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Baker Lake, NU

Nunavut

Baker Lake is a small town in Nunavut with a population of 2,061. Residents earn $105,000 per year, which is 40% above the national average.

3.2 /5.0
B Good
2,061 Population 30/sq mi density
$105,000 Median Income $51,800 per capita
$300,000 Home Value
$218 Median Rent 7.0% income on rent
11°F Avg Temperature 317 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.2 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.2 / 5.0
$105,000 median income, 27.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$300,000 home value, $218/mo rent
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
4.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $105,000
40% higher than US avg
Home Value $300,000
6% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 4.6%
86% lower than US avg
Median Rent $218
81% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.2%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment 27.3%
658% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 17.0%
37% higher than US avg

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

People

Population2,061
Median Age25.6 yrs
Density30/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

B
Median Income$105,000
Per Capita$51,800
Unemployment27.3%
Poverty17.0%
Commute14 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$300,000
Rent$218
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units575
Rent Burden7.0%

Health

Obesity26.2%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking8.9%
Depression4.1%
Heart Disease9.5%

Climate

Avg Temp11°F (-12°C)
AQI27 (Good)
Rain10.4 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation102 ft (31 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+4.6%
High School+13.5%
Graduate+2.1%

Community

Commute14 min
Broadband94.0%

Is Baker Lake a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Baker Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Baker Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Baker Lake is $105,000, which is significantly higher than the national average — 40% above $75,149. This places Baker Lake among higher-income communities. At 27.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Baker Lake is $300,000, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $218 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

4.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 13.5% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Baker Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 11°F. Winters average -26°F in January while summers reach 53°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.

Baker Lake has a population of 2,061 with a density of 30 people per square mile, spread across 69.3 square miles. The median age is 25.6 years, 34% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.6% female and 52.4% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 56.3% of residents. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

2,061
Total Population
2021 Census
30
People / sq mi
25.6yrs
Median Age
34% below US avg
69.3mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 52.4%
Female 47.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Baker Lake vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only56.3%
28% below US avg
Spanish0.0%
100% below US avg
Other Languages43.7%

Social Characteristics

Baker Lake vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Baker Lake is $105,000, which is 40% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $51,800 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 27.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 84.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Baker Lake vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$105,000
40% above US avg
Per Capita Income$51,800

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment27.3%
658% above US avg
Poverty Rate17.0%
37% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living84.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time14.0 min
Drive Alone32.1%
Public Transit1.9%
Work from Home5.7%

Walkability

The median home value in Baker Lake is $300,000, 6% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $218 (81% below the national average of $1,163). There are 575 total housing units in the city. 7.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$300,000
6% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$218
81% below US avg
Rent Burden7.0%

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied17.4%
Renter-Occupied83.5%
Housing Units575

Property Tax

In Baker Lake, 26.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 22.1% have high blood pressure. 8.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 10.0% report binge drinking. 76.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.1% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Baker Lake vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.2%
18% below US avg
Diabetes5.5%
Heart Disease9.5%
High Blood Pressure22.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking8.9%
36% below US avg
Binge Drinking10.0%
Physical Inactivity76.3%
Depression4.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.0%

Food & Exercise

Baker Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 11°F (-12°C). Winters average -26°F in January while summers reach 53°F in July — a wide seasonal temperature swing of 79°F. The area gets 317 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 — making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 10.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27 — among the cleanest air in the country. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 102 feet.

Temperature

-26°F Jan (-32°C) 53°F Jul (11°C)
Annual Average11.3°F
79% below US avg
January Average-26°F (-32°C)
July Average53°F (11°C)
Sunny Days317 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall10.4 inches
73% below US avg
Snowfall4.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median27.0
RatingGood
Good Days %89.5%

Geography

Elevation102 ft (31 m)
Area69.3 sq mi (179.5 km²)
Population Density30/sq mi
Coordinates64.3201°N, 96.0212°W
TimezoneAmerica/Rankin_Inlet

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -26°F (-32°C) 0.3 in Coldest
February -25°F (-31°C) 0.3 in Driest
March -16°F (-27°C) 0.4 in
April 2°F (-17°C) 0.4 in
May 21°F (-6°C) 0.6 in
June 40°F (5°C) 0.9 in
July 53°F (11°C) 1.7 in Warmest
August 50°F (10°C) 1.8 in Wettest
September 37°F (3°C) 1.7 in
October 20°F (-7°C) 1.3 in
November -3°F (-20°C) 0.7 in
December -19°F (-28°C) 0.4 in

Baker Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 78°F — from -26°F in January to 53°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.8") and February the driest (0.3").

4.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 86% below the national average of 33.7%. 13.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 94.0% of households have broadband internet access. 32.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.6%
86% below US avg
High School+13.5%
Graduate Degree+2.1%
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density30/sq mi
Total Area69.3 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access94.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute14.0 min
Drive Alone32.1%
Public Transit1.9%
Work from Home5.7%

Frequently Asked Questions About Baker Lake

What is the population of Baker Lake?

Baker Lake has a population of 2,061 residents and is located in Nunavut. The population density is 30 people per square mile, spread across 69.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.6% female and 52.4% male.

Is Baker Lake expensive to live in?

Baker Lake is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.1 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $105,000, 40% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $300,000 (6% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $218 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Baker Lake?

Baker Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 11°F (-12°C). Winter temperatures average -26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 53°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.4 inches, with 4.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 27.

How is the job market in Baker Lake?

The job market in Baker Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 27.3% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 5.7% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Baker Lake?

The median home value in Baker Lake is $300,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $218.

How are the schools in Baker Lake?

4.6% of adults in Baker Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 13.5% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Baker Lake?

The obesity rate in Baker Lake is 26.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.9% of adults are smokers. 76.3% are physically inactive. 4.1% of residents report depression.

What is transportation like in Baker Lake?

The average commute in Baker Lake is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 32.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.9% use public transit, and 5.7% work from home.

What are the demographics of Baker Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Baker Lake is 98.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 56.3% of residents speak only English at home. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

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