Median Income
$29,167
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.8%
33% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
53.8%
334% higher than US avg
How Goodnews Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population113
Median Age32.6 yrs
Density34/mi²
Male / Female43% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$29,167
Per Capita$11,144
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty53.8%
County GDP$837M
Commute4 min
Housing
A
Home Value$125,000
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units38
Rent Burden19.1%
Health
Obesity42.8%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking37.4%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease9.6%
Climate
Avg Temp31°F (-0°C)
Rain19.7 in/yr
Elevation181 ft (55 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+71.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband75.0%
Libraries2
Is Goodnews Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Goodnews Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Goodnews Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Goodnews Bay is $29,167, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 53.8% 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 Goodnews Bay is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Goodnews Bay 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. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches, including 64.0 inches of snow.
Goodnews Bay has a population of 113 with a density of 34 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age is 32.6 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.5% female and 42.5% male. The city is predominantly White (0.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 85.4% of residents, while 18.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 22.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
113
Total Population
2023 Census
32.6yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Goodnews Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
85.4%
9% above US avg
Spanish
18.2%
36% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Goodnews Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Goodnews Bay is $29,167, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $11,144 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,054, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 53.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 303 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 4 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Goodnews Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,167 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $11,144 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,054 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,363 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 53.8% |
| 334% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 303 |
| County GDP | $837M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,300 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.24% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Goodnews Bay is $125,000, 56% 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. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 38 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $5,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 38 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,300 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.24% |
In Goodnews Bay, 42.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.6% of residents, above the national average. 42.0% have high blood pressure. 37.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 40.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.3% report depression. 23.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,160. The dentist ratio is 1:630. 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 2.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Goodnews Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.8% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.8% |
| Heart Disease | 9.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.0% |
| Asthma | 14.9% |
| COPD | 13.3% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 6.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 37.4% |
| 167% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 40.0% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 23.4% |
| Physical Distress | 23.7% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,160 |
| Dentists | 1:630 |
| Mental Health | 1:35 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.1% |
| Dental Visits | 31.8% |
| Premature Death | 18,066/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 2.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Goodnews Bay 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. 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. The city sits at an elevation of 181 feet.
Temperature
7°F Jan (-14°C)
56°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 31.4°F |
| 42% below US avg |
| January Average | 7°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (14°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 181 ft (55 m) |
| Area | 3.7 sq mi (9.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 34/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 59.1272°N, 161.5753°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Bethel Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
422 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.7"
48% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.87"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 44.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 100.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 39.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.4. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 13, 2019.
| Feb 23, 2013 |
19 km NNW of Eek, Alaska |
M4.4 |
144 km |
| May 16, 1992 |
10 km SE of Togiak, Alaska |
M4.2 |
76 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
79 km NW of Aleknagik, Alaska |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Apr 3, 2018 |
25 km SSE of Eek, Alaska |
M3.6 |
98 km |
| Mar 11, 2013 |
18 km NNW of Eek, Alaska |
M3.4 |
142 km |
| Feb 25, 2015 |
103 km E of Eek, Alaska |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
62 km N of Twin Hills, Alaska |
M2.7 |
99 km |
| May 4, 2017 |
108 km NW of Aleknagik, Alaska |
M2.6 |
149 km |
| Jun 13, 2007 |
74 km NW of Aleknagik, Alaska |
M2.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: GECHIAK LAKE (16,919 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
GECHIAK LAKE |
16,919 |
78 km |
| 1991 |
TWIN |
11,889 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| March |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| April |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| May |
40°F (5°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| June |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
56°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (11°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
47°F (8°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| October |
35°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
26°F (-3°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-8°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Goodnews Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 7°F in January to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.9") and April the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Goodnews 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 Goodnews Bay
What is the population of Goodnews Bay?
Goodnews Bay has a population of 113 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 34 people per square mile, spread across 3.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.5% female and 42.5% male.
Is Goodnews Bay expensive to live in?
Goodnews 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 $29,167, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Goodnews Bay?
Goodnews Bay 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. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches, with 64.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Goodnews Bay?
The unemployment rate in Goodnews Bay is 6.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,054. There are 303 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Goodnews Bay?
The median home value in Goodnews Bay is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,300.
How are the schools in Goodnews Bay?
Schools in Goodnews Bay have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Goodnews Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 71.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Goodnews Bay?
The obesity rate in Goodnews Bay is 42.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 37.4% of adults are smokers. 40.0% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,160.
What is transportation like in Goodnews Bay?
The average commute in Goodnews Bay is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Goodnews Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Goodnews Bay is 0.9% White. 85.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.2% speak Spanish. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.1% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.