Everything You Should Know Before Moving to White Mountain, AK
Considering a move to White Mountain, AK? This remote village of 187 residents offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $96,500 and average rents near $800. The cost of living is high for groceries and utilities due to its rural location, but the community boasts a close-knit feel and a strong Alaska Native presence. Crime rates are moderate for the region, and commutes are virtually nonexistent, with most residents enjoying a 5-minute trip to work. While educational and healthcare options are limited locally, the stunning arctic landscape and unique cultural traditions make White Mountain a distinctive place to call home.
Demographics - White Mountain, AK
Demographics - White Mountain, AK
White Mountain is a small, close-knit community of 187 residents, with a youthful median age of 29.8 and a majority Alaska Native population. The area has a high percentage of non-English speakers and a slightly higher male-to-female ratio, reflecting its cultural diversity and rural Alaskan character.
Population:
187
Density:
21 per sq mi
Median Age:
29.8
Gender Ratio:
114 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
8.6%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
91.4% (primarily Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in White Mountain, AK?
Though housing is affordable with median home values around $96,500 and rents averaging $800, overall cost of living is higher than the U.S. average due to elevated grocery and utility expenses. Residents benefit from no state income or sales tax, but should budget for higher day-to-day costs typical of remote Alaska.
Median House Value:
$96,500
Gross Rent:
$800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$250
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$320
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
130.5
Grocery:
157.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
186.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
120.0
Crime
Is White Mountain, AK a safe place to live?
White Mountain experiences a moderate crime rate for the region, with a 1 in 238 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 56 chance of property crime annually. While generally safe, residents should remain mindful of local safety concerns common to small rural communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
420
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,800
Crime Index:
2,220
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 56
Weather
What is the weather like in White Mountain, AK year-round?
The city experiences long, cold winters with temperatures dipping to -20°F, while summers are mild, reaching up to 65°F. Precipitation is modest at just over 14 inches annually, and only about 43% of days are sunny, making for a true Alaskan climate experience.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
36°F
Summer
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
18°F
Max:
36°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
14.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
43%
Neighbors
Residents of White Mountain have a median household income of $36,200 and a poverty rate near 25%, with unemployment higher than average and many families living modestly. Commutes are short—under 6 minutes—and most people do not use public transportation, reflecting the town’s compact, rural layout.
Median Income:
$31,250
Household Income:
$36,200
Family Income:
$41,000
Per Capita Income:
$14,600
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
24.5%
Non English Speakers:
36.5%
Rent:
$800
Unemployment Rate:
13.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
9.1%
Education
How are the schools in White Mountain, AK?
White Mountain School serves the local K-12 student population with small class sizes, while higher education opportunities are available in Nome, 63 miles away. Educational attainment is solid, with over 80% of adults holding at least a high school diploma, though college completion rates are lower.
Public Schools
Name:
White Mountain School
Street:
100 School Road
Phone:
(907) 638-3651
Students:
70
Student Teacher Ratio:
9.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks - Northwest Campus
City:
Nome
State:
AK
Distance:
63 miles
Students:
300
Healthcare
Healthcare access is limited locally, with the nearest major facility being Norton Sound Regional Hospital in Nome, about 63 miles away. Most residents have health insurance, and basic medical services are available, but specialized care typically requires travel.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Norton Sound Regional Hospital
Address:
1000 Greg Kruschek Ave, Nome, AK 99762
Phone:
(907) 443-3311
Type:
Regional Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.3%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in White Mountain, AK?
The housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $96,500 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 82.5%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, and rental vacancies remain low, making it appealing for those seeking long-term roots in a remote setting.
Median Home Price:
$96,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$800
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing are managed through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, which provides statewide services online and by mail for residents of White Mountain. The nearest physical office is located in Juneau, and most DMV needs can be handled remotely.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
P.O. Box 110221, Juneau, AK 99811-0221
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.