Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ward Cove, AK
Considering a move to Ward Cove, AK? This small, friendly community of about 1,800 residents offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by nature. With median home prices around $335,000 and average rents of $1,350, housing is relatively affordable for Alaska. Enjoy a short average commute of 17.5 minutes, access to solid local schools, and the nearby PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center. While living costs and rainfall are high, Ward Cove’s unique charm and tight-knit community make it a great option for those seeking tranquility and the Alaskan outdoors.
Demographics - Ward Cove, AK
Demographics - Ward Cove, AK
Ward Cove is a close-knit community of approximately 1,800 residents, featuring a blend of cultures with a strong Native American presence and a median age of 44. The area’s population density is low, offering a spacious, relaxed environment ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Most residents speak English, but you’ll also find a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers contributing to the town’s diversity.
Population:
1,800
Density:
62 per sq mi
Median Age:
44.2
Gender Ratio:
102 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
65.0%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
10.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ward Cove, AK?
The cost of living in Ward Cove is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 128 and particularly elevated utilities and grocery costs. Median home values are around $335,000, while average rents are $1,350 per month, but state taxes are notably low at 0%. Residents should budget for above-average expenses, especially for everyday essentials and housing.
Median House Value:
$335,000
Gross Rent:
$1,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,740
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128.0
Grocery:
137.0
Housing:
124.5
Utilities:
155.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
134.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is Ward Cove, AK a safe place to live?
Ward Cove experiences moderate crime rates for Alaska, with a violent crime rate of 410 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000. The chance of being a victim of a violent crime is about 1 in 244, while property crime risk is higher at 1 in 48. While crime exists, it is generally manageable with standard precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
410
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,510
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Ward Cove, AK year-round?
The climate in Ward Cove features mild, wet conditions, with winter temperatures ranging from 30°F to 40°F and summer highs reaching about 65°F. The area receives significant rainfall—about 140 inches annually—and only 28% of days are sunny. Residents should be prepared for cool, damp weather throughout much of the year.
Winter
Min:
30°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
52°F
Summer
Min:
50°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
52°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
140 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
28%
Neighbors
Neighboring communities share similar economic and lifestyle characteristics, with a median household income of $72,400 and a poverty rate under 9%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and daily commutes average a short 17.5 minutes. The area maintains a friendly, stable atmosphere with low unemployment and a modest reliance on public transportation.
Median Income:
$48,500
Household Income:
$72,400
Family Income:
$81,000
Per Capita Income:
$33,800
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$39,000
Poverty Rate:
8.9%
Non English Speakers:
8.0%
Rent:
$1,350
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
2.5%
Commute Time:
17.5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
23.5%
Education
How are the schools in Ward Cove, AK?
Ward Cove offers access to quality education through several public and private schools, including Ketchikan High School and Point Higgins Elementary, each with low student-teacher ratios. Families also benefit from nearby higher education at the University of Alaska Southeast in Ketchikan, just five miles away. The community values education, with strong graduation rates and educational resources for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Ketchikan High School
Street:
2610 4th Ave
Phone:
907-225-9815
Students:
560
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Name:
Point Higgins Elementary
Street:
981 North Point Higgins Rd
Phone:
907-247-1500
Students:
300
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Holy Name Catholic School
Street:
433 Jackson St
Phone:
907-225-1122
Students:
90
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast - Ketchikan
City:
Ketchikan
State:
AK
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
600
Healthcare
Ward Cove residents benefit from proximity to PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center, a full-service hospital offering emergency care just minutes away. There are about 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people, and nearly 90% of residents have health insurance coverage. Healthcare access is solid for a community of this size, ensuring most needs are met locally.
Major Hospitals
Name:
PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center
Address:
3100 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901
Phone:
(907) 225-5171
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ward Cove, AK?
Ward Cove’s housing market is stable, with a median home price of $335,000 and owner-occupancy at 68%. Rental options are available with average two-bedroom rents at $1,350 and a low vacancy rate of 5.1%. Home appreciation is modest, reflecting a steady, reliable market rather than rapid growth.
Median Home Price:
$335,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
68.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Ward Cove residents use the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located at 415 Main Street in Ketchikan. The DMV provides all standard licensing and registration services, and more information is available on their official website or by phone. Access to DMV services is straightforward and convenient for locals.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
Ketchikan DMV, 415 Main Street, Suite 210, Ketchikan, AK 99901
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.