commutes. Expect a strong Alaska Native heritage, access to basic K-12 education locally, and limited healthcare, with more advanced services in Bethel. It's a unique, rural experience with a true sense of community.
Demographics - Russian Mission, AK
Demographics - Russian Mission, AK
Russian Mission is a small, close-knit community of about 411 residents, with a youthful median age of 26.6 and a majority Alaska Native population. Over half the residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's rich cultural heritage. The town has a slightly higher number of males to females and a relatively low population density, creating a rural, community-focused atmosphere.
Population:
411
Density:
62 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.6
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
58%

Ethnic Composition
White:
3.2%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
96.8% (primarily Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Russian Mission, AK?
Living in Russian Mission means affordable housing, with median home values around $115,000 and average rents of $750, but overall costs are higher due to elevated prices for groceries and utilities. The cost of living index is 119, meaning expenses are above the national average, particularly for essentials like electricity. Alaska's lack of state income or sales tax helps offset some of these costs.
Median House Value:
$115,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,280
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
119
Grocery:
132
Housing:
80
Utilities:
180
Transportation:
110
Health Care:
125
Miscellaneous:
105
Crime
Is Russian Mission, AK a safe place to live?
The city experiences a higher-than-average crime rate, with a 1 in 131 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 45 chance of property crime. While the small population fosters a sense of community, new residents should be aware of these safety concerns and take appropriate precautions. The overall crime index suggests vigilance is important for locals and newcomers alike.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
762
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,962
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 131
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Russian Mission, AK year-round?
Russian Mission has harsh, cold winters with temperatures often ranging from -20°F to 5°F, while summers are mild, reaching up to 70°F. The area receives about 16 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys only 35% sunny days, making for a climate suited to those prepared for long, snowy seasons. Spring and fall are brief, with rapidly changing temperatures.

Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
5°F

Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F

Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
Residents of Russian Mission typically have modest incomes, with a median household income around $31,000 and a poverty rate of 35%. The community is largely Alaska Native and most people have short, five-minute commutes, with no public transportation available. Education attainment is lower than average, but the community is tight-knit and supportive.
Median Income:
$32,500
Household Income:
$31,000
Family Income:
$34,000
Per Capita Income:
$10,500
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
35%
Non English Speakers:
58%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
13%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
68%
Bachelors or More:
4%
Education
How are the schools in Russian Mission, AK?
Russian Mission offers local K-12 education at Russian Mission School, featuring a student-teacher ratio of 13:1 and serving about 130 students. There are no private schools in town, and the nearest college, University of Alaska Fairbanks - Kuskokwim Campus, is located 70 miles away in Bethel. Educational resources are basic but accessible for families with school-age children.

Public Schools
Name:
Russian Mission School
Street:
School Rd
Phone:
(907) 584-5511
Students:
130
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Kuskokwim Campus
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
70 miles
Students:
500
Healthcare
Basic healthcare is provided locally by the Russian Mission Health Clinic, while more advanced and emergency services are available in Bethel, 70 miles away. The area has a low physician-to-population ratio (0.5 per 1,000 residents), but most people have health insurance coverage. Healthcare access is adequate for routine needs, but specialized care may require travel.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Russian Mission Health Clinic
Address:
Main St, Russian Mission, AK 99657
Phone:
(907) 584-5511
Type:
Community Health Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6000
Type:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
85%
Health Care Index:
57
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Russian Mission, AK?
The housing market in Russian Mission is affordable, with a median home price of $115,000 and owner-occupied homes making up 74% of the market. Rental options are limited but reasonably priced, and vacancy rates are low, reflecting stable demand. Home appreciation is modest, making it a steady but slow-growing market.
Median Home Price:
$115,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
74%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Russian Mission are handled by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, based in Anchorage. Residents can access DMV services online or by calling the statewide hotline, with the nearest physical office located several hundred miles away. Planning ahead for renewals and paperwork is recommended due to the 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.