Median Income
$48,750
35% lower than US avg
Home Value
$77,300
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,249/100K
229% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.8%
450% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.0%
110% higher than US avg
How Gambell Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population464
Median Age27.6 yrs
Density44/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans3.1%
Economy
D
Median Income$48,750
Per Capita$17,983
Unemployment19.8%
Poverty26.0%
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$77,300
Rent$900
Ownership85.1%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units143
Rent Burden17.5%
Crime
F
Violent1,249/100K
Property1,483/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured16.4%
Smoking36.7%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease10.0%
Climate
Avg Temp25°F (-4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain16.4 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation17 ft (5 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+79.5%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband69.6%
Is Gambell a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gambell receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Gambell has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gambell is $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 26.0% 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 Gambell is $77,300, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,249 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 1,483 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Gambell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F. Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 45°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.4 inches, including 9.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Gambell has a population of 464 with a density of 44 people per square mile, spread across 10.5 square miles. The median age is 27.6 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (97.6%), with 2.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 25.7% of residents, while 74.3% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 79.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.6yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
25.7%
67% below US avg
Spanish
74.3%
454% above US avg
The median household income in Gambell is $48,750, which is 35% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,983 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 19.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. 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). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $48,750 |
| 35% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,983 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.8% |
| 450% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.0% |
| 110% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Gambell is $77,300, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% 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. 85.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 143 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $77,300 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
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 | 85.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.9% |
| Housing Units | 143 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
In Gambell, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 10.0% of residents, above the national average. 39.5% have high blood pressure. 36.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 36.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 22.3% experience frequent mental distress. 16.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Gambell vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.5% |
| Heart Disease | 10.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.5% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 11.8% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 6.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 36.7% |
| 162% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.5% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.3% |
| Physical Distress | 21.5% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.1% |
| Uninsured | 16.4% |
| 91% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 65.2% |
| Dental Visits | 38.3% |
Food & Exercise
Gambell has a violent crime rate of 1,249 per 100,000 residents, 229% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,483 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. Overall, Gambell receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gambell vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,248.7/100K |
| 229% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,482.8/100K |
| 24% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gambell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winters average 9°F in January while summers reach 45°F in July. The area gets 306 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 16.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.8 inches of snow annually. 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 17 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
9°F Jan (-13°C)
45°F Jul (7°C)
| Annual Average | 24.9°F |
| 54% below US avg |
| January Average | 9°F (-13°C) |
| July Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 17 ft (5 m) |
| Area | 10.5 sq mi (27.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 44/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 63.7759°N, 171.7148°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
713 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.4"
57% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.64"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
115 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Nov 3, 1996 |
89 km SSE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M5.2 |
130 km |
| Mar 12, 1997 |
90 km S of Savoonga, Alaska |
M4.6 |
110 km |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
48 km N of Provideniya, Russia |
M4.6 |
139 km |
| Oct 23, 2017 |
60 km NNE of Provideniya, Russia |
M4.5 |
138 km |
| Oct 16, 2017 |
77 km SSW of Gambell, Alaska |
M4.5 |
78 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
75 km SSW of Gambell, Alaska |
M4.5 |
75 km |
| Nov 21, 1996 |
64 km S of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M4.2 |
143 km |
| Sep 28, 2009 |
64 km E of Savoonga, Alaska |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
75 km SSW of Gambell, Alaska |
M4.1 |
75 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
80 km SSW of Gambell, Alaska |
M4.1 |
80 km |
| Mar 31, 2002 |
St. Lawrence Island, Alaska region |
M4.1 |
52 km |
| Nov 21, 1997 |
45 km SSE of Lorino, Russia |
M4.0 |
149 km |
| Jun 7, 2018 |
51 km NNE of Provideniya, Russia |
M4.0 |
128 km |
| Jan 2, 2024 |
66 km S of Gambell, Alaska |
M3.9 |
66 km |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
78 km SSE of Lorino, Russia |
M3.9 |
128 km |
| Jan 16, 2018 |
74 km SSW of Gambell, Alaska |
M3.8 |
74 km |
| Aug 15, 1996 |
83 km SSE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Jan 17, 2018 |
75 km SSW of Gambell, Alaska |
M3.7 |
76 km |
| Nov 5, 2017 |
46 km NNE of Provideniya, Russia |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
74 km SSW of Gambell, Alaska |
M3.7 |
74 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
9°F (-13°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| February |
6°F (-14°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| March |
8°F (-14°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| April |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
29°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| July |
45°F (7°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| August |
45°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| September |
40°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
11°F (-12°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Gambell has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 6°F in February to 45°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 16.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.6") and June the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Gambell. 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 Gambell
What is the population of Gambell?
Gambell has a population of 464 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 44 people per square mile, spread across 10.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Gambell expensive to live in?
Gambell 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 $48,750, 35% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $77,300 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gambell safe?
Public safety is a concern in Gambell, with a violent crime rate of 1,249 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 1,483 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gambell receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gambell?
Gambell has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average 9°F in January, while summers reach an average of 45°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.4 inches, with 9.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Gambell?
The job market in Gambell faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gambell?
The median home value in Gambell is $77,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.1%.
How are the schools in Gambell?
Schools in Gambell have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.5% of adults in Gambell hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.5% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gambell?
The obesity rate in Gambell is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 36.7% of adults are smokers. 36.5% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 16.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Gambell?
The average commute in Gambell is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gambell?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gambell is 2.4% White, 97.6% Hispanic or Latino. 25.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 74.3% speak Spanish. 3.1% of the population are military veterans. 13.4% of residents have a disability. 79.1% have health insurance coverage.
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