Median Income
$52,188
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$110,300
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
871/100K
129% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.4%
81% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.1%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.1%
236% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.1%
27% lower than US avg
How Grayling Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population171
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density15/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans1.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$52,188
Per Capita$21,354
Unemployment12.1%
Poverty9.1%
County GDP$837M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$110,300
Rent$775
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units78
Rent Burden13.5%
Crime
F
Violent871/100K
Property2,348/100K
Health
Obesity39.1%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking32.6%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease9.0%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation664 ft (202 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.4%
High School+70.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband69.0%
Libraries2
Is Grayling a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grayling receives an overall livability score of 2.5 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, a high uninsured rate. Grayling has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grayling is $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.1%, unemployment is notably high. 9.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grayling is $110,300, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 871 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 2,348 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Grayling has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Grayling has a population of 171 with a density of 15 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.6% female and 54.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (94.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.2% of residents. 1.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 76.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.2%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.8%
64% below US avg
The median household income in Grayling is $52,188, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,354 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,054, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,188 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,354 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,054 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,363 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.1% |
| 236% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.1% |
| 27% below 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 | 4.81% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 22.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Grayling is $110,300, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% 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. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 78 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $5,300 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 13.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $110,300 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.5% |
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 | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 78 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,300 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.81% |
In Grayling, 39.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.0% of residents, above the national average. 39.3% have high blood pressure. 32.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.7% report binge drinking. 31.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.0% report depression. 21.7% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 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: Grayling vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.0% |
| Heart Disease | 9.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.3% |
| Asthma | 13.9% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 32.6% |
| 133% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.4% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.7% |
| Physical Distress | 20.8% |
| Short Sleep | 43.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.2% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,160 |
| Dentists | 1:630 |
| Mental Health | 1:35 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 37.4% |
| Premature Death | 18,066/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 2.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Grayling has a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 residents, 129% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,348 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The area has experienced 455 federally declared disasters. Overall, Grayling receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grayling vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 870.8/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,348.0/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 455 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grayling has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 269 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 21.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). 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 664 feet.
Temperature
-4°F Jan (-20°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 27.9°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | -4°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 664 ft (202 m) |
| Area | 11.0 sq mi (28.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 15/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.8961°N, 160.1130°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Bethel Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) 348 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
20 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M4.0 on Sep 18, 2024.
| Jan 26, 1991 |
35 km SSW of Holy Cross, Alaska |
M4.1 |
109 km |
| Sep 18, 2024 |
19 km WSW of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M4.0 |
115 km |
| Apr 22, 2024 |
37 km ESE of Holy Cross, Alaska |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| Sep 29, 2016 |
45 km ENE of Holy Cross, Alaska |
M3.7 |
88 km |
| Sep 28, 1992 |
50 km NNE of Stebbins, Alaska |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Feb 19, 2023 |
95 km SSE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
132 km |
| Jan 22, 1992 |
51 km NE of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M3.5 |
150 km |
| Jan 14, 1995 |
16 km ENE of Grayling, Alaska |
M3.2 |
19 km |
| Jan 15, 2009 |
18 km NE of Saint Michael, Alaska |
M3.1 |
116 km |
| May 18, 2013 |
43 km NE of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M3.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 31, 2009 |
23 km E of Shageluk, Alaska |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| May 8, 2011 |
85 km N of Crooked Creek, Alaska |
M2.9 |
118 km |
| Jul 7, 1996 |
66 km ESE of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M2.9 |
89 km |
| Apr 4, 1992 |
9 km ENE of Anvik, Alaska |
M2.8 |
23 km |
| Mar 1, 2024 |
26 km WSW of Holy Cross, Alaska |
M2.8 |
88 km |
| Mar 7, 2024 |
71 km N of Marshall, Alaska |
M2.8 |
104 km |
| Apr 13, 2008 |
27 km E of Kotlik, Alaska |
M2.7 |
147 km |
| Mar 23, 2019 |
86 km SSE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Mar 1, 2021 |
19 km W of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M2.5 |
124 km |
| Feb 20, 2023 |
95 km SSE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M2.5 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: St. Michael (118 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| St. Michael |
Shield(s) |
715 m (2,346 ft) |
Unknown |
118 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: REINDEER (225,783 ac, 2002).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2002 |
REINDEER |
225,783 |
81 km |
| 2002 |
YETNA RIVER |
156,189 |
95 km |
| 2004 |
BIG YETNA |
95,035 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
YETNA |
51,550 |
82 km |
| 2015 |
STUYAHOK RIVER |
45,239 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
GRAYLING CREEK |
44,650 |
28 km |
| 2015 |
SISTERS |
31,132 |
82 km |
| 2017 |
LITTLE YETNA RIVER |
17,846 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
TOIK HILL |
16,983 |
81 km |
| 2015 |
HAWK RIVER |
15,566 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
OLD WOMEN RIVER |
11,045 |
98 km |
| 2016 |
REINDEER RIVER |
8,526 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
GOLSOVIA 3 |
7,772 |
71 km |
| 1991 |
132687 |
7,749 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
INNOKO RIVER |
7,656 |
38 km |
| 2013 |
RIDGE TOP |
7,420 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
STUYAHOK |
4,741 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
GOBLET CREEK |
3,812 |
20 km |
| 2014 |
THE SISTERS |
2,598 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
REINDEER RIVER |
1,365 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| May |
41°F (5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
53°F (12°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| October |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| November |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Grayling has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from -4°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.3") and April the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Grayling. 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 Grayling
What is the population of Grayling?
Grayling has a population of 171 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 15 people per square mile, spread across 11.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.6% female and 54.4% male.
Is Grayling expensive to live in?
Grayling 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 $52,188, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $110,300 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grayling safe?
Public safety is a concern in Grayling, with a violent crime rate of 871 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 2,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Grayling receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grayling?
Grayling has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Grayling?
The job market in Grayling faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grayling?
The median home value in Grayling is $110,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $5,300.
How are the schools in Grayling?
Schools in Grayling have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.4% of adults in Grayling hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grayling?
The obesity rate in Grayling is 39.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 32.6% of adults are smokers. 31.4% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 91.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,160.
What is transportation like in Grayling?
The average commute in Grayling is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 22.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grayling?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grayling is 0.6% White, 94.2% Hispanic or Latino. 95.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.8% speak Spanish. 1.8% of the population are military veterans. 13.3% of residents have a disability. 76.2% have health insurance coverage.