Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shageluk, AK
Considering a move to Shageluk, AK? This remote village of just 76 residents offers affordable housing (median price $94,000, rent around $900) and a tranquil rural lifestyle. While the cost of groceries and utilities is above the national average, the compact community keeps commutes short (6 minutes) and crime relatively low. Shageluk features a strong Alaska Native heritage, cold winters, and basic local schooling. It's best suited for those seeking a close-knit community and the unique experience of rural Alaska living.
Demographics - Shageluk, AK
Demographics - Shageluk, AK
Shageluk is a remote Alaskan village with a small population of 76, where most residents are Alaska Native and the median age is 33. Nearly half the community speaks a language other than English at home, making for a culturally rich environment. The area is sparsely populated, offering a peaceful, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
76
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
45%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
93% (Predominantly Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shageluk, AK?
Shageluk offers a median home value of $94,000 and monthly rent averaging $900, making housing costs relatively affordable. However, residents experience higher prices on groceries and utilities compared to national averages, reflecting the challenges of rural Alaska. With no state income or sales tax, some living expenses are offset for locals.
Median House Value:
$94,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
125.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
155.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Shageluk, AK a safe place to live?
The community experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 400 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,100 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 250 chance of being affected by violent crime, which is relatively low for rural Alaska. The small size and tight-knit nature of Shageluk help contribute to a generally safe environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
400
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,100
Crime Index:
1,500
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 90
Weather
What is the weather like in Shageluk, AK year-round?
Shageluk has long, cold winters with temperatures often dipping as low as -25°F, while summers are mild, reaching up to 75°F. The area receives about 14 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine around 45% of the year. Residents should be prepared for significant seasonal variation and harsh winter conditions.
Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
1°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
75°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Households in Shageluk have a median income of $38,000, with a high poverty rate of 38% and an unemployment rate of 15%. Most residents commute just 6 minutes to work, and nearly half speak a language other than English. Education levels are modest, with 74% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$24,000
Household Income:
$38,000
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$13,500
Income Male:
$25,000
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
38%
Non English Speakers:
45%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
15%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74%
Bachelors or More:
4%
Education
How are the schools in Shageluk, AK?
Education in Shageluk centers on the local public school, which serves 27 students with a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6.5. While there are no private schools in town, higher education opportunities are available at the University of Alaska Fairbanks – Kuskokwim Campus, located 160 miles away in Bethel. The community values small class sizes and personalized attention for students.
Public Schools
Name:
Shageluk School (Iditarod Area School District)
Street:
School Rd, Shageluk, AK 99665
Phone:
(907) 473-8299
Students:
27
Student Teacher Ratio:
6.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Kuskokwim Campus
City:
Bethel
State:
AK
Distance:
160 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Shageluk is anchored by a local rural clinic, while the nearest major hospital with emergency services is in Bethel, about 160 miles away. Access to physicians is limited, with 0.4 doctors per 1,000 residents, but 84% of locals have health insurance coverage. Residents should be comfortable with basic services and occasional travel for specialized care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Shageluk Clinic
Address:
Shageluk, AK 99665
Phone:
(907) 473-8231
Type:
Rural 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:
0.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
84%
Health Care Index:
64.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shageluk, AK?
Shageluk's housing market features a median home price of $94,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $900, with just over half of homes owner-occupied. Home values have seen modest appreciation in recent years and the foreclosure rate is effectively zero. New housing construction is minimal, reflecting the area's stable but limited growth.
Median Home Price:
$94,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
53%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
Shageluk residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Fairbanks. Most DMV services can be accessed online or by phone, minimizing the need for long-distance travel. Alaska's DMV provides essential vehicle registration and licensing support for rural residents.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
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.