Sign In Register

Chefornak, AK

Alaska · Kusilvak Census Area

Chefornak is a small town in Alaska with a population of 530. Residents earn $46,250 per year, which is 38% below the national average.

Data updated April 2026

2.6 /5.0
C+ Fair
530 Population 101/sq mi density
$46,250 Median Income $14,429 per capita
$792 Median Rent 11.8% income on rent
31°F Avg Temperature 274 sunny days/yr
871 Violent Crime/100K 2,348 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.6 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.8 / 5.0
$46,250 median income, 3.8% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.9 / 5.0
$792/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
871 violent crimes/100K (129% above avg)
D
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.8% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Chefornak, 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.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $46,250
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 871/100K
129% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.8%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent $792
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 42.7%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment 3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 22.6%
82% higher than US avg

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

People

Population530
Median Age27.0 yrs
Density101/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans7.8%

Economy

C+
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$14,429
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty22.6%
County GDP$181M
Commute5 min

Housing

A+
Rent$792
Ownership79.6%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units96
Rent Burden11.8%

Crime

F
Violent871/100K
Property2,348/100K

Health

Obesity42.7%
Uninsured19.1%
Smoking37.3%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease10.3%

Climate

Avg Temp31°F (-0°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain19.7 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation6 ft (2 m)

Education

D
Bachelor's+6.8%
High School+82.4%
Graduate+1.3%
School Score4.86

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute5 min
Broadband90.0%

Is Chefornak a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Chefornak receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Chefornak has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Chefornak is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 22.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.

Safety & Crime

With 871 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

6.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Chefornak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches, including 64.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.

Chefornak has a population of 530 with a density of 101 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age is 27.0 years, 31% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.9% female and 55.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (99.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 3.1% of residents, while 96.9% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.6% have health insurance coverage.

Population

530
Total Population
101
People / sq mi
27.0yrs
Median Age
31% below US avg
5.2mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 55.1%
Female 44.9%

Race & Ethnicity

Chefornak vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 3.1%
96% below US avg
Spanish 96.9%
623% above US avg

Social Characteristics

Chefornak vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Chefornak is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,429 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $748, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 121 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Chefornak vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$46,250
38% below US avg
Per Capita Income$14,429
Avg Weekly Wage$748
IRS Avg AGI$27,423
Gini Index0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment3.8%
6% above US avg
Poverty Rate22.6%
82% above US avg
Establishments (County)121
County GDP$181M

Business (County)

Restaurants18
Healthcare6
Retail26

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time4.5 min
Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home4.6%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. Monthly rent averages $792 (32% 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. 79.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 96 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 11.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$435,931

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$792
32% below US avg
Rent Burden11.8%

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

Homeownership79.6%
Owner-Occupied79.6%
Renter-Occupied20.4%
Housing Units96
Median Year Built1981

Property Tax

In Chefornak, 42.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 10.3% of residents, above the national average. 42.7% have high blood pressure. 37.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.1% report binge drinking. 39.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 19.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity42.7%
33% above US avg
Diabetes17.3%
Heart Disease10.3%
High Blood Pressure42.7%
Asthma14.2%
COPD13.2%
Cancer5.6%
Stroke6.5%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking37.3%
166% above US avg
Binge Drinking15.1%
Physical Inactivity39.6%
Depression21.3%
Mental Distress22.7%
Physical Distress23.4%
Short Sleep43.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate82.6%
Uninsured19.1%
122% above US avg
Mental Health1:889
Checkup Rate64.3%
Dental Visits32.3%
Premature Death24,556/100K

Food & Exercise

Exercise Access100.0%
Healthcare Facilities6
Chefornak has a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 residents, 129% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,348 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Chefornak receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Chefornak vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent870.8/100K
129% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property2,348.0/100K
20% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Chefornak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F (-0°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 274 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 19.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 64.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. 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 6 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

7°F Jan (-14°C) 56°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average31.4°F
42% below US avg
January Average7°F (-14°C)
July Average56°F (14°C)
Sunny Days274 days/yr

Geography

Elevation6 ft (2 m)
Area5.2 sq mi (13.6 km²)
Population Density101/sq mi
Coordinates60.1519°N, 164.2521°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyKusilvak Census Area County
Nearest AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
487 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 19.7"
48% below US avg
Snowfall 64.0"
Wettest Month (Aug) 5.24"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.83"

Air Quality

AQI Median21.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskRelatively Low
Risk Score57.9 / 100
Social Vulnerability100.0 / 100
Community Resilience5.9 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Very Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood No Rating
Hail Very Low
Strong Wind Very Low
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

3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M3.6 on Apr 3, 2018.

Feb 23, 2013 19 km NNW of Eek, Alaska M4.4 118 km
Apr 3, 2018 25 km SSE of Eek, Alaska M3.6 131 km
Mar 11, 2013 18 km NNW of Eek, Alaska M3.4 117 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tornado History

1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950. Strongest: EF0.

Date Rating Distance Fatalities
Jun 18, 2004 EF0 82 km 0
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 7°F (-14°C) 1.4 in Coldest
February 13°F (-11°C) 1.3 in
March 16°F (-9°C) 1.1 in
April 26°F (-4°C) 0.8 in Driest
May 38°F (3°C) 1.5 in
June 48°F (9°C) 2.3 in
July 56°F (14°C) 2.8 in Warmest
August 53°F (12°C) 5.2 in Wettest
September 46°F (8°C) 4.3 in
October 34°F (1°C) 2.6 in
November 24°F (-4°C) 2.3 in
December 15°F (-9°C) 1.7 in

Chefornak has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 7°F in January to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.2") and April the driest (0.8").

View full weather details →
Chefornak is located in Kusilvak Census Area County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 6.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 80% below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 90.0% of households have broadband internet access. 6 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 0% 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
FEMA Disaster Declarations91
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.8%
80% below US avg
High School+82.4%
Graduate Degree+1.3%
School Test Score4.86
D Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density101/sq mi
Total Area5.2 sq mi
CountyKusilvak Census Area County

Services

Broadband Access90.0%
Healthcare Facilities6
Restaurants18
Retail Stores26

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute4.5 min
Drive Alone0.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home4.6%
Average costs for common services in Chefornak. 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 Kusilvak Census Area

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

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 349 28 $22,424 1.78
Other Services 85 10 $24,418 1.44

Schools in Chefornak

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Chaputnguak School Other 146 8 18.3:1
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Chefornak

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Fire Stations in Chefornak

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Chefornak Volunteer Fire DepartmentPO Box 110Volunteer907-867-8610

Airports Near Chefornak

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Chefornak AirportCYFSmall Airport
Kipnuk AirportKPNSmall Airport
Mertarvik AirportWWTSmall Airport
Mertarvik Quarry Road Landing StripSmall Airport
Nightmute AirportNMESmall Airport

Grocery Stores in Chefornak

1 grocery stores.

StoreTypeAddress
Chefarnrmute Inc 44-45Convenience Store110 Airport Way

Churches & Religious Organizations in Chefornak

1 religious organizations (IRS tax-exempt data).

NameAddress
ST CATHERINE OF SIENA CATHOLICCHURCH CHEFORNAKPO BOX 90

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Chefornak.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Chefornak

What is the population of Chefornak?

Chefornak has a population of 530 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 101 people per square mile, spread across 5.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.9% female and 55.1% male.

Is Chefornak expensive to live in?

Chefornak 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 $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $792 per month, below the national average of $1,163.

Is Chefornak safe?

Public safety is a concern in Chefornak, with a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Chefornak receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Chefornak?

Chefornak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F (-0°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches, with 64.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.

How is the job market in Chefornak?

Chefornak has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $748. There are 121 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 5 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Chefornak?

For renters, the median monthly rent is $792. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.6%.

How are the schools in Chefornak?

Schools in Chefornak have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.8% of adults in Chefornak hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.4% have completed high school. 1.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Chefornak?

The obesity rate in Chefornak is 42.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 37.3% of adults are smokers. 39.6% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 19.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

What is transportation like in Chefornak?

The average commute in Chefornak is 5 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.

What are the demographics of Chefornak?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chefornak is 99.6% Hispanic or Latino. 3.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 96.9% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.2% of residents have a disability. 82.6% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Compare Chefornak with another city: