Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Teller, AK
Considering a move to Teller, AK? This small, tight-knit community of 256 people offers affordable housing (median home price of $75,000, average rent $775) and a unique Alaska Native culture. While utilities and groceries are more expensive due to remote location, the cost of living for housing is low. Crime rates are moderate, and commutes are short—most residents travel under 10 minutes. Teller’s climate brings cold winters and cool summers, and while education resources are limited, the town enjoys close ties to nature and regional healthcare services in nearby Nome.
Demographics - Teller, AK
Demographics - Teller, AK
Teller, Alaska is a small community of 256 residents, predominantly Alaska Native Inupiat, with a youthful median age of 24.8 years and a slightly higher number of males than females. Over half of the population speaks a language other than English at home, reflecting the area's strong indigenous heritage. The town's low population density fosters a close-knit and culturally rich environment.
Population:
256
Density:
40 per sq mi
Median Age:
24.8
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
58.0%

Ethnic Composition
White:
8.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
92.0% (Primarily Alaska Native, Inupiat)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Teller, AK?
Living in Teller offers affordable housing, with a median home value of $75,000 and average rent of $775, though groceries and utilities are noticeably higher due to the remote location. State taxes are nonexistent, but the overall cost of living index is above the national average, driven mainly by higher utility and grocery expenses. Residents benefit from low housing costs but should budget for higher everyday essentials.
Median House Value:
$75,000
Gross Rent:
$775
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
142.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
165.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
140.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Teller, AK a safe place to live?
Teller experiences moderate crime rates, with a chance of violent crime at about 1 in 294 and property crime at 1 in 83. While not among the highest in the state, it's important for newcomers to be mindful of property security. The small-town atmosphere generally contributes to a sense of community safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
340
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,200
Crime Index:
1,540
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 294
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 83
Weather
What is the weather like in Teller, AK year-round?
Teller's climate is characterized by long, cold winters with temperatures often below zero, and brief, mild summers with highs around 60°F. The area receives about 13.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 38% of the year. Residents should be prepared for significant seasonal changes and frequent chilly conditions.

Winter
Min:
-10°F
Max:
6°F

Spring
Min:
4°F
Max:
25°F

Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
60°F

Fall
Min:
20°F
Max:
37°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
13.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
38%
Neighbors
Teller's residents have a median household income of $48,000, though about a quarter live below the poverty line and the unemployment rate is relatively high at 13%. Most people have short commutes and few use public transportation, reflecting the small-town layout. Educational attainment is modest, with around 70% finishing high school and less than 10% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$41,500
Household Income:
$48,000
Family Income:
$52,000
Per Capita Income:
$15,900
Income Male:
$34,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
24.6%
Non English Speakers:
58.0%
Rent:
$775
Unemployment Rate:
13.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
7.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
69.5%
Bachelors or More:
7.5%
Education
How are the schools in Teller, AK?
Teller School serves local students with small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of about 10:1, offering a personalized learning environment. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible through the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus located 72 miles away in Nome. Educational resources are limited but tailored to the community’s needs.

Public Schools
Name:
Teller School
Street:
School Rd, Teller, AK 99778
Phone:
907-642-6132
Students:
92
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.2

Colleges
Name:
Northwest Campus, University of Alaska Fairbanks
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
72 miles
Students:
250
Healthcare
Healthcare for Teller residents is anchored by Norton Sound Regional Hospital in nearby Nome, offering regional and emergency services. Most residents have health insurance coverage, and access to physicians is limited, with fewer than one doctor per 1,000 people. Residents benefit from regional healthcare support, though specialized services may require travel.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Norton Sound Regional Hospital
Address:
1000 Greg Kruschek Ave, Nome, AK 99762
Phone:
(907) 443-3311
Type:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
88.2%
Health Care Index:
71.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Teller, AK?
The Teller housing market is affordable, featuring a median home price of $75,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 68%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $775 and a low vacancy rate. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and the market remains stable with minimal new construction or foreclosures.
Median Home Price:
$75,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$775
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Residents of Teller access DMV services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office in Nome, about 72 miles away. Essential vehicle licensing and registration can be managed via the Nome DMV or the state’s online resources. This setup is typical for remote Alaskan communities, requiring some travel for in-person services.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Nome DMV, 214 Front St, Nome, AK 99762
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.