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Cape Dorset, NU

Nunavut

Cape Dorset is a small town in Nunavut with a population of 1,396. Residents earn $90,000 per year, which is 20% above the national average.

3.1 /5.0
B Good
1,396 Population 366/sq mi density
$90,000 Median Income $37,500 per capita
$166,000 Home Value
$144 Median Rent 2.8% income on rent
16°F Avg Temperature 307 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.1 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B
Economy
3.1 / 5.0
$90,000 median income, 20.5% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$166,000 home value, $144/mo rent
F
Education
1.3 / 5.0
3.5% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $90,000
20% higher than US avg
Home Value $166,000
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 3.5%
90% lower than US avg
Median Rent $144
88% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.2%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment 20.5%
469% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 15.7%
27% higher than US avg

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

People

Population1,396
Median Age23.2 yrs
Density366/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

B
Median Income$90,000
Per Capita$37,500
Unemployment20.5%
Poverty15.7%
Commute12 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$166,000
Rent$144
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units360
Rent Burden2.8%

Health

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

Climate

Avg Temp16°F (-9°C)
AQI27 (Good)
Rain16.1 in/yr
Sunny Days307/yr
Elevation30 ft (9 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+3.5%
High School+14.9%
Graduate+0.0%

Community

Commute12 min
Broadband94.0%

Is Cape Dorset a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Cape Dorset receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Cape Dorset offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Cape Dorset is $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 20.5%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Cape Dorset is $166,000, 41% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $144 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

3.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 14.9% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Cape Dorset has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 16°F. Winters average -13°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July. With 307 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.1 inches, including 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.

Cape Dorset has a population of 1,396 with a density of 366 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age is 23.2 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (99.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 9% of residents. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,396
Total Population
366
People / sq mi
23.2yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
3.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 51.6%
Female 48.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Cape Dorset vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only9.0%
89% below US avg
Spanish0.4%
97% below US avg
Other Languages90.7%

Social Characteristics

Cape Dorset vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Cape Dorset is $90,000, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,500. The unemployment rate is 20.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.7% 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 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Cape Dorset vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$90,000
20% above US avg
Per Capita Income$37,500

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment20.5%
469% above US avg
Poverty Rate15.7%
27% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living84.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time11.5 min
Drive Alone24.6%
Public Transit3.1%
Work from Home9.2%

Walkability

The median home value in Cape Dorset is $166,000, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $144 (88% below the national average of $1,163). There are 360 total housing units in the city. 2.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$166,000
41% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$144
88% below US avg
Rent Burden2.8%

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied9.7%
Renter-Occupied90.3%
Housing Units360

Property Tax

In Cape Dorset, 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: Cape Dorset 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

Cape Dorset has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 16°F (-9°C). Winters average -13°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July. The area gets 307 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 16.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.7 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 30 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

-13°F Jan (-25°C) 46°F Jul (8°C)
Annual Average15.9°F
71% below US avg
January Average-13°F (-25°C)
July Average46°F (8°C)
Sunny Days307 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall16.1 inches
58% below US avg
Snowfall9.7 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median27.0
RatingGood
Good Days %89.5%

Geography

Elevation30 ft (9 m)
Area3.8 sq mi (9.9 km²)
Population Density366/sq mi
Coordinates64.2323°N, 76.5432°W
TimezoneAmerica/Iqaluit

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -13°F (-25°C) 0.9 in
February -14°F (-25°C) 0.8 in Coldest, Driest
March -7°F (-22°C) 0.9 in
April 8°F (-13°C) 1.3 in
May 24°F (-5°C) 1.1 in
June 36°F (2°C) 1.0 in
July 46°F (8°C) 1.5 in Warmest
August 44°F (7°C) 2.1 in Wettest
September 36°F (2°C) 1.8 in
October 25°F (-4°C) 1.8 in
November 11°F (-12°C) 1.9 in
December -5°F (-21°C) 1.1 in

Cape Dorset has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F — from -14°F in February to 46°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.1") and February the driest (0.8").

3.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 90% below the national average of 33.7%. 14.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 94.0% of households have broadband internet access. 24.6% of workers drive alone to work, while 3.1% use public transit.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+3.5%
90% below US avg
High School+14.9%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
F Education Grade (1.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density366/sq mi
Total Area3.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access94.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute11.5 min
Drive Alone24.6%
Public Transit3.1%
Work from Home9.2%

Frequently Asked Questions About Cape Dorset

What is the population of Cape Dorset?

Cape Dorset has a population of 1,396 residents and is located in Nunavut. The population density is 366 people per square mile, spread across 3.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.

Is Cape Dorset expensive to live in?

Cape Dorset 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 $90,000, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,000 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $144 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Cape Dorset?

Cape Dorset has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 16°F (-9°C). Winter temperatures average -13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 46°F in July. The area receives 307 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.1 inches, with 9.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 27.

How is the job market in Cape Dorset?

The job market in Cape Dorset faces challenges, with unemployment at 20.5% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Cape Dorset?

The median home value in Cape Dorset is $166,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $144.

How are the schools in Cape Dorset?

3.5% of adults in Cape Dorset hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 14.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Cape Dorset?

The obesity rate in Cape Dorset 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 Cape Dorset?

The average commute in Cape Dorset is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 24.6% of workers drive alone to work, 3.1% use public transit, and 9.2% work from home.

What are the demographics of Cape Dorset?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cape Dorset is 99.3% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 9% of residents speak only English at home. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Kinngait, NU 1,396 pop · 0.1 mi
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