Sign In Register

Gulkana, AK

Alaska · Copper River Census Area

Gulkana is a small town in Alaska with a population of 73. Residents earn $59,250 per year, which is 21% below the national average.

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
73 Population 2/sq mi density
$59,250 Median Income $44,436 per capita
$725 Median Rent 21.0% income on rent
28°F Avg Temperature 274 sunny days/yr
471 Violent Crime/100K 2,331 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$59,250 median income, 7.6% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$725/mo rent
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
471 violent crimes/100K (24% above avg)
C+
Education
2.8 / 5.0
21.9% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Gulkana, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $59,250
21% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 21.9%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent $725
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 33.7%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment 7.6%
111% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 25.0%
102% higher than US avg

How Gulkana Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population73
Median Age64.1 yrs
Density2/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 33%
Veterans64.0%

Economy

C
Median Income$59,250
Per Capita$44,436
Unemployment7.6%
Poverty25.0%
County GDP$169M
Commute13 min

Housing

A+
Rent$725
Ownership31.9%
Zillow$342,998
Housing Units63
Rent Burden21.0%

Crime

F
Violent471/100K
Property2,331/100K

Health

Obesity33.7%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking19.5%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease5.5%

Climate

Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation1,609 ft (490 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+21.9%
High School+78.1%
Graduate+17.5%
School Score4.86

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute13 min
Broadband47.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries2

Is Gulkana a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Gulkana receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Gulkana has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Gulkana is $59,250, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.6% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 25.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.

Safety & Crime

The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

21.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Gulkana has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.

Gulkana has a population of 73 with a density of 2 people per square mile, spread across 34.8 square miles. The median age is 64.1 years, 65% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.6% female and 53.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (67.1%), with 32.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 64.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 30.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 72.5% have health insurance coverage.

Population

73
Total Population
2
People / sq mi
64.1yrs
Median Age
65% above US avg
34.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 53.4%
Female 46.6%

Race & Ethnicity

Gulkana vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Gulkana vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Gulkana is $59,250, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,436 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,093, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 144 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 13 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Gulkana vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$59,250
21% below US avg
Per Capita Income$44,436
Avg Weekly Wage$1,093
IRS Avg AGI$64,513
Gini Index0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.6%
111% above US avg
Poverty Rate25.0%
102% above US avg
Establishments (County)144
County GDP$169M

Business (County)

Restaurants24
Healthcare7
Retail18

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time12.8 min
Drive Alone75.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998. Monthly rent averages $725 (38% 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. 31.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 63 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 21.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$342,998

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$725
38% below US avg
Rent Burden21.0%

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

Homeownership31.9%
Owner-Occupied31.9%
Renter-Occupied68.1%
Housing Units63
Median Year Built1986

Property Tax

In Gulkana, 33.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.2% report binge drinking. 22.2% are physically inactive. 20.9% report depression. 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630. The dentist ratio is 1:1,295. 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

Health Metrics: Gulkana vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity33.7%
5% above US avg
Diabetes9.3%
Heart Disease5.5%
High Blood Pressure29.9%
Asthma12.1%
COPD5.9%
Cancer5.8%
Stroke3.2%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking19.5%
39% above US avg
Binge Drinking19.2%
Physical Inactivity22.2%
Depression20.9%
Mental Distress17.9%
Physical Distress14.1%
Short Sleep37.2%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate72.5%
Uninsured9.6%
12% above US avg
Primary Care1:2,630
Dentists1:1,295
Mental Health1:297
Checkup Rate63.7%
Dental Visits51.9%

Food & Exercise

Exercise Access52.4%
Healthcare Facilities7
Gulkana has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,331 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. Overall, Gulkana receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Gulkana vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent471.2/100K
24% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property2,331.4/100K
19% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Gulkana has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 274 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 11.8 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 1,609 feet.

Temperature

-3°F Jan (-20°C) 58°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average28.2°F
48% below US avg
January Average-3°F (-20°C)
July Average58°F (14°C)
Sunny Days274 days/yr

Geography

Elevation1,609 ft (490 m)
Area34.8 sq mi (90.0 km²)
Population Density2/sq mi
Coordinates62.2154°N, 145.4450°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyCopper River Census Area County
Nearest AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
166 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul) 1.97"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.24"

Air Quality

AQI Median21.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score40.0 / 100
Social Vulnerability93.4 / 100
Community Resilience41.9 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Relatively Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Very Low
Strong Wind No Rating
Winter Weather Relatively Low
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Very Low
Drought No Rating
Cold Wave Relatively Low
Landslide Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flood No Rating
Volcano Very Low
Avalanche Very High
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

2,662 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.

May 31, 2021 73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska M6.1 147 km
Oct 22, 1996 31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska M5.7 126 km
Nov 3, 2002 23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska M5.6 121 km
Nov 3, 2002 23 km N of Paxson, Alaska M5.6 121 km
Nov 4, 2002 36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska M5.4 124 km
Nov 3, 2002 19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska M5.4 116 km
Nov 3, 2002 45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.4 102 km
Feb 13, 2017 20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska M5.3 143 km
Nov 3, 2002 32 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska M5.2 135 km
Nov 4, 2002 41 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska M5.2 112 km
May 13, 1993 9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska M5.1 88 km
Nov 8, 2002 17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.1 125 km
Nov 4, 2002 44 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska M5.1 115 km
Nov 3, 2002 3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.1 119 km
Jan 24, 2003 31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska M5.1 118 km
Aug 25, 2004 48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska M5.1 86 km
Nov 5, 2002 28 km NE of Paxson, Alaska M5.0 117 km
Nov 4, 2002 16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska M5.0 111 km
Nov 8, 2002 21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska M5.0 134 km
Nov 3, 2002 14 km N of Paxson, Alaska M4.9 112 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Wrangell (78 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Wrangell Shield 4,278 m (14,035 ft) 1912 78 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: ALPHABET HILLS (34,657 ac, 2004).

Year Name Acres Distance
2004 ALPHABET HILLS 34,657 89 km
2019 TOKAINA 2 14,741 61 km
2013 EXCELSIOR 6,230 56 km
2016 YOKNEDA LAKE 2,866 51 km
2019 CHETASLINA 1,909 64 km
1995 BILLY LAKE 1,583 51 km
2013 TABERT LAKE 1,525 73 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -3°F (-20°C) 0.6 in Coldest
February 4°F (-16°C) 0.7 in
March 15°F (-9°C) 0.3 in
April 31°F (-1°C) 0.2 in Driest
May 44°F (6°C) 0.6 in
June 53°F (12°C) 1.7 in
July 58°F (14°C) 2.0 in Warmest, Wettest
August 54°F (12°C) 1.4 in
September 44°F (7°C) 1.0 in
October 28°F (-2°C) 0.8 in
November 7°F (-14°C) 0.9 in
December -2°F (-19°C) 0.8 in

Gulkana has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from -3°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.0 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.0") and April the driest (0.2").

View full weather details →
Gulkana is located in Copper River Census Area County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 21.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 35% below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. 17.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (above the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 47.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). The area has 1 EV charging stations. There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 7 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+21.9%
35% below US avg
High School+78.1%
Graduate Degree+17.5%
School Test Score4.86
C+ Education Grade (2.8/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density2/sq mi
Total Area34.8 sq mi
CountyCopper River Census Area County

Services

Broadband Access47.0%
EV Charging Stations1
Alt Fuel Stations1
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities7
Restaurants24
Retail Stores18

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute12.8 min
Drive Alone75.7%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Gulkana. 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

Top Industries in Copper River Census Area

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Accommodation & Food Services 153 29 $38,619 1.52
Retail Trade 123 17 $29,052 1.11
Arts & Entertainment 39 9 $37,450 2.10
Construction 23 10 $86,372 0.40
Other Services 19 6 $33,349 0.57

Radio Stations near Gulkana

1 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality
790 AM - KCAM Glennallen Alaska alaska, christian AAC 120 kbps

Campgrounds Near Gulkana

1 campgrounds found near Gulkana.

NameRatingSitesPrice
Sourdough Creek Campground 5.0/5 1 $20

Museums in Gulkana

NameTypeAddressPhoneAnnual Revenue
MCCARTHY-KENNICOTT HISTORICAL MUSEUMHISTORIC PRESERVATION9072594550

Farmers Markets in Gulkana

NameAddressSeasonHoursOrganicWebsite
Copper Valley Community MarketMM 101 Richardson Hwy Loop Road
Kenny Lake Harvest IICorner of Glenn and Richardson Highways

Cell Towers in Gulkana

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
MP 126.5 RICHARDSON HWY (112127)LTOWER58
MP 126.5 RICHARDSON HWY (112127)LTOWER58

Bridges in Gulkana

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1974405880P

Airports Near Gulkana

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Gulkana AirportGKNMedium Airport
Copper Center 2 AirportCZCSmall Airport
Crosswind Lake Airport—Small Airport
Jacobus Field—Small Airport

Grocery Stores in Gulkana

1 grocery stores.

StoreTypeAddress
Frontier Country StoresConvenience Store116.5 Richardson Highway

Download Full City Report

Get a comprehensive, print-ready PDF with all data for Gulkana.

Get Report

Frequently Asked Questions About Gulkana

What is the population of Gulkana?

Gulkana has a population of 73 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 2 people per square mile, spread across 34.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 64.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.6% female and 53.4% male.

Is Gulkana expensive to live in?

Gulkana 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 $59,250, 21% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $725 per month, below the national average of $1,163.

Is Gulkana safe?

The violent crime rate in Gulkana is 471 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gulkana receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Gulkana?

Gulkana has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -3°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.

How is the job market in Gulkana?

The unemployment rate in Gulkana is 7.6%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,093. There are 144 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 13 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Gulkana?

For renters, the median monthly rent is $725. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 31.9%.

How are the schools in Gulkana?

Schools in Gulkana have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 21.9% of adults in Gulkana hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.1% have completed high school. 17.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Gulkana?

The obesity rate in Gulkana is 33.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 22.2% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630.

What is transportation like in Gulkana?

The average commute in Gulkana is 13 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.

What are the demographics of Gulkana?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Gulkana is 32.9% White, 67.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 64.0% of the population are military veterans. 30.4% of residents have a disability. 72.5% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Valdez, AK 3,911 pop · 83.3 mi
Compare Gulkana with another city: