Atqasuk, AK

Alaska · Northwest Arctic Borough

Atqasuk is a small town in Alaska with a population of 139. Residents earn $89,875 per year, which is 20% above the national average.

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates, FBI Crime Data Explorer 2024, NOAA, EPA. Updated August 2026

3.6 /5.0
B+ Good
139 Population 4/sq mi density
$89,875 Median Income $30,281 per capita
$137,500 Home Value $290,656 Zillow
$807 Median Rent 10.4% income on rent
14°F Avg Temperature
B+
Overall
3.6 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.5 / 5.0
$89,875 median income, 19.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$137,500 home value, $807/mo rent
C
Education
2.2 / 5.0
15.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Atqasuk, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile
Median Income $89,875
20% higher than US avg
Home Value $137,500
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 15.0%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent $807
31% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 48.1%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment 19.0%
428% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 6.5%
48% lower than US avg

How Atqasuk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population139
Median Age28.8 yrs
Density4/mi²
Male / Female69% / 31%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans5.8%

Economy

B+
Median Income$89,875
Per Capita$30,281
Unemployment19.0%
Poverty6.5%
County GDP$744M
Commute3 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$807
Ownership37.2%
Zillow$290,656
Housing Units42
Rent Burden10.4%

Health

Obesity48.1%
Uninsured21.6%
Smoking30.2%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease8.2%

Climate

Avg Temp14°F (-10°C)
Rain5.4 in/yr
Elevation79 ft (24 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+15.0%
High School+78.8%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score2.05

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute3 min
Broadband79.1%
Libraries1

Is Atqasuk a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Atqasuk receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Atqasuk offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Atqasuk is $89,875, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 19.0%, unemployment is notably high. Only 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 3 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Atqasuk is $137,500, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $807 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

15.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.

Climate & Weather

Atqasuk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 14°F. Winters average -12°F in January while summers reach 42°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 5.4 inches, including 45.8 inches of snow.

Atqasuk has a population of 139 with a density of 4 people per square mile, spread across 39.1 square miles. The median age is 28.8 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 30.9% female and 69.1% male. The city is predominantly White (2.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 29.8% of residents, while 29% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 78.4% have health insurance coverage.

Population

139
Total Population
2023 Census
4
People / sq mi
28.8yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
39.1mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 69.1%
Female 30.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Atqasuk vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 29.8%
62% below US avg
Spanish 29.0%
116% above US avg
Other Languages 41.2%

Social Characteristics

Atqasuk vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Atqasuk is $89,875, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,281 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 148 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 3 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Atqasuk vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$89,875
20% above US avg
Per Capita Income$30,281
Avg Weekly Wage$1,724
IRS Avg AGI$61,838
Gini Index0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment19.0%
428% above US avg
Poverty Rate6.5%
48% below US avg
Establishments (County)148
County GDP$744M

Business (County)

Restaurants5
Healthcare4
Retail14

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time3.1 min
Drive Alone37.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Atqasuk is $137,500, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $807 (31% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 37.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 42 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1991. 10.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$137,500
51% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$290,656

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$807
31% below US avg
Rent Burden10.4%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$1,061
1 Bedroom$1,194
2 Bedrooms$1,467
3 Bedrooms$1,941
4 Bedrooms$2,304

Ownership & Property

Homeownership37.2%
Owner-Occupied37.2%
Renter-Occupied62.8%
Housing Units42
Median Year Built1991

Property Tax

In Atqasuk, 48.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 39.4% have high blood pressure. 30.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 32.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 20.9% experience frequent mental distress. 21.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260. The dentist ratio is 1:2,474. 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Atqasuk vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity48.1%
50% above US avg
Diabetes15.1%
Heart Disease8.2%
High Blood Pressure39.4%
Asthma13.4%
COPD9.1%
Cancer5.7%
Stroke4.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking30.2%
116% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.2%
Physical Inactivity32.2%
Depression20.9%
Mental Distress20.9%
Physical Distress19.4%
Short Sleep42.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate78.4%
Uninsured21.6%
151% above US avg
Primary Care1:1,260
Dentists1:2,474
Mental Health1:90
Checkup Rate66.2%
Dental Visits43.4%
Premature Death19,918/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment4.6/10
Exercise Access3.1%
Healthcare Facilities4
Atqasuk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 14°F (-10°C). Winters average -12°F in January while summers reach 42°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 5.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 45.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 79 feet.

Temperature

-12°F Jan (-24°C) 42°F Jul (5°C)
Annual Average13.7°F
75% below US avg
January Average-12°F (-24°C)
July Average42°F (5°C)

Geography

Elevation79 ft (24 m)
Area39.1 sq mi (101.3 km²)
Population Density4/sq mi
Coordinates70.4808°N, 157.3255°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyNorthwest Arctic Borough County
Nearest AirportFairbanks International (FAI)
463 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 5.4"
86% below US avg
Snowfall 45.8"
Wettest Month (Aug) 1.26"
Driest Month (Jan) 0.20"

Air Quality

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Low
Risk Score54.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability99.8 / 100
Community Resilience5.9 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Very Low
Hail No Rating
Strong Wind No Rating
Winter Weather Relatively Moderate
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Very Low
Drought No Rating
Cold Wave Relatively High
Landslide Relatively Low
Coastal Flood No Rating
Volcano Very Low
Avalanche Very Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Aug 13, 2014.

Aug 13, 2014 20 km SSW of Barrow, Alaska M3.5 74 km
Mar 28, 2008 54 km NNW of Wainwright, Alaska M3.4 132 km
Apr 27, 1991 72 km SE of Atqasuk, Alaska M3.2 72 km
Feb 14, 2010 39 km WNW of Barrow, Alaska M3.0 109 km
Mar 27, 2008 50 km NNW of Wainwright, Alaska M2.9 132 km
Oct 26, 2013 22 km NNW of Barrow, Alaska M2.8 112 km
Mar 28, 2008 16 km NNE of Wainwright, Alaska M2.6 98 km
Mar 28, 2008 32 km NNW of Wainwright, Alaska M2.5 126 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -12°F (-24°C) 0.2 in Driest
February -17°F (-27°C) 0.2 in Coldest
March -12°F (-25°C) 0.3 in
April 2°F (-16°C) 0.2 in
May 24°F (-5°C) 0.2 in
June 42°F (6°C) 0.4 in
July 42°F (5°C) 1.0 in
August 44°F (7°C) 1.3 in Warmest, Wettest
September 35°F (2°C) 0.8 in
October 16°F (-9°C) 0.5 in
November -2°F (-19°C) 0.2 in
December -12°F (-24°C) 0.2 in

Atqasuk has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from -17°F in February to 44°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 5.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.3") and January the driest (0.2").

View full weather details →
Atqasuk is located in Northwest Arctic Borough County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 15.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 55% below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical benchmarks. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 79.1% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 4 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 37.3% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree+15.0%
55% below US avg
High School+78.8%
Graduate Degree+3.9%
School Test Score2.05
C Education Grade (2.2/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density4/sq mi
Total Area39.1 sq mi
CountyNorthwest Arctic Borough County

Services

Broadband Access79.1%
Avg Download Speed8.8 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed1.0 Mbps
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities4
Restaurants5
Retail Stores14

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute3.1 min
Drive Alone37.3%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Atqasuk. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.

Healthcare

Doctor Visit (Primary Care) $256 ($154-$410)
Specialist Visit $358 ($205-$563)
Urgent Care Visit $205 ($102-$358)
Emergency Room Visit $2,253 ($819-$5,120)
Dental Cleaning $133 ($77-$205)
Dental Filling $256 ($154-$410)
View all 40 services

Auto Repair

Oil Change (Conventional) $46 ($26-$77)
Oil Change (Synthetic) $77 ($51-$123)
Brake Pad Replacement $307 ($154-$512)
Tire Rotation $41 ($20-$77)
New Tires (Set of 4) $614 ($410-$1,024)
Battery Replacement $205 ($102-$358)
View all 18 services

Home Services

Plumber (Per Hour) $102 ($61-$154)
Electrician (Per Hour) $92 ($51-$143)
HVAC Repair $410 ($154-$819)
HVAC System Install $7,168 ($4,096-$12,288)
Roof Repair $1,024 ($410-$2,048)
Roof Replacement $9,216 ($5,632-$15,360)
View all 25 services

Legal

Divorce (Uncontested) $1,536 ($512-$3,584)
Divorce (Contested) $15,360 ($5,120-$30,720)
DUI Defense $5,120 ($2,048-$10,240)
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) $1,536 ($819-$3,072)
Will Preparation $512 ($205-$1,024)
Trust Preparation $2,560 ($1,024-$5,120)
View all 12 services

Personal Care

Men's Haircut $26 ($15-$46)
Women's Haircut $56 ($31-$102)
Hair Coloring (Full) $154 ($77-$256)
Manicure $26 ($15-$46)
Pedicure $41 ($26-$67)
Massage (1 Hour) $82 ($51-$133)
View all 12 services

Food & Grocery

Gallon of Milk (per gallon) $4.20 ($3.07-$5.63)
Dozen Eggs (per dozen) $3.58 ($2.56-$5.12)
Loaf of Bread $3.89 ($2.56-$5.63)
Chicken Breast (per lb) $4.61 ($3.07-$6.66)
Ground Beef (per lb) $5.63 ($4.10-$7.68)
Rice (per lb) $1.02 ($0.61-$1.84)
View all 20 services

Utilities

Electricity (Monthly) $143 ($82-$256)
Natural Gas (Monthly) $72 ($31-$154)
Water/Sewer (Monthly) $72 ($41-$123)
Internet (Monthly) $72 ($41-$102)
Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) $67 ($31-$102)
Cable TV (Monthly) $87 ($51-$154)
View all 8 services

Transportation

Monthly Parking (Downtown) $205 ($77-$512)
Car Insurance (Annual) $2,048 ($1,229-$3,584)
Bus Pass (Monthly) $72 ($31-$133)
Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) $15 ($8.19-$26)
Car Registration (Annual) $102 ($31-$256)
Driver's License Renewal $31 ($15-$77)
View all 8 services

Education & Childcare

Daycare (Infant, Monthly) $1,229 ($614-$2,560)
Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) $1,024 ($512-$2,048)
After-School Care (Monthly) $410 ($205-$717)
Tutoring (Per Hour) $51 ($26-$102)
SAT/ACT Prep Course $1,024 ($410-$2,560)
Private School (K-12, Annual) $12,800 ($5,120-$30,720)
View all 8 services

Pets

Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) $61 ($31-$102)
Dog Vaccination (Annual) $102 ($51-$205)
Dog Grooming $61 ($31-$102)
Pet Boarding (Per Night) $41 ($20-$77)
Dog Spay/Neuter $307 ($154-$512)
Cat Spay/Neuter $205 ($102-$410)
View all 9 services

Top Industries in Northwest Arctic Borough

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 163 17 $39,326 0.54
Construction 78 10 $127,472 0.50
Information & Technology 36 3 $69,843 0.64

Schools in Atqasuk

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Meade River School Other 84 7 12.0:1
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Atqasuk

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

National Parks Near Atqasuk

1 national parks and monuments found near Atqasuk.

ParkTypeFee
Iñupiat Heritage Center Free

Power Plants Near Atqasuk

NameTypePrimary FuelCapacity (MW)Status
NSB ATQASUK UTILITYPETROLEUM LIQUIDS221112-157.4OP

Airports Near Atqasuk

1 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Atqasuk Edward Burnell Sr Memorial AirportATKMedium Airport

Police Stations in Atqasuk

0 police stations.

StationAddressPhone

Grocery Stores in Atqasuk

1 grocery stores.

StoreTypeAddress
TauqsigvikGrocery Store214 Shugluk St

Explore Near Atqasuk

Bigfoot Sightings
1
Eyewitness reports filed with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization
View all →

Bigfoot Sightings Near Atqasuk

1 Bigfoot sighting reports from the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) found near Atqasuk.

Name Year Description
Report 6486: Special Forces team follows bipedal trackway, gets screamed at 1988

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Frequently Asked Questions About Atqasuk

What is the population of Atqasuk?

Atqasuk has a population of 139 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 4 people per square mile, spread across 39.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 30.9% female and 69.1% male.

Is Atqasuk expensive to live in?

Atqasuk has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $89,875, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $137,500 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $807 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Atqasuk?

Atqasuk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 14°F (-10°C). Winter temperatures average -12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 42°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 5.4 inches, with 45.8 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Atqasuk?

The job market in Atqasuk faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,724. There are 148 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 3 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Atqasuk?

The median home value in Atqasuk is $137,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. For renters, the median monthly rent is $807. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 37.2%.

How are the schools in Atqasuk?

Schools in Atqasuk have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 15.0% of adults in Atqasuk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.8% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Atqasuk?

The obesity rate in Atqasuk is 48.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.2% of adults are smokers. 32.2% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 21.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260.

What is transportation like in Atqasuk?

The average commute in Atqasuk is 3 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 37.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Atqasuk?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Atqasuk is 2.2% White. 29.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 29% speak Spanish. 5.8% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 78.4% have health insurance coverage.

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