Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Thorne Bay, AK
Thinking of moving to Thorne Bay, AK? This small, scenic city of 510 residents offers an affordable lifestyle with a median home price of $172,000 and average rents around $950. Enjoy a quiet pace of life, short 14-minute commutes, and abundant outdoor beauty, but plan for higher grocery and utility costs. While the area is peaceful, property crime rates are moderate, and education is served by a local K-12 school, with higher ed nearby. Expect a cool, wet climate and close-knit community living surrounded by Alaska’s natural splendor.
Demographics - Thorne Bay, AK
Demographics - Thorne Bay, AK
Thorne Bay is a small, close-knit city with about 510 residents and a low population density of 14 per square mile. The median age is 54.2, reflecting a mature community, and the majority of residents identify as White, with a modest percentage of non-English speakers. The gender ratio slightly favors males, contributing to the town’s unique demographic makeup.
Population:
510
Density:
14 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
116 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
74.0%
Black:
0.2%
Asian:
0.2%
Others:
25.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Thorne Bay, AK?
Thorne Bay offers affordable housing, with the median home value at $172,000 and average rents around $950, but expect higher costs for groceries and utilities compared to national averages. State income taxes are nonexistent, helping offset some expenses. Overall, the cost of living index is moderately above average, especially for daily necessities.
Median House Value:
$172,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$215
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,140
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$425
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
113.5
Grocery:
135.0
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
150.0
Transportation:
130.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
105.0
Crime
Is Thorne Bay, AK a safe place to live?
The city experiences a low rate of violent crime, with a 1 in 444 chance, but property crime is more common, with a 1 in 68 chance. Residents generally enjoy a peaceful environment, though it's wise to remain vigilant about property security. Overall, Thorne Bay offers relative safety typical of small Alaskan towns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
225
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,480
Crime Index:
1,705
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 444
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 68
Weather
What is the weather like in Thorne Bay, AK year-round?
Thorne Bay features a cool, wet climate characterized by mild summers with highs up to 65°F and winters that rarely fall below 28°F. The city receives abundant rainfall, averaging 116 inches annually, and enjoys about 33% sunny days. Those moving here should be prepared for frequent precipitation and a temperate coastal environment.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
50°F

Summer
Min:
49°F
Max:
65°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
52°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
116 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
33%
Neighbors
Residents of Thorne Bay enjoy a median household income of $42,300 and a relaxed, small-town lifestyle, with most commutes taking under 14 minutes. The community is well-educated, with over 90% holding a high school diploma, but about 16.5% live below the poverty line. Public transportation is rarely used, reflecting the town's rural character.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$42,300
Family Income:
$51,000
Per Capita Income:
$25,900
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$29,500
Poverty Rate:
16.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.2%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
7.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
13.8 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
90.8%
Bachelors or More:
17.2%
Education
How are the schools in Thorne Bay, AK?
Education in Thorne Bay is provided by a local public K-12 school with a small student body and favorable student-teacher ratios for personalized learning. While there are no private schools, higher education is accessible at the University of Alaska Southeast's Ketchikan campus about 41 miles away. Families enjoy a supportive, community-focused educational environment.

Public Schools
Name:
Thorne Bay School
Street:
1310 Shoreline Dr
Phone:
907-828-8254
Students:
60
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5

Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast - Ketchikan Campus
City:
Ketchikan
State:
AK
Distance:
41 miles (by ferry & road)
Students:
700
Healthcare
Local healthcare needs are met by the SEARHC Alicia Roberts Medical Center in nearby Klawock, offering general and emergency services. The city has a physician availability rate of 1.2 per 1,000 residents and health insurance coverage stands at nearly 85%. Residents benefit from accessible primary care within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
SEARHC Alicia Roberts Medical Center
Address:
3060 Mountain View Rd, Klawock, AK 99925
Phone:
(907) 755-4800
Type:
General & Primary Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.7%
Health Care Index:
62.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Thorne Bay, AK?
The housing market in Thorne Bay is stable, with a median home price of $172,000 and strong homeownership at nearly 76%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at about $950 and a moderate vacancy rate. Home values have seen steady appreciation, making it an appealing choice for buyers seeking affordability and growth.
Median Home Price:
$172,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
75.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Thorne Bay residents are managed through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, located in Ketchikan. The DMV offers licensing, registration, and other services both in person and online. Detailed information and resources are available on the Alaska DMV website.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1900 First Avenue, Suite 112, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone:
907-225-3131
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.