Median Income
$32,500
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.0%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.8%
228% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
44.4%
258% higher than US avg
How Circle Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population48
Median Age52.2 yrs
Density0/mi²
Male / Female27% / 73%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$32,500
Per Capita$26,654
Unemployment11.8%
Poverty44.4%
County GDP$7,891M
Housing
Ownership63.3%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units53
Rent Burden28.2%
Health
Obesity36.0%
Uninsured4.2%
Smoking29.5%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI42 (Good)
Rain12.1 in/yr
Elevation599 ft (183 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+53.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband10.0%
Libraries3
Is Circle a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Circle receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Circle has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Circle is $32,500, 57% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 44.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Circle 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. Annual precipitation totals 12.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42.
Circle has a population of 48 with a density of 0 people per square mile, spread across 106.0 square miles. The median age is 52.2 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 72.9% female and 27.1% male. The city is predominantly White (0%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 56.3% of residents, while 46.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 58.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
48
Total Population
2023 Census
52.2yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
56.3%
28% below US avg
Spanish
46.7%
249% above US avg
The median household income in Circle is $32,500, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,654 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,340. The unemployment rate is 11.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 44.4% 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. 23.1% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,654 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,340 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,952 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.8% |
| 228% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 44.4% |
| 258% 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) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 30.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.1% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.3% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 53 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. 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.
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 | 63.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.7% |
| Housing Units | 53 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,621 |
| 89% above US avg |
In Circle, 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. 4.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). 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: Circle 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 | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 4.2% |
| 51% below US avg |
| 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 |
Circle 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. Annual precipitation totals 12.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 42. 58% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 599 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) |
Geography
| Elevation | 599 ft (183 m) |
| Area | 106.0 sq mi (274.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 0/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 65.8386°N, 144.1753°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Fairbanks North Star Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
128 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.1"
68% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 42.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 58.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 25 |
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
400 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 |
84 km |
| Feb 5, 2006 |
64 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M5.1 |
90 km |
| Jun 11, 2023 |
14 km E of Central, Alaska |
M4.8 |
33 km |
| Dec 5, 2009 |
58 km ENE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.5 |
133 km |
| May 17, 2008 |
79 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.5 |
121 km |
| May 5, 1997 |
69 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.4 |
98 km |
| Jan 30, 1998 |
32 km S of Circle, Alaska |
M4.3 |
35 km |
| Feb 1, 2013 |
16 km ESE of Central, Alaska |
M4.3 |
38 km |
| Jul 29, 2002 |
45 km S of Beaver, Alaska |
M4.3 |
143 km |
| Jun 10, 2007 |
76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
97 km |
| Feb 18, 2006 |
76 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
98 km |
| Feb 19, 2010 |
81 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
100 km |
| Jun 14, 2025 |
44 km WNW of Central, Alaska |
M4.2 |
68 km |
| Mar 29, 2006 |
74 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
94 km |
| Mar 25, 1992 |
27 km ESE of Beaver, Alaska |
M4.2 |
129 km |
| Feb 21, 2006 |
77 km SE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.1 |
96 km |
| Mar 3, 2003 |
55 km E of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.1 |
113 km |
| Aug 1, 2015 |
112 km ESE of Chalkyitsik, Alaska |
M4.0 |
124 km |
| Feb 25, 2016 |
22 km SE of Circle, Alaska |
M4.0 |
27 km |
| Mar 20, 2006 |
86 km NNW of Eagle, Alaska |
M4.0 |
102 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 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (LITTLE BLACK ONE) |
346,582 |
45 km |
| 1988 |
832604 |
294,208 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
EDWARDS CREEK |
286,203 |
57 km |
| 2004 |
CENTRAL COMPLEX (WOLF CREEK) |
228,337 |
94 km |
| 1993 |
332557 |
214,280 |
28 km |
| 2004 |
PREACHER CREEK |
212,441 |
43 km |
| 2004 |
BOLGEN CREEK |
202,572 |
42 km |
| 1990 |
032042 |
123,334 |
24 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER MOUTH |
86,397 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
132460 |
83,354 |
79 km |
| 1985 |
531047 |
79,003 |
60 km |
| 2019 |
LITTLE CRAZY MOUNTAIN |
78,294 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
PREACHER CREEK |
69,376 |
65 km |
| 1993 |
3322292 |
60,782 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
GRAYLING FORK |
51,593 |
89 km |
| 2009 |
CRAZY MOUNTAIN COMPLEX (JAGGED RIDGE) |
50,271 |
38 km |
| 2004 |
CRAZY |
49,649 |
40 km |
| 1996 |
BIG CREEK |
49,373 |
63 km |
| 2017 |
BEAR MOUNTAIN |
48,086 |
65 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-16°F (-27°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-8°F (-22°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| July |
61°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| September |
42°F (5°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
-3°F (-19°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
-9°F (-23°C) |
0.5 in |
|
Circle has a seasonal temperature swing of 77°F / from -16°F in January to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.6") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Circle. 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 Circle
What is the population of Circle?
Circle has a population of 48 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 0 people per square mile, spread across 106.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 72.9% female and 27.1% male.
Is Circle expensive to live in?
Circle 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 $32,500, 57% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Circle?
Circle 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. Annual rainfall totals 12.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 42.
How is the job market in Circle?
The job market in Circle faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.8% / significantly above 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 are the schools in Circle?
Schools in Circle score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.0% of adults in Circle hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 53.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Circle?
The obesity rate in Circle 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. 4.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,166.
What are the demographics of Circle?
56.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 46.7% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 58.3% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.