Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Shungnak, AK
Considering a move to Shungnak, AK? With a small, close-knit population of 266, Shungnak offers affordable housing (median home price $95,000, rents around $750) but a higher cost of living due to remote location and transportation. Expect cold winters, short, mild summers, and a strong Alaska Native community. Crime rates are moderate, commutes are minimal, and local schools serve the community well, though higher education options are farther away. If you’re looking for a rural lifestyle with rich cultural heritage and beautiful Arctic scenery, Shungnak could be for you.
Demographics - Shungnak, AK
Demographics - Shungnak, AK
Shungnak is a small, rural community of about 266 residents, with a youthful median age of 24.8 years and a population predominantly of Alaska Native (Inupiat) heritage. The area has a low population density, a slightly higher number of males than females, and about one-third of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its rich cultural roots.
Population:
266
Density:
22 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.8
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
32.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
3.5%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
96.5% (predominantly Alaska Native, Inupiat)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Shungnak, AK?
While Shungnak boasts affordable housing with median home values around $95,000 and average rents near $750, the overall cost of living is higher than the national average due to elevated costs for groceries, utilities, and transportation. With no state income or sales tax, residents benefit from some tax relief, but remote location drives up everyday expenses.
Median House Value:
$95,000
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$925
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
138.0
Grocery:
170.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
150.0
Health Care:
140.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Shungnak, AK a safe place to live?
Shungnak experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 430 incidents per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,500 per 100,000. While lower than urban averages, residents should still take standard safety precautions in this small, close-knit town.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
430
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,500
Crime Index:
1,930
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 233
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 67
Weather
What is the weather like in Shungnak, AK year-round?
Shungnak has a harsh Arctic climate, with long, frigid winters often dropping to -25°F and brief, mild summers reaching up to 70°F. The area receives about 9.5 inches of annual precipitation (mostly snow) and enjoys sunshine roughly 43% of the year.
Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
-5°F
Spring
Min:
5°F
Max:
35°F
Summer
Min:
46°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
2°F
Max:
35°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
9.5 inches (including snow water equivalent)
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Households in Shungnak typically earn median incomes around $41,000, with a notable poverty rate of 25%. The community is tight-knit, commute times are very short at just five minutes, and public transit is not available, highlighting its rural, self-reliant lifestyle.
Median Income:
$34,000
Household Income:
$41,000
Family Income:
$46,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,200
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
25.0%
Non English Speakers:
32.0%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
15.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
72.0%
Bachelors or More:
8.0%
Education
How are the schools in Shungnak, AK?
Shungnak School serves local students with small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of about 11.5, while higher education opportunities require travel, with the nearest college campus located 75 miles away in Kotzebue.
Public Schools
Name:
Shungnak School
Street:
School Road, Shungnak, AK 99773
Phone:
(907) 437-2151
Students:
90
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.5
Colleges
Name:
Chukchi Campus, University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Kotzebue
State:
AK
Distance:
75 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Health care in Shungnak is anchored by a local clinic for primary needs, with more comprehensive and emergency services available at the regional hospital in Kotzebue, 75 miles away. Most residents (89%) have health insurance, but physician access is limited, reflecting the challenges of remote Alaska living.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Shungnak Clinic
Address:
Shungnak, AK 99773
Phone:
(907) 437-2141
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Maniilaq Health Center
Address:
436 5th Avenue, Kotzebue, AK 99752
Phone:
(907) 442-3321
Type:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Shungnak, AK?
Shungnak features an affordable housing market, with median home prices at $95,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $750. The majority of residents own their homes, and the market is stable with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$95,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.0%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services for Shungnak residents are provided by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, headquartered in Anchorage and accessible online or by phone for most transactions.
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.