Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Unalakleet, AK
Considering a move to Unalakleet, AK? This welcoming rural community of 747 features affordable housing, with median home prices around $151,000 and average rents at $900. The cost of living is high due to remote location, but the town offers a short average commute of just 5 minutes, a close-knit Alaska Native majority, and easy access to the outdoors. While violent and property crime rates are above the national average, Unalakleet’s unique climate, small-town charm, and strong community ties make it a memorable place to call home.
Demographics - Unalakleet, AK
Demographics - Unalakleet, AK
Unalakleet is a small rural city with a population of 747, where the majority of residents are Alaska Native or Inuit. The median age is just over 34, and about 18% of locals speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Population:
747
Density:
54 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18%
Ethnic Composition
White:
10%
Black:
0%
Asian:
1%
Others:
89% (primarily Alaska Native/Inuit)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Unalakleet, AK?
Living in Unalakleet comes with a higher cost of living index (140.0), mainly from elevated grocery and utility prices due to its remote location. While there’s no state income tax, essentials like electricity and transportation are more expensive than the national average, though median home values remain relatively affordable at $151,000.
Median House Value:
$151,000
Gross Rent:
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,550
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
140.0
Grocery:
170.0
Housing:
110.0
Utilities:
190.0
Transportation:
150.0
Health Care:
135.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Unalakleet, AK a safe place to live?
Both violent and property crime rates in Unalakleet are above national averages, with a 1 in 196 chance of experiencing violent crime. Residents should be aware of local safety concerns, though strong community ties are a defining feature of the area.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
510
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 196
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Unalakleet, AK year-round?
Unalakleet experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers, with average summer highs reaching the low 60s and winter lows dipping below zero. The area receives about 14.7 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 41% of the year, making it ideal for those who appreciate a true subarctic climate.
Winter
Min:
-2°F
Max:
13°F
Spring
Min:
12°F
Max:
34°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Fall
Min:
19°F
Max:
41°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
41%
Neighbors
Households in Unalakleet have a median income of $55,000, though approximately 20% of residents live below the poverty line. Most people drive, as there’s no public transportation, and the average commute is a quick 5 minutes, contributing to a relaxed pace of life.
Median Income:
$37,500
Household Income:
$55,000
Family Income:
$62,000
Per Capita Income:
$20,800
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$32,000
Poverty Rate:
19.7%
Non English Speakers:
18%
Rent:
$900
Unemployment Rate:
10.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.4%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in Unalakleet, AK?
Unalakleet School provides public education with a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, serving approximately 210 students. While there are no private schools, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Northwest Campus in Nome offers higher education opportunities within 148 miles.
Public Schools
Name:
Unalakleet School
Street:
Main Rd
Phone:
(907) 624-3440
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Colleges
Name:
Northwest Campus (UAF Extension)
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
148 miles
Students:
400
Healthcare
Healthcare in Unalakleet is served by a local clinic offering basic services but not emergency care, and there are 0.7 physicians per 1,000 residents. Around 86% of locals have health insurance, but those needing specialized treatment may need to travel to larger cities.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Unalakleet Health Clinic
Address:
Main Rd, Unalakleet, AK 99684
Phone:
(907) 624-3535
Type:
Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
0.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.4%
Health Care Index:
67.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Unalakleet, AK?
The housing market in Unalakleet is stable, with a median home price of $151,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $900. About 62% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees low foreclosure and vacancy rates, making it a steady option for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$151,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
62%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Unalakleet residents can access DMV services through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Fairbanks. Services and information are available online or by phone for convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709
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.