Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Savoonga, AK
Considering a move to Savoonga, AK? This remote, close-knit community of around 835 residents offers affordable housing, with median home prices near $90,000 and average rents at $700. The cost of living is high for groceries and utilities due to its isolated location, and winters are long and cold with limited sunny days. Commutes are a breeze at just 5 minutes, and while education and healthcare options are limited locally, Savoonga's unique Siberian Yupik culture and stunning arctic environment make it a one-of-a-kind home for those seeking adventure and community.
Demographics - Savoonga, AK
Demographics - Savoonga, AK
Savoonga is a small, close-knit community of about 835 people, with a predominantly Alaska Native (Siberian Yupik) population. The median age is young at 24.9, and most residents speak a language other than English at home, offering a unique cultural experience.
Population:
835
Density:
53 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.9
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
88%
Ethnic Composition
White:
2%
Black:
<1%
Asian:
<1%
Others:
97% (Primarily Alaska Native - Siberian Yupik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Savoonga, AK?
While housing is relatively affordable with a median home value of $90,000 and average rent of $700, the overall cost of living is high due to expensive groceries and utilities, reflecting Savoonga's remote location in Alaska. Residents benefit from no state income taxes, but should plan for higher everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$90,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$300
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$360
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135
Grocery:
160
Housing:
80
Utilities:
185
Transportation:
150
Health Care:
125
Miscellaneous:
110
Crime
Is Savoonga, AK a safe place to live?
Savoonga experiences moderate crime rates for a rural area, with a property crime chance of 1 in 52 and violent crime at 1 in 238. Residents should remain vigilant, but the community’s small size can foster a sense of safety and awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,600
Crime Index:
2,020
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Savoonga, AK year-round?
Savoonga has a harsh Arctic climate, with long, cold winters where lows dip to -15°F and cool summers rarely exceeding 52°F. Most of the 13 inches of annual precipitation falls as snow, and sunny days are limited, creating a true northern environment.
Winter
Min:
-15°F
Max:
6°F
Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
27°F
Summer
Min:
37°F
Max:
52°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13 inches (mostly snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
35%
Neighbors
The community has a median household income of $39,000 and a high poverty rate of 34%, with unemployment at 21%. Most residents have short commutes and rely on local connections, making Savoonga a tight-knit place with strong cultural roots.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$39,000
Family Income:
$41,500
Per Capita Income:
$11,800
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
34%
Non English Speakers:
88%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
21%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
65%
Bachelors or More:
7%
Education
How are the schools in Savoonga, AK?
Education is centered around Savoonga School, which serves local students with a favorable 13:1 student-teacher ratio, while higher education opportunities require travel to Nome for college-level coursework. Private schooling options are not available within the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Savoonga School
Street:
Main Rd, Savoonga, AK 99769
Phone:
(907) 984-6531
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Colleges
Name:
Northwest Campus (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
164 miles (air travel required)
Students:
350
Healthcare
Healthcare is provided locally by the Savoonga Clinic for basic needs, while more comprehensive and emergency services are available in Nome, a significant distance away. Most residents have health insurance coverage, but physician access is limited in this remote village.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Savoonga Clinic
Address:
Main St, Savoonga, AK 99769
Phone:
(907) 984-6513
Type:
Primary Care/Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Norton Sound Regional Hospital
Address:
1000 Greg Kruschek Ave, Nome, AK 99762
Phone:
(907) 443-3311
Type:
General & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
92%
Health Care Index:
65
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Savoonga, AK?
Savoonga offers affordable housing options, with a median home price around $90,000 and two-bedroom rentals averaging $700. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the housing market is stable with low vacancy and foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$90,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
66%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Savoonga residents are managed by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, which can be accessed online or through the state office in Juneau. Services may require advance planning due to the village’s remote location.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
P.O. Box 110221, Juneau, AK 99811-0221
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.