Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shishmaref, AK
Thinking about moving to Shishmaref, AK? With a close-knit population of 563 and affordable home prices averaging $85,000, Shishmaref offers a unique village lifestyle on Alaska’s northwest coast. Expect a high cost of groceries and utilities, but low property costs, and a very short average commute of just 5 minutes. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and the local school serves the tight-knit community. Prepare for cold Arctic winters, strong Alaska Native culture, and limited amenities – but plenty of natural beauty and community spirit await.
Demographics - Shishmaref, AK
Demographics - Shishmaref, AK
Shishmaref is a small, close-knit village with a population of 563 and a youthful median age of 26.1. The community is predominantly Alaska Native (Inupiaq), and over 70% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's strong cultural heritage.
Population:
563
Density:
330 per sq mi
Median Age:
26.1
Gender Ratio:
105 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
72%
Ethnic Composition
White:
1%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
99% (Predominantly Alaska Native – Inupiaq)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shishmaref, AK?
While Shishmaref offers affordable median home values around $85,000 and reasonable rents at $750, the cost of living is elevated—especially for groceries and utilities—due to its remote Alaska location. Residents benefit from no state income tax, but should budget for higher everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,340
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
135.0
Grocery:
178.0
Housing:
60.0
Utilities:
240.0
Transportation:
180.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Shishmaref, AK a safe place to live?
The village experiences moderate crime relative to rural Alaska, with 265 violent crimes and 1,850 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. Most residents find Shishmaref a generally safe place, but property crime is more common than violent incidents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
265
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,115
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 377
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Shishmaref, AK year-round?
Shishmaref’s Arctic climate means long, cold winters with lows near -20°F and summers rarely exceeding 55°F. The area receives around 14 inches of precipitation annually, mostly as snow, and enjoys sunshine about 38% of the year.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
28°F
Summer
Min:
40°F
Max:
55°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
32°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.8 inches (mostly as snow)
Sunny Days Percentage:
38%
Neighbors
Shishmaref has a median household income of $41,000 and a poverty rate of 21.5%, with most residents enjoying a quick 5-minute commute. The community is largely Alaska Native, and 72% speak a language other than English at home, fostering a rich cultural environment.
Median Income:
$34,750
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$42,500
Per Capita Income:
$12,800
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
72%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
12.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
68.2%
Bachelors or More:
6.1%
Education
How are the schools in Shishmaref, AK?
Shishmaref School serves about 200 students with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, supporting the village’s educational needs. For higher education, the closest college is the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus, located 126 miles away in Nome.
Public Schools
Name:
Shishmaref School
Street:
Main Rd, Shishmaref, AK 99772
Phone:
907-649-3313
Students:
200
Student Teacher Ratio:
16:1
Colleges
Name:
Northwest Campus (University of Alaska Fairbanks)
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
126 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Local medical care is provided by the Shishmaref Clinic for primary needs, while more comprehensive services and emergency care are available at the Norton Sound Regional Hospital in Nome. Most residents (85%) have health insurance, but specialized care often requires travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Shishmaref Clinic
Address:
Po Box 73029, Shishmaref, AK 99772
Phone:
(907) 649-3311
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:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
82.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shishmaref, AK?
Housing in Shishmaref is affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $750. The majority of homes are owner-occupied, and the market is stable with minimal new construction and low foreclosure rates.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
70.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Shishmaref residents manage vehicle registration and licensing through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Anchorage. DMV services can also be accessed online or by phone for convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 E. Benson Blvd., Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99508
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.