Median Income
$112,273
49% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
232/100K
39% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
60.0%
78% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,141
2% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Cold Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population153
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 32%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$112,273
Per Capita$56,736
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$289M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Rent$1,141
Ownership5.0%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units114
Rent Burden14.4%
Crime
F
Violent232/100K
Property1,045/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Smoking20.6%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain42.7 in/yr
Sunny Days233/yr
Elevation122 ft (37 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+60.0%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+21.3%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 51%
Commute4 min
Broadband80.0%
Libraries1
Is Cold Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Cold Bay receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Cold Bay stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Cold Bay is $112,273, which is significantly higher than the national average / 49% above $75,149. This places Cold Bay among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,141 per month.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Cold Bay is below the national average at 232 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,045 per 100,000, 47% below the national average.
Education
Cold Bay is a highly educated community / 60.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Cold Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 42.7 inches, including 67.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Cold Bay has a population of 153 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 71.7 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.4% female and 36.6% male. The city is predominantly White (32%), with 16.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.5% of residents, while 20.5% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 3.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.5%
1% above US avg
Spanish
20.5%
53% above US avg
The median household income in Cold Bay is $112,273, which is 49% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $56,736 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,373. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 97 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $112,273 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $56,736 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,373 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,310 |
| Gini Index | 0.373 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 97 |
| County GDP | $289M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 5 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 36.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. Monthly rent averages $1,141 (2% 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. 5.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 114 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. 14.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,141 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.4% |
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 | 5.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 5.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 95.0% |
| Housing Units | 114 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
In Cold Bay, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 20.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. The dentist ratio is 1:3,398. 27.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Cold Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.9% |
| |
| Dentists | 1:3,398 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,154 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.1% |
| Dental Visits | 46.9% |
| Premature Death | 4,200/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Cold Bay has a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 residents, 39% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,045 per 100,000, 47% below the U.S. average. Overall, Cold Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Cold Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 232.1/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,044.6/100K |
| 47% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Cold Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.7 inches. The area receives 67.3 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 122 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
52°F Jul (11°C)
| Annual Average | 39.3°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| Sunny Days | 233 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 122 ft (37 m) |
| Area | 71.7 sq mi (185.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 3/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 55.2155°N, 162.7755°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Aleutians East Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
619 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.7"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (Nov)
4.76"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
No Rating |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4,586 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M3.2 on Aug 30, 2025.
| May 30, 1991 |
71 km SE of King Cove, Alaska |
M7.0 |
104 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
17 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M6.9 |
147 km |
| Nov 19, 1993 |
79 km SW of False Pass, Alaska |
M6.5 |
136 km |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
85 km ESE of King Cove, Alaska |
M6.4 |
119 km |
| Mar 14, 1995 |
70 km ESE of King Cove, Alaska |
M6.2 |
104 km |
| May 25, 1993 |
35 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M6.2 |
146 km |
| Jul 16, 2011 |
72 km ESE of King Cove, Alaska |
M6.1 |
106 km |
| Jul 28, 2020 |
75 km SW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M6.1 |
111 km |
| Feb 2, 2011 |
40 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.9 |
149 km |
| Jul 20, 1991 |
69 km SE of King Cove, Alaska |
M5.9 |
102 km |
| Jul 16, 2023 |
81 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.8 |
141 km |
| May 5, 2011 |
37 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.8 |
135 km |
| Jan 3, 1998 |
85 km SW of False Pass, Alaska |
M5.8 |
142 km |
| Jul 23, 2011 |
82 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.7 |
119 km |
| Apr 16, 2010 |
100 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.7 |
138 km |
| May 5, 2011 |
27 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.7 |
143 km |
| Jan 23, 1993 |
78 km SE of King Cove, Alaska |
M5.6 |
110 km |
| Jun 4, 2004 |
52 km SSW of False Pass, Alaska |
M5.6 |
108 km |
| May 2, 2009 |
78 km SE of King Cove, Alaska |
M5.6 |
111 km |
| Dec 20, 2001 |
94 km SE of False Pass, Alaska |
M5.6 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 88.0 m (289 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1788 |
SHUMAGIN ISLANDS, AK |
Earthquake |
88.0 m |
— |
115 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
7 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Frosty (17 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Frosty |
Stratovolcano(es) |
1,728 m (5,669 ft) |
Unknown |
17 km |
| Amak |
Stratovolcano |
488 m (1,601 ft) |
1796 |
33 km |
| Emmons Lake |
Caldera |
1,436 m (4,711 ft) |
Unknown |
47 km |
| Pavlof |
Stratovolcano |
2,493 m (8,179 ft) |
2016 |
60 km |
| Shishaldin |
Stratovolcano |
2,857 m (9,373 ft) |
2020 |
92 km |
| Fisher |
Stratovolcano |
1,112 m (3,648 ft) |
1830 |
123 km |
| Westdahl |
Stratovolcano? |
1,563 m (5,128 ft) |
1992 |
143 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.7 in |
Coldest |
| March |
29°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
33°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
40°F (5°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
46°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| July |
52°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
47°F (8°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
39°F (4°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Cold Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 27°F in February to 52°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 40.5 inches, with November being the wettest month (4.8") and April the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Cold Bay. 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Bay
What is the population of Cold Bay?
Cold Bay has a population of 153 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 71.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.4% female and 36.6% male.
Is Cold Bay expensive to live in?
Cold Bay 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 $112,273, 49% above the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,141 per month.
Is Cold Bay safe?
Cold Bay is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 232 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,045 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Cold Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Cold Bay?
Cold Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 52°F in July. The area receives 233 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 42.7 inches, with 67.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Cold Bay?
The job market in Cold Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,373. There are 97 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 4.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Cold Bay?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,141. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 5.0%.
How are the schools in Cold Bay?
Schools in Cold Bay score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 60.0% of adults in Cold Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 21.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Cold Bay?
The obesity rate in Cold Bay is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.6% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 27.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Cold Bay?
The average commute in Cold Bay is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 36.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Cold Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Cold Bay is 32% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 16.3% Hispanic or Latino. 79.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.5% speak Spanish. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 3.6% of residents have a disability. 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
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