Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shaktoolik, AK
Considering a move to Shaktoolik, AK? This small coastal community of 236 residents offers affordable housing with a median home price of $85,000 and average rents around $530. While the cost of living is high due to remote location, the area boasts a tight-knit, predominantly Alaska Native population and a short average commute of just 3.5 minutes. Enjoy the adventure of Arctic weather, local K-12 schooling, and access to regional healthcare, all in a unique, culturally rich setting.
Demographics - Shaktoolik, AK
Demographics - Shaktoolik, AK
Shaktoolik is a small, close-knit community of 236 residents, with a youthful median age of 27.5 and a strong Alaska Native presence making up nearly 98% of the population. The area features a slightly higher male-to-female ratio and a significant portion of households speak a language other than English, reflecting rich cultural traditions.
Population:
236
Density:
23 per sq mi
Median Age:
27.5
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
38%

Ethnic Composition
White:
2.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
97.5% (Predominantly Alaska Native - Inupiat & Yup'ik)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shaktoolik, AK?
Living in Shaktoolik comes with a higher cost of living index of 130.5, mainly due to its remote location, though housing remains relatively affordable with a median home value of $85,000 and average rent at $530. Utilities and groceries are notably higher than the national average, but residents benefit from no state income or sales tax.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$530
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$290
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
130.5
Grocery:
155.0
Housing:
67.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
150.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Shaktoolik, AK a safe place to live?
Shaktoolik experiences moderate crime rates for its size, with a chance of property crime at about 1 in 95 and violent crime at 1 in 238. While these rates are notable, the small population and close community ties contribute to a generally safe and watchful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Shaktoolik, AK year-round?
The climate in Shaktoolik features long, cold winters with average lows around -10°F, brief cool summers reaching highs near 61°F, and modest rainfall of about 13.8 inches annually. Residents can expect around 44% sunny days, making for a true Arctic weather experience.

Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
8°F

Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
35°F

Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
61°F

Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Shaktoolik is characterized by modest household incomes averaging $43,100 and a higher poverty rate of 29.2%, with most adults commuting just 3.5 minutes to work and no public transportation available. Educational attainment is solid, with over three-quarters having at least a high school diploma, and a significant Alaska Native presence contributes to the area’s unique identity.
Median Income:
$30,700
Household Income:
$43,100
Family Income:
$49,000
Per Capita Income:
$13,200
Income Male:
$33,000
Income Female:
$29,000
Poverty Rate:
29.2%
Non English Speakers:
38%
Rent:
$530
Unemployment Rate:
16.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
3.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77.5%
Bachelors or More:
7.8%
Education
How are the schools in Shaktoolik, AK?
Education in Shaktoolik centers on the local public school, serving about 91 students with a low student-teacher ratio, providing a personalized learning environment. For higher education, residents can access the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Northwest Campus in Nome, 125 miles away.

Public Schools
Name:
Shaktoolik School
Street:
Main Rd
Phone:
(907) 955-3516
Students:
91
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.1

Colleges
Name:
Northwest Campus - University of Alaska Fairbanks (satellite)
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
125 miles
Students:
370
Healthcare
Healthcare in Shaktoolik is anchored by a local health clinic for primary care and access to the regional hospital in Nome for emergencies. Most residents have health insurance coverage, though the number of physicians per capita is lower than average, typical for remote Alaska communities.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Shaktoolik Health Clinic
Address:
Main St, Shaktoolik, AK 99771
Phone:
(907) 955-3311
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:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shaktoolik, AK?
Shaktoolik offers affordable home ownership opportunities, with a median home price of $85,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 68%. The rental market is stable, with average rents at $530 and a low vacancy and foreclosure rate, making housing accessible and secure.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$530
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Shaktoolik residents are managed through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with resources available online or by contacting their Juneau office. As is common in rural Alaska, most DMV services are handled remotely or by mail.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
P.O. Box 110221, Juneau, AK 99811-0221
Phone:
(907) 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.