Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Saint Paul Island, AK
Considering a move to Saint Paul Island, AK? This tranquil, close-knit island community of about 480 residents boasts affordable housing with median home prices around $132,000 and average rents near $850. Cost of living is above the U.S. average due to remote location, but crime rates are relatively low and commutes are a breeze at just 6 minutes. The island’s strong Alaska Native heritage, cool summers, and access to local schools and healthcare make it a unique destination for those seeking a slower pace and natural beauty.
Demographics - Saint Paul Island, AK
Demographics - Saint Paul Island, AK
Saint Paul Island is a small, close-knit community of about 480 people, with a median age of 38.5 years and a slightly higher male population. The vast majority of residents are Alaska Native or Aleut, reflecting the island's rich indigenous heritage, and about 15% speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
480
Density:
57 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
15%
Ethnic Composition
White:
6%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
94% (Primarily Alaska Native/Aleut)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Saint Paul Island, AK?
Living on Saint Paul Island comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index of 128, largely due to its remote location. While median home prices are affordable at $132,000 and average rent is $850, utilities and groceries tend to be significantly more expensive than the national average.
Median House Value:
$132,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$240
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$385
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
90.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
165.0
Health Care:
110.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Saint Paul Island, AK a safe place to live?
Saint Paul Island enjoys relatively low crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at 1 in 475 and property crime at 1 in 90 annually. This contributes to a sense of safety and security for such a small, tight-knit community.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,310
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 475
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Saint Paul Island, AK year-round?
The island experiences cool, maritime weather with mild summers reaching up to 54°F and chilly winters averaging 18°F to 29°F. Rainfall is moderate at about 23 inches per year, and sunny days are limited, making for a brisk and often overcast climate.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
26°F
Max:
37°F
Summer
Min:
40°F
Max:
54°F
Fall
Min:
28°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
23 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
32%
Neighbors
Residents of Saint Paul Island have a median household income of $56,000, though the poverty rate is higher than average at 17.5%. The community benefits from very short commutes—just 6 minutes on average—with no reliance on public transportation due to the island's compact size.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$56,000
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,600
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
17.5%
Non English Speakers:
15%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
9.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.5%
Bachelors or More:
16.2%
Education
How are the schools in Saint Paul Island, AK?
Education on Saint Paul Island is anchored by a small public school serving around 50 students, offering a low student-teacher ratio for personalized instruction. For higher education, distance learning through the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides opportunities for local residents to pursue college degrees.
Public Schools
Name:
Saint Paul School
Street:
930 Gorbatch St
Phone:
907-546-2221
Students:
50
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks (distance learning available)
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
Virtual/Remote
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Saint Paul Island is served by the Saint Paul Health Center, a rural clinic providing emergency services and primary care. With nearly 1.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and 89% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are met locally despite the island's remote setting.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Saint Paul Health Center
Address:
2 Airport Rd, Saint Paul Island, AK 99660
Phone:
(907) 546-8300
Type:
Rural Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
89%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Saint Paul Island, AK?
The housing market in Saint Paul Island is stable, with a median home price of $132,000 and 72% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available at an average of $850 for a two-bedroom, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates, making it accessible for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$132,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
72%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Saint Paul Island are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Anchorage, with services accessible online or by phone. Residents should plan for remote processing for most DMV needs due to the island's isolation.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, Suite 101, 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.