Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Scammon Bay, AK
Considering a move to Scammon Bay, AK? With around 600 residents, this remote Yup'ik community offers affordable housing (median home price $90,000, average rent $700) and a tight-knit, culturally rich lifestyle. Winters are cold and long, and while cost of living is higher due to remote access, commute times are short and the pace is relaxed. Local schools serve the community and healthcare is available locally for basic needs, with more advanced care in Bethel. Expect a unique Alaskan experience, close community ties, and spectacular natural surroundings.
Demographics - Scammon Bay, AK
Demographics - Scammon Bay, AK
Scammon Bay is a small, close-knit community of about 600 people, with a youthful median age of 24.5 and a strong Alaska Native (Yup'ik) heritage making up 97% of the population. Most residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's rich cultural traditions and vibrant indigenous identity.
Population:
605
Density:
140 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.5
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
70%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
97% (predominantly Alaska Native, specifically Yup'ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Scammon Bay, AK?
Living in Scammon Bay comes with higher costs for groceries and utilities due to its remote location, but housing remains affordable with a median home value of $90,000 and average rent around $700. Residents benefit from no state income taxes, though transportation and utility expenses are notably above the national average.
Median House Value:
$90,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
131
Grocery:
155
Housing:
80
Utilities:
180
Transportation:
170
Health Care:
135
Miscellaneous:
110
Crime
Is Scammon Bay, AK a safe place to live?
The city experiences moderate crime rates for its size, with a violent crime rate of 420 incidents per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,600 per 100,000. While the chance of being a victim of violent crime is relatively low (1 in 238), property crime is somewhat more common, so residents should take precautions.
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 62
Weather
What is the weather like in Scammon Bay, AK year-round?
Scammon Bay has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters where temperatures often dip below zero and short, cool summers rarely exceeding 62°F. The area receives about 16 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly one-third of the year, making for a crisp and brisk outdoor environment.
Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
10°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
32%
Neighbors
Households in Scammon Bay typically earn around $36,000 annually, with a notable poverty rate of 30% and a higher-than-average unemployment rate. Most residents have short commute times of about 6 minutes, and the community is characterized by strong local ties and minimal public transportation usage.
Median Income:
$36,000
Household Income:
$35,600
Family Income:
$38,200
Per Capita Income:
$11,000
Income Male:
$22,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
30.0%
Non English Speakers:
70%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
16%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
56%
Bachelors or More:
5%
Education
How are the schools in Scammon Bay, AK?
Local education is centered around Scammon Bay School, serving around 230 students with a student-teacher ratio of 15:1. While there are no private schools in town, residents seeking higher education can attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks – Kuskokwim Campus located in Bethel, approximately 140 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Scammon Bay School
Street:
School Rd
Phone:
(907) 558-5311
Students:
230
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Kuskokwim Campus
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
140 miles
Students:
700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Scammon Bay is provided by a local clinic for primary needs, while more comprehensive and emergency services are available in Bethel, 140 miles away. Most residents (89%) have health insurance, but access to physicians is limited with just 0.3 per 1,000 people, so travel may be necessary for specialized care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Scammon Bay Sub-Regional Clinic
Address:
1 Clinic Rd, Scammon Bay, AK 99662
Phone:
(907) 558-5517
Type:
Primary/Outpatient
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Hospital
Address:
700 Chief Eddie Hoffman Hwy, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89%
Health Care Index:
59
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Scammon Bay, AK?
The housing market in Scammon Bay features affordable options, with a median home price of $90,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $700. Most residents own their homes, and the market sees low vacancy and foreclosure rates, offering steady but modest appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$90,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
67%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
For motor vehicle services, residents rely on the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office in Bethel, which is accessible by regional transport. The DMV provides standard licensing and registration services for the area, with comprehensive information available on their official website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
314 Cliff Baker Dr, Bethel, AK 99559
Phone:
(907) 543-2443
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.