Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sitka, AK
Considering a move to Sitka, AK? This charming coastal city of 8,407 offers a unique blend of Native heritage and Alaskan beauty, with median home prices around $430,000 and average rents of $1,350. Sitka provides a safe and friendly community, with low commute times averaging just under 10 minutes and access to quality education. Enjoy a mild maritime climate, abundant outdoor recreation, and local amenities while weighing a slightly higher cost of living and rich cultural life. Explore the details to see if Sitka is the right fit for your next adventure.
Demographics - Sitka, AK
Sitka is home to a population of about 8,400, with a diverse community that includes a significant Native American presence alongside a majority White population. The median age is nearly 40, reflecting a balanced mix of families and working professionals. Residents benefit from a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of local heritage.
Population:
8,407
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.8
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.3%

Ethnic Composition
White:
62.6%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
6.2%
Others:
6.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sitka, AK?
Sitka's cost of living is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 132.1 and median home values around $430,000. Essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and rent are elevated due to its remote location, but residents benefit from no state income tax. Prospective residents should budget accordingly for daily expenses and housing.
Median House Value:
$430,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$170
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,920
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$670
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
132.1
Grocery:
134.6
Housing:
140.5
Utilities:
140.2
Transportation:
128.0
Health Care:
132.4
Miscellaneous:
129.0
Crime
Is Sitka, AK a safe place to live?
Sitka experiences relatively low violent crime, with a chance of about 1 in 327, while property crime rates are moderate. The overall crime index suggests a community where residents generally feel safe, though it's wise to take standard precautions. The city maintains a reputation for being a secure and friendly place to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
306
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,301
Crime Index:
1,607
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 327
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 77
Weather
What is the weather like in Sitka, AK year-round?
Sitka features a mild maritime climate, with cool summers averaging highs in the low 60s and winters rarely dipping below freezing. The area receives abundant rainfall—about 86 inches annually—and enjoys around 32% sunny days, making it lush and green year-round. Residents should be prepared for frequent wet weather and cooler temperatures.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
49°F

Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
61°F

Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
51°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
86 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
32%
Neighbors
Sitka's neighborhoods are characterized by a median household income of $76,300 and a low poverty rate of 8.5%, indicating a stable, middle-class community. Most adults have at least a high school diploma, with nearly 35% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging under 10 minutes, fostering a relaxed small-town atmosphere.
Median Income:
$44,500
Household Income:
$76,300
Family Income:
$86,200
Per Capita Income:
$38,800
Income Male:
$49,100
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
8.5%
Non English Speakers:
8.3%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
9.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
34.7%
Education
How are the schools in Sitka, AK?
Sitka offers a strong local education system, including public schools with favorable student-teacher ratios and options for private and boarding schools. The University of Alaska Southeast has a campus in town, providing higher education opportunities without the need to relocate. Families benefit from a variety of educational resources at all levels.

Public Schools
Name:
Sitka High School
Street:
1000 Lake Street
Phone:
(907) 966-1900
Students:
360
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.4
Name:
Blatchley Middle School
Street:
601 Halibut Point Rd
Phone:
(907) 747-8672
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8

Private Schools
Name:
Mount Edgecumbe High School
Street:
1330 Seward Ave
Phone:
(907) 966-2200
Students:
400

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast - Sitka Campus
City:
Sitka
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare through facilities like SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center and the now-integrated Sitka Community Hospital, both offering emergency services. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and 91% of the population insured, medical needs are well-covered. The healthcare environment supports both general and specialized care for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center
Address:
222 Tongass Dr, Sitka, AK 99835
Phone:
(907) 966-2411
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Sitka Community Hospital (now part of SEARHC)
Address:
209 Moller Ave, Sitka, AK 99835
Phone:
(907) 747-3241
Type:
General & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sitka, AK?
The Sitka housing market features a median home price of $430,000 and average rents around $1,350 for a two-bedroom, with 63% of residents owning their homes. Home values have appreciated by just over 5% in the past year, reflecting steady demand. The market is stable, with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$430,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Sitka residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles located on Halibut Point Road, offering convenient access to licensing and vehicle services. The local office provides standard DMV services and information both in-person and online. This ensures residents can easily manage their driving and registration needs close to home.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
901 Halibut Point Rd, Sitka, AK 99835
Phone:
(907) 747-6634
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.