Median Income
$45,000
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$32,500
88% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
492/100K
30% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.9%
65% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
78.9%
536% higher than US avg
How Chalkyitsik Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population103
Median Age29.9 yrs
Density12/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 8%
Veterans67.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$45,000
Per Capita$18,391
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty78.9%
County GDP$7,891M
Housing
A+
Home Value$32,500
Ownership89.5%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units60
Rent Burden28.2%
Crime
F
Violent492/100K
Property3,087/100K
Health
Obesity36.0%
Smoking29.5%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation518 ft (158 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.9%
High School+88.1%
Graduate+32.4%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband38.0%
Libraries3
Is Chalkyitsik a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chalkyitsik receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Chalkyitsik has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Chalkyitsik is $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 78.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Chalkyitsik is $32,500, 88% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the national average.
Education
11.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Chalkyitsik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Chalkyitsik has a population of 103 with a density of 12 people per square mile, spread across 8.8 square miles. The median age is 29.9 years, 23% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.7% female and 55.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (92.2%), with 7.8% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.7% of residents, while 19.3% speak Spanish. 67.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 96.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.9yrs
Median Age
23% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Chalkyitsik vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.7%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.3%
44% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Chalkyitsik vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Chalkyitsik is $45,000, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,391 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 78.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,441 business establishments, including 247 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Chalkyitsik vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,000 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,391 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 78.9% |
| 536% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,441 |
| County GDP | $7,891M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 247 |
| Healthcare | 325 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 20.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Chalkyitsik is $32,500, 88% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 89.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 60 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $6,621 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $32,500 |
| 88% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,632 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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
| Homeownership | 89.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 89.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.5% |
| Housing Units | 60 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 20.37% |
In Chalkyitsik, 36.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 29.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 27.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 21.4% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166. The dentist ratio is 1:706. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Chalkyitsik vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.0% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 8.7% |
| Cancer | 4.4% |
| Stroke | 4.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.5% |
| 111% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.7% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.4% |
| Physical Distress | 18.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,166 |
| Dentists | 1:706 |
| Mental Health | 1:118 |
| Checkup Rate | 59.6% |
| Dental Visits | 36.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,713/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 325 |
Chalkyitsik has a violent crime rate of 492 per 100,000 residents, 30% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,087 per 100,000, 58% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Chalkyitsik receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chalkyitsik vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 492.2/100K |
| 30% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,087.3/100K |
| 58% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chalkyitsik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 77°F. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 518 feet.
Temperature
-16°F Jan (-27°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 23.0°F |
| 57% below US avg |
| January Average | -16°F (-27°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 518 ft (158 m) |
| Area | 8.8 sq mi (22.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 12/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 66.6468°N, 143.7893°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI) 171 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
1.18"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0254 ppm |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 1.74 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.29 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 88.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
489 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 3, 2025.
| Feb 5, 2006 |
61 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M5.4 |
63 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
64 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M5.1 |
66 km |
| Jun 11, 2023 |
14 km E of Central, Alaska |
M4.8 |
123 km |
| Aug 21, 1993 |
52 km NNE of Venetie, Alaska |
M4.7 |
137 km |
| Aug 25, 1996 |
88 km ENE of Venetie, Alaska |
M4.7 |
92 km |
| Apr 3, 2015 |
64 km S of Arctic Village, Alaska |
M4.6 |
130 km |
| May 17, 2008 |
79 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.5 |
82 km |
| Dec 5, 2009 |
58 km ENE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.5 |
61 km |
| May 11, 2018 |
45 km N of Venetie, Alaska |
M4.4 |
141 km |
| May 5, 1997 |
69 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.4 |
72 km |
| Jan 30, 1998 |
32 km S of Circle, Alaska |
M4.3 |
124 km |
| Jun 10, 2007 |
76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
78 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
78 km |
| Feb 1, 2013 |
16 km ESE of Central, Alaska |
M4.3 |
129 km |
| Feb 19, 2010 |
81 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
84 km |
| Apr 30, 1990 |
53 km N of Venetie, Alaska |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Mar 25, 1992 |
27 km ESE of Beaver, Alaska |
M4.2 |
142 km |
| Aug 25, 1993 |
57 km NNE of Venetie, Alaska |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Mar 29, 2006 |
74 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
76 km |
| Jun 14, 2025 |
44 km WNW of Central, Alaska |
M4.2 |
128 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CHALKYITSIK COMPLEX (470,507 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
CHALKYITSIK COMPLEX |
470,507 |
27 km |
| 2009 |
CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (LITTLE BLACK ONE) |
346,582 |
59 km |
| 2004 |
WINTER TRAIL |
295,961 |
76 km |
| 2005 |
SALMON FORK |
255,606 |
74 km |
| 1999 |
KEVINJIK |
252,963 |
79 km |
| 1993 |
332557 |
214,280 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
PREACHER CREEK |
212,441 |
88 km |
| 2009 |
ROCK SLOUGH |
138,111 |
40 km |
| 1988 |
FYU NE 50 |
132,518 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
COLEEN MOUNTAIN |
131,623 |
87 km |
| 1990 |
032042 |
123,334 |
99 km |
| 1991 |
YUKON FLATS 26 |
122,896 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
SHEENJEK RIVER |
117,276 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER MOUTH |
86,397 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
132460 |
83,354 |
38 km |
| 1988 |
832043 |
77,975 |
48 km |
| 1993 |
3322292 |
60,782 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
SHEENJEK |
56,294 |
70 km |
| 1985 |
531018 |
54,920 |
43 km |
| 2004 |
SOLSTICE COMPLEX (BOULDER CREEK) |
54,003 |
89 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-16°F (-27°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-13°F (-25°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
-0°F (-18°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
1.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| September |
41°F (5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| October |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
-13°F (-25°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Chalkyitsik has a seasonal temperature swing of 77°F / from -16°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 6.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (1.2") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Chalkyitsik. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,711 |
| Toddler | $1,239 |
| Preschool | $1,148 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,368 |
| Toddler | $1,018 |
| Preschool | $933 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Chalkyitsik
What is the population of Chalkyitsik?
Chalkyitsik has a population of 103 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 12 people per square mile, spread across 8.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.7% female and 55.3% male.
Is Chalkyitsik expensive to live in?
Chalkyitsik 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 $45,000, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $32,500 (88% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Chalkyitsik safe?
The violent crime rate in Chalkyitsik is 492 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,087 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chalkyitsik receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chalkyitsik?
Chalkyitsik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 61°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Chalkyitsik?
The job market in Chalkyitsik is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,340. There are 2,441 business establishments in the area, including 247 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Chalkyitsik?
The median home value in Chalkyitsik is $32,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. The homeownership rate is 89.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,621.
How are the schools in Chalkyitsik?
Schools in Chalkyitsik score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.9% of adults in Chalkyitsik hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.1% have completed high school. 32.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chalkyitsik?
The obesity rate in Chalkyitsik is 36.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.5% of adults are smokers. 27.7% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What are the demographics of Chalkyitsik?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chalkyitsik is 7.8% White, 92.2% Hispanic or Latino. 80.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.3% speak Spanish. 67.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 96.8% have health insurance coverage.