Median Income
$35,000
53% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,300
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.8%
68% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
18.3%
408% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
33.3%
169% higher than US avg
How Elim Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population278
Median Age20.9 yrs
Density106/mi²
Male / Female60% / 40%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$35,000
Per Capita$14,740
Unemployment18.3%
Poverty33.3%
County GDP$603M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,300
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units80
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured16.6%
Smoking35.3%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease8.9%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation247 ft (75 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.8%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+2.4%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband66.0%
Libraries1
Is Elim a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Elim receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Elim has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Elim is $35,000, 53% below the national average of $75,149. At 18.3%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 33.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Elim is $117,300, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,490 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 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
10.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Elim has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 54°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.
Elim has a population of 278 with a density of 106 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age is 20.9 years, 46% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.9% female and 60.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (95.3%), with 2.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.3% of residents, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 7.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
20.9yrs
Median Age
46% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.3%
9% above US avg
Spanish
14.7%
10% above US avg
The median household income in Elim is $35,000, which is 53% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $14,740 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,447. The unemployment rate is 18.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 33.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 290 business establishments, including 17 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). 3.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $35,000 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $14,740 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,447 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 18.3% |
| 408% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 33.3% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 290 |
| County GDP | $603M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,940 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.21% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 7.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Elim is $117,300, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 80 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $4,940 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,300 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
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 | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 80 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,940 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.21% |
In Elim, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.9% of residents, above the national average. 36.8% have high blood pressure. 35.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 34.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.2% report depression. 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 16.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:759. The dentist ratio is 1:984. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Elim vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.5% |
| Heart Disease | 8.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.8% |
| Asthma | 12.9% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 5.0% |
| Stroke | 5.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 35.3% |
| 152% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.3% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 20.2% |
| Short Sleep | 42.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.6% |
| Uninsured | 16.6% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:759 |
| Dentists | 1:984 |
| Mental Health | 1:89 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.3% |
| Dental Visits | 35.9% |
| Premature Death | 18,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Elim has a violent crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 residents, 292% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Elim receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Elim vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,489.8/100K |
| 292% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,347.8/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Elim has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. 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 247 feet.
Temperature
-4°F Jan (-20°C)
54°F Jul (12°C)
| Annual Average | 23.2°F |
| 57% below US avg |
| January Average | -4°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 247 ft (75 m) |
| Area | 2.4 sq mi (6.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 106/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.6182°N, 162.2766°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Nome Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
425 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
195 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 18, 2000 |
79 km NW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.7 |
121 km |
| Dec 15, 1997 |
17 km E of Golovin, Alaska |
M4.5 |
20 km |
| Jul 6, 2006 |
36 km NNE of Koyuk, Alaska |
M4.5 |
97 km |
| Apr 30, 2001 |
22 km SW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.4 |
69 km |
| Jul 14, 1997 |
46 km NNW of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.4 |
122 km |
| May 18, 1995 |
15 km N of Elim, Alaska |
M4.3 |
15 km |
| Jun 16, 2023 |
30 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.3 |
68 km |
| Jul 28, 2005 |
18 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.3 |
64 km |
| Apr 21, 1994 |
33 km NNW of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.2 |
123 km |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
48 km SW of Buckland, Alaska |
M4.2 |
116 km |
| Mar 4, 1990 |
9 km SW of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.1 |
110 km |
| Aug 13, 2002 |
40 km SSE of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.1 |
91 km |
| Jul 21, 1998 |
northern Alaska |
M4.0 |
29 km |
| Aug 23, 1998 |
81 km SW of Deering, Alaska |
M4.0 |
122 km |
| Jul 31, 1993 |
10 km SSW of Elim, Alaska |
M4.0 |
10 km |
| Sep 18, 2024 |
19 km WSW of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M4.0 |
104 km |
| Jul 21, 2005 |
8 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M3.9 |
58 km |
| Jun 13, 2023 |
29 km WSW of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.9 |
66 km |
| Sep 24, 1993 |
41 km S of Solomon, Alaska |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| May 25, 1996 |
9 km SE of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.9 |
32 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Imuruk Lake (114 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Imuruk Lake |
Shield(s) |
610 m (2,001 ft) |
300 |
114 km |
| St. Michael |
Shield(s) |
715 m (2,346 ft) |
Unknown |
130 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KOYUK (23,101 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
KOYUK |
23,101 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
OREGON CREEK |
8,289 |
75 km |
| 1997 |
PEACE RIVER |
7,959 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
CLIFF CREEK |
5,966 |
51 km |
| 2019 |
SALMON CREEK |
2,986 |
60 km |
| 1984 |
414057 |
1,689 |
43 km |
| 2019 |
KUZITRIN RIVER 9 |
1,609 |
90 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-4°F (-20°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| April |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| June |
47°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
54°F (12°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
50°F (10°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| November |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
8°F (-13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Elim has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from -4°F in January to 54°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 17.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and May the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Elim. 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 Elim
What is the population of Elim?
Elim has a population of 278 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 106 people per square mile, spread across 2.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.9% female and 60.1% male.
Is Elim expensive to live in?
Elim 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 $35,000, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,300 (58% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Elim safe?
Public safety is a concern in Elim, with a violent crime rate of 1,490 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 4,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Elim receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Elim?
Elim has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°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 Elim?
The job market in Elim faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.3% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,447. There are 290 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 3.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Elim?
The median home value in Elim is $117,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,940.
How are the schools in Elim?
Schools in Elim have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.8% of adults in Elim hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 2.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Elim?
The obesity rate in Elim is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 35.3% of adults are smokers. 34.3% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 16.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:759.
What is transportation like in Elim?
The average commute in Elim is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 7% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Elim?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Elim is 2.9% White, 95.3% Hispanic or Latino. 85.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 14.7% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.2% of residents have a disability. 83.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
