Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Wrangell, AK
Thinking of making Wrangell, AK your new home? With a close-knit population of just over 2,000, Wrangell offers affordable housing—median home prices are around $230,000 and rents average $1,050. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with an average commute of under 8 minutes, low property and violent crime rates, and access to essential healthcare at Wrangell Medical Center. Residents benefit from a cool, rainy climate and strong community ties, with local schools serving students in small class sizes. Explore the unique charm and scenic beauty of this Southeast Alaska community!
Demographics - Wrangell, AK
Demographics - Wrangell, AK
Wrangell is home to just over 2,000 residents and features a low population density, offering a peaceful, small-town atmosphere. The community is predominantly White and Native American, with a median age nearing 50, indicating a mature and settled population. A modest percentage of households speak languages other than English, reflecting some cultural diversity.
Population:
2,055
Density:
4.0 per sq mi
Median Age:
49.2
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
68.1%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
8.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Wrangell, AK?
Cost of living in Wrangell is higher than the national average, mainly due to elevated utility and grocery expenses, but housing remains relatively affordable with median home values around $230,000 and average rents of $1,050. Residents benefit from no state income or sales tax, helping to offset other costs. Everyday expenses like electricity and healthcare tend to be higher, typical for remote Alaskan communities.
Median House Value:
$230,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,380
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,350
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.2
Grocery:
129.0
Housing:
98.0
Utilities:
145.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
130.5
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Wrangell, AK a safe place to live?
Wrangell enjoys a low crime rate, with violent crime significantly below national averages and property crime chances at roughly 1 in 82. The city offers a safe environment for families and individuals, contributing to its appeal as a quiet, close-knit community. Most residents feel comfortable and secure in their daily lives.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
260
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,220
Crime Index:
1,480
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 82
Weather
What is the weather like in Wrangell, AK year-round?
Residents experience a cool, maritime climate with mild summers reaching highs in the mid-60s and winters rarely dipping below 29°F. The area receives abundant rainfall—over 83 inches annually—and fewer sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate lush landscapes and cooler weather. Seasonal changes are gentle, with no extreme temperature swings.
Winter
Min:
29°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
54°F
Summer
Min:
49°F
Max:
65°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
54°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
83.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
The median household income in Wrangell is about $67,250, and the poverty rate is under 10%, reflecting a relatively stable economic base. Commutes are short, averaging under 8 minutes, and public transport use is minimal, emphasizing a convenient, locally oriented lifestyle. Most adults have completed high school, and nearly a quarter hold bachelor's degrees or higher.
Median Income:
$42,000
Household Income:
$67,250
Family Income:
$75,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,500
Income Male:
$46,000
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
9.8%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
5.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
7.9 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.3%
Bachelors or More:
22.8%
Education
How are the schools in Wrangell, AK?
Wrangell's public schools feature small class sizes and attentive instruction, with high school, middle school, and elementary options serving the community. Nearly all adults have completed high school, and higher education is available locally through the University of Alaska Southeast outreach center. The supportive educational environment fosters close student-teacher relationships and strong community involvement.
Public Schools
Name:
Wrangell High School
Street:
312 Reid St
Phone:
907-874-3395
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Stikine Middle School
Street:
312 Reid St
Phone:
907-874-3395
Students:
70
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2
Name:
Evergreen Elementary
Street:
350 Bennett St
Phone:
907-874-2321
Students:
180
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Southeast - Wrangell Outreach
City:
Wrangell
State:
AK
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
40
Healthcare
Wrangell Medical Center provides critical access and emergency services for local residents, ensuring responsive healthcare close to home. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 88% of people covered by health insurance, health services are accessible and comprehensive for a city of this size. The healthcare index suggests moderately higher costs, typical for remote Alaskan areas.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Wrangell Medical Center
Address:
232 Wood St, Wrangell, AK 99929
Phone:
(907) 874-7000
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
73.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Wrangell, AK?
Wrangell offers a stable housing market with a median home price of $230,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of over 72%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $1,050 and a low vacancy rate, making housing accessible for both buyers and renters. Home values have seen modest appreciation, indicating steady demand and market stability.
Median Home Price:
$230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle vehicle licensing and registration through the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest main office in Anchorage and a user-friendly online portal. The DMV provides essential services such as driver licensing, ID cards, and title transfers. Contact information and details are easily accessible for new and existing Wrangell residents.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2900 W. Tudor Rd, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
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.