Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Tenakee Springs, AK
Thinking of moving to Tenakee Springs, AK? This peaceful coastal community is home to just 116 residents and offers a relaxed, close-knit lifestyle with extremely low crime, affordable home prices around $210,000, and modest rents near $950. Residents enjoy a mild maritime climate with cool summers, abundant rainfall, and a short, easy commute. While local schooling is limited, healthcare access is available in nearby Sitka, making Tenakee Springs ideal for those seeking tranquility and small-town Alaska living.
Demographics - Tenakee Springs, AK
Demographics - Tenakee Springs, AK
Tenakee Springs is a small, close-knit community of 116 residents, with a median age of 54.5 and a population density of 34 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, with a notable Alaska Native presence, and a slightly higher proportion of males to females. Around 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home.
Population:
116
Density:
34 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.5
Gender Ratio:
119 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
80.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
8.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Tenakee Springs, AK?
The cost of living in Tenakee Springs is moderately higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 113. Housing remains affordable, with median home values at $210,000 and average rent near $950, while Alaska's lack of state income and sales taxes helps offset some expenses. Utilities and groceries tend to run higher due to the remote setting.
Median House Value:
$210,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$500
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
113.0
Grocery:
125.0
Housing:
82.0
Utilities:
112.0
Transportation:
110.0
Health Care:
108.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Tenakee Springs, AK a safe place to live?
Tenakee Springs is an exceptionally safe place to live, reporting zero violent and property crimes in recent records. Residents enjoy a peaceful environment with virtually no risk of crime, contributing to the town's strong sense of security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
0
Property Crimes Per 100k:
0
Crime Index:
0
Chance Of Violent Crime:
Extremely low
Chance Of Property Crime:
Extremely low
Weather
What is the weather like in Tenakee Springs, AK year-round?
The city experiences a mild maritime climate, with cool summers reaching up to 62°F and winters rarely dipping below 29°F. Rain is abundant, with around 85 inches annually and only about 25% of days being sunny, making it ideal for those who appreciate lush, green surroundings.

Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
38°F

Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
50°F

Summer
Min:
46°F
Max:
62°F

Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
51°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
85 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
25%
Neighbors
Residents of Tenakee Springs enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with a median household income of $43,000 and a low average commute time of just 5 minutes. Most adults have at least a high school education, though the poverty rate is 14%. Public transportation is nonexistent, reflecting the city’s small size and walkable layout.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$43,000
Family Income:
$50,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$30,000
Poverty Rate:
14.0%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
8.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.0%
Bachelors or More:
26.0%
Education
How are the schools in Tenakee Springs, AK?
Local public schooling options are limited, as Tenakee Springs School has closed, requiring students to attend remotely or transfer elsewhere. Higher education is accessible via the University of Alaska Southeast in Sitka, about 53 miles away, offering opportunities for continued learning.

Public Schools
Name:
Tenakee Springs School (Closed 2016; students now attend remotely or transfer)
Street:
PO Box 54, Tenakee Springs, AK 99841
Phone:
(907) 736-2207
Students:
N/A
Student Teacher Ratio:
N/A

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast – Sitka Campus
City:
Sitka
State:
AK
Distance:
53 miles (by air/water)
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Healthcare needs are met by facilities in nearby Sitka, including Sitka Community Hospital and SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center, both offering emergency services. The area has 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and a health insurance coverage rate of 86%, ensuring generally reliable access to care.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Sitka Community Hospital
Address:
209 Moller Ave, Sitka, AK 99835
Phone:
(907) 747-3241
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center
Address:
222 Tongass Dr, Sitka, AK 99835
Phone:
(907) 966-2411
Type:
General & Tribal
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.0%
Health Care Index:
79.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Tenakee Springs, AK?
Tenakee Springs features an affordable housing market, with median home prices at $210,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $950. Owner-occupancy stands at 60%, and the market is stable with a low foreclosure rate and steady appreciation.
Median Home Price:
$210,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office located in Anchorage. Most services, including licensing and registration, can be accessed online or by phone for added convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2900 E. Tudor Road, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99507
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.