Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tanacross, AK
Considering a move to Tanacross, AK? This small, close-knit community of about 140 residents offers affordable living with a median home price of $85,000 and average rents around $700. While cost of living is reasonable, utilities and groceries can be higher due to the remote location. The area experiences long, cold winters and a breathtaking Alaskan landscape. Local schools are small and personal, and commutes are short at just 14 minutes. Be ready for a rural lifestyle, limited amenities, and a strong sense of community and Native Alaskan culture.
Demographics - Tanacross, AK
Demographics - Tanacross, AK
Tanacross is a small community of about 140 people, with a strong Native Alaskan presence making up 85% of the population. The town has a median age of 38.5 and a slightly higher number of males than females, while 22% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its low population density creates a quiet, rural environment ideal for those seeking a close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
140
Density:
9 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.5
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22%

Ethnic Composition
White:
10%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tanacross, AK?
Living in Tanacross is relatively affordable, with median home values around $85,000 and average rent at $700 per month. While housing costs are low, utility and grocery expenses tend to be higher due to its remote location, and the overall cost of living index is 110. Residents benefit from Alaska’s lack of state income and sales tax, helping to offset higher day-to-day costs.
Median House Value:
$85,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$900
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
110
Grocery:
125
Housing:
60
Utilities:
180
Transportation:
120
Health Care:
140
Miscellaneous:
105
Crime
Is Tanacross, AK a safe place to live?
Tanacross experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 425 per 100,000 and property crime at 2,100 per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of a property crime is about 1 in 48. While generally safe, residents should remain mindful of property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
425
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,525
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 235
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Tanacross, AK year-round?
The climate in Tanacross features long, harsh winters with temperatures often dipping as low as -35°F, and short, mild summers peaking around 72°F. The area receives about 11 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 45% of the year. Residents should be prepared for extreme cold and seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
-35°F
Max:
-5°F

Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
45°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
72°F

Fall
Min:
5°F
Max:
43°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Tanacross has a modest median household income of $32,000, with 32% of residents living below the poverty line and an unemployment rate of 9.2%. The community is primarily owner-occupied, and most people have short commutes of around 14 minutes, fostering a tight-knit, rural lifestyle. Educational attainment is moderate, with 77% having a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$22,000
Household Income:
$32,000
Family Income:
$36,000
Per Capita Income:
$13,000
Income Male:
$23,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
32%
Non English Speakers:
22%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
9.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
14 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
77%
Bachelors or More:
8%
Education
How are the schools in Tanacross, AK?
Education in Tanacross centers around the small Tanacross School, offering a personalized learning environment with just 33 students and an 11:1 student-teacher ratio. There are no private schools, but higher education is accessible at the University of Alaska Fairbanks - Tok Center, located about 12 miles away. The local school and nearby college provide foundational and continuing education options for residents.

Public Schools
Name:
Tanacross School
Street:
Mile 1320 Alaska Hwy
Phone:
(907) 883-4391
Students:
33
Student Teacher Ratio:
11

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Tok Center
City:
Tok
State:
AK
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
200
Healthcare
Healthcare in Tanacross is served primarily by the Upper Tanana Health Center in nearby Tok, offering basic care but not emergency services. With 0.8 physicians per 1,000 residents and 82% health insurance coverage, access may be limited compared to urban areas. Residents often travel to larger towns for specialized or emergency medical needs.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Tanana Chiefs Conference Upper Tanana Health Center
Address:
Mile 1313 Alaska Hwy, Tok, AK 99780
Phone:
(907) 883-5855
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.8
Health Insurance Coverage:
82%
Health Care Index:
58
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tanacross, AK?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $85,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $700. About 70% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates, indicating stable housing options for newcomers. Annual home appreciation is modest, reflecting the steady nature of this rural market.
Median Home Price:
$85,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
70%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Tanacross residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles in Fairbanks, located at 1039 University Ave. The DMV offers essential services including licensing and vehicle registration, and more information is available on their website. Residents should expect to travel to Fairbanks for most DMV needs.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1039 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Phone:
(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.