Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Unalaska, AK
Thinking of moving to Unalaska, AK? With a close-knit population of 4,432 and a median home price around $304,000, Unalaska offers a truly unique lifestyle on the Aleutian Islands. Expect a higher cost of living, but short 8-minute commutes, plenty of rental options, and a vibrant, multicultural community. The area sees mild, damp weather, a low crime rate for Alaska, and solid local schools—perfect for those seeking adventure and a strong sense of community.
Demographics - Unalaska, AK
Demographics - Unalaska, AK
Unalaska has a population of 4,432, with a notably high male-to-female ratio and a median age of 36.2, reflecting a diverse, multicultural community where nearly 35% of residents speak a language other than English. The city is characterized by a blend of ethnic backgrounds, including significant Asian and White populations, contributing to a vibrant local culture.
Population:
4,432
Density:
28 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.2
Gender Ratio:
160 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
34.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
32.0%
Black:
3.2%
Asian:
30.5%
Others:
34.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Unalaska, AK?
Living in Unalaska comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, as reflected by a cost of living index of 138.0 and median home values around $304,000. Residents experience elevated prices for groceries and utilities, but benefit from Alaska's 0% state income tax, making financial planning unique for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$304,000
Gross Rent:
$1,570
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$900
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
138.0
Grocery:
153.0
Housing:
116.0
Utilities:
175.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Unalaska, AK a safe place to live?
Unalaska experiences lower crime rates compared to many Alaskan communities, with a violent crime rate of 381 per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 262 chance of being affected. Property crime is somewhat more common, but overall, the city maintains a reputation for safety and community vigilance.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
381
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,250
Crime Index:
1,631
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 262
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 80
Weather
What is the weather like in Unalaska, AK year-round?
The climate in Unalaska is characterized by mild but damp conditions, with summer highs reaching 57°F and winters rarely dropping below 27°F. Rain is frequent, totaling around 55 inches annually, and sunny days are limited, making it ideal for those who appreciate cooler, maritime environments.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
32°F
Max:
44°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
57°F
Fall
Min:
35°F
Max:
46°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
55 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
28%
Neighbors
Household incomes in Unalaska are strong, with a median of $94,375 and a relatively low poverty rate at 8%. Most residents have short commutes averaging just over 8 minutes, and the community is well-educated, with 85% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$94,375
Family Income:
$102,000
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$35,900
Income Female:
$27,100
Poverty Rate:
8.0%
Non English Speakers:
34.8%
Rent:
$1,570
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
8.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.0%
Bachelors or More:
16.0%
Education
How are the schools in Unalaska, AK?
Education in Unalaska features a well-regarded public school system with small class sizes, as seen in Unalaska City School’s 12:1 student-teacher ratio. For higher education, the UAF Aleutian-Pribilof Campus provides local options for college-level coursework, making lifelong learning accessible in the community.
Public Schools
Name:
Unalaska City School
Street:
55 East Broadway Ave
Phone:
907-581-3151
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
12:1
Colleges
Name:
UAF Aleutian-Pribilof Campus (satellite)
City:
Unalaska
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
100
Healthcare
Healthcare in Unalaska centers around the Iliuliuk Family and Health Services Clinic, offering primary and urgent care but no emergency services. There are about 1.3 physicians per 1,000 residents, and the health insurance coverage rate is a solid 84%, ensuring basic medical needs are met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Iliuliuk Family and Health Services Clinic
Address:
PO Box 144, 550 East Broadway, Unalaska, AK 99685
Phone:
(907) 581-1202
Type:
Primary & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.0%
Health Care Index:
81.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Unalaska, AK?
The housing market in Unalaska is primarily rental-driven, with only 16.7% owner-occupied homes and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,570. Home values are appreciating steadily, and vacancy rates remain moderate, making it a practical choice for renters and those seeking investment opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$304,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,570
Owner Occupied Rate:
16.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Unalaska residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles located on East Babcock Drive, offering full DMV services locally. The convenient location and dedicated staff streamline vehicle registration and licensing needs.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
400 E. Babcock Dr, Unalaska, AK 99685
Phone:
(907) 581-1233
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.