Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Skwentna, AK
Considering a move to Skwentna, AK? This remote Alaskan community has a tiny population of just 37, offering a quiet, close-knit lifestyle with affordable median home prices around $145,000 and rents averaging $850. Winters are cold, and amenities are limited, but you'll enjoy stunning wilderness and very short commutes. While the cost of groceries and utilities is higher than average, there is no state income tax, and the pace of life is tranquil. Education is mainly via correspondence, and the nearest major hospital is about 85 miles away in Palmer or Anchorage.
Demographics - Skwentna, AK
Demographics - Skwentna, AK
Skwentna is a tiny, close-knit community with just 37 residents, a median age of 54, and a predominantly White and Alaska Native population. The area is extremely rural, with less than one person per square mile, making it ideal for those seeking solitude and wide open spaces.
Population:
37
Density:
less than 1 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
120 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.0%
Others:
3.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Skwentna, AK?
The cost of living in Skwentna is higher than the national average, especially for groceries and utilities, but housing remains affordable with a median home value of $145,000 and average rent at $850. Residents benefit from no state income tax, though overall expenses reflect its remote, rural location.
Median House Value:
$145,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$450
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
125
Grocery:
133
Housing:
85
Utilities:
160
Transportation:
140
Health Care:
125
Miscellaneous:
120
Crime
Is Skwentna, AK a safe place to live?
While Skwentna is sparsely populated, crime rates are notable for the region, with a chance of property crime at about 1 in 45 and violent crime at 1 in 192. Residents should remain vigilant despite the small-town atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
520
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,720
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Skwentna, AK year-round?
Skwentna experiences long, cold winters with temperatures often dipping below 0°F, while summers are mild, reaching highs around 70°F. The area sees about 17 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 45% of the year.
Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
10°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
17 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
With a median household income of $55,000 and a poverty rate of 12.5%, Skwentna’s residents are largely self-reliant, and commute times are extremely short at just 5 minutes. Nearly 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and public transportation is not utilized, reflecting the community's remote nature.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$55,000
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$28,000
Income Male:
$40,000
Income Female:
$33,000
Poverty Rate:
12.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.0%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
8.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.0%
Education
How are the schools in Skwentna, AK?
Education in Skwentna is provided primarily through correspondence via the Iditarod Area School District, reflecting its remote setting. The nearest major college, the University of Alaska Anchorage, is about 85 miles away, making higher education accessible with some travel.
Public Schools
Name:
Remote Learning (Correspondence)
Street:
N/A - Served by Iditarod Area School District
Phone:
(907) 524-1221
Students:
N/A
Student Teacher Ratio:
N/A
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage
City:
Anchorage
State:
AK
Distance:
85 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
Healthcare access in Skwentna is limited, with the nearest major hospital located about 85 miles away in Palmer. Most residents have health insurance, and basic medical care is available, but specialized services require travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
Address:
2500 S Woodworth Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Phone:
(907) 861-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.0%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Skwentna, AK?
Skwentna offers affordable homeownership with a median home price of $145,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 82%. The housing market is stable, with relatively low vacancy and foreclosure rates, and modest home appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
82%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents of Skwentna are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Anchorage. DMV services, including licensing and registration, can be accessed online or by phone for convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1300 W Benson Blvd, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99503
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.