Median Income
$64,167
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$276,500
2% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
154/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
31.8%
6% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,106
5% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
81% lower than US avg
How Gustavus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population610
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density17/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans15.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$64,167
Per Capita$39,086
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty2.4%
County GDP$144M
Commute20 min
Housing
A
Home Value$276,500
Rent$1,106
Ownership82.8%
Zillow$325,402
Housing Units503
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent154/100K
Property1,654/100K
Health
Obesity34.4%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking17.7%
Depression22.3%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain58.7 in/yr
Sunny Days227/yr
Elevation42 ft (13 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+31.8%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute20 min
Broadband71.8%
Libraries3
Is Gustavus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gustavus receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Gustavus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gustavus is $64,167, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gustavus is $276,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,106 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Gustavus is below the national average at 154 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,654 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
31.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Gustavus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. The area gets 227 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 58.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Gustavus has a population of 610 with a density of 17 people per square mile, spread across 36.4 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%), with 8.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.9% of residents, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 15.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.9%
20% above US avg
Spanish
6.1%
54% below US avg
The median household income in Gustavus is $64,167, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,086. The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 146 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $64,167 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,086 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.4% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 146 |
| County GDP | $144M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 60.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Gustavus is $276,500, 2% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $325,402, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,106 (5% 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. 82.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 503 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $276,500 |
| 2% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $325,402 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,106 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
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
| Homeownership | 82.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 82.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 17.2% |
| Housing Units | 503 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
In Gustavus, 34.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.4% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.5% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% report depression. 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gustavus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 22.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:452 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.9% |
| Dental Visits | 58.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,452/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Gustavus has a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,654 per 100,000, 16% below the U.S. average. Overall, Gustavus receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gustavus vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 153.9/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,654.5/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gustavus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. The area gets 227 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 58.7 inches (wetter 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 42 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
55°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 40.7°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 227 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 42 ft (13 m) |
| Area | 36.4 sq mi (94.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 17/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 58.4347°N, 135.7282°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Hoonah-Angoon Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Juneau International (JNU)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
58.7"
54% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
9.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 98.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 10.1 / 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 Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
741 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 15, 2025.
| Jan 6, 2000 |
35 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M6.1 |
80 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
40 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M6.0 |
73 km |
| Jan 9, 2007 |
59 km WSW of Mosquito Lake, Alaska |
M5.7 |
136 km |
| Jun 24, 1991 |
34 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M5.6 |
67 km |
| Jul 11, 1990 |
27 km WSW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M5.5 |
108 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
63 km SW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M5.2 |
84 km |
| Sep 1, 2019 |
64 km WSW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M5.0 |
103 km |
| Jun 7, 2009 |
66 km NNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M5.0 |
66 km |
| Sep 15, 2011 |
111 km ESE of Yakutat, Alaska |
M4.8 |
150 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
41 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
76 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
43 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
78 km |
| May 1, 2021 |
93 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
130 km |
| Aug 4, 2004 |
26 km WSW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M4.7 |
110 km |
| Jan 6, 2000 |
30 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
75 km |
| Aug 14, 2019 |
92 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
136 km |
| Feb 15, 2010 |
103 km NW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
122 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
44 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
83 km |
| Jan 16, 2017 |
30 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
73 km |
| Apr 16, 2009 |
95 km NW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
115 km |
| Feb 18, 2015 |
43 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
10 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 524.6 m (1,721 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1958 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
524.6 m |
5 |
55 km |
| 1936 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
149.4 m |
— |
82 km |
| 1853 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
120.0 m |
— |
109 km |
| 1874 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
24.4 m |
— |
109 km |
| 1994 |
SKAGWAY, AK |
Meteorological |
9.0 m |
1 |
121 km |
| 1917 |
TAKU INLET, JUNEAU, AK |
Meteorological |
2.4 m |
1 |
96 km |
| 1907 |
SKAGWAY, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.7 m |
— |
119 km |
| 2014 |
PALMA BAY, AK |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
73 km |
| 1927 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
85 km |
| 1900 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
5 |
105 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Edgecumbe (154 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Edgecumbe |
Stratovolcano(es) |
970 m (3,182 ft) |
-2220 |
154 km |
| Atlin Volcanic Field |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,880 m (6,168 ft) |
Unknown |
195 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
4.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| July |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| August |
56°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| September |
51°F (10°C) |
7.5 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
9.3 in |
Wettest |
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
6.1 in |
|
Gustavus has a seasonal temperature swing of 29°F / from 28°F in January to 56°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 58.3 inches, with October being the wettest month (9.3") and April the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Gustavus. 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 Gustavus
What is the population of Gustavus?
Gustavus has a population of 610 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 17 people per square mile, spread across 36.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Gustavus expensive to live in?
Gustavus 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 $64,167, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $276,500 (2% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,106 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gustavus safe?
Gustavus is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 154 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,654 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Gustavus receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gustavus?
Gustavus has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 227 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 58.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Gustavus?
The unemployment rate in Gustavus is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $984. There are 146 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gustavus?
The median home value in Gustavus is $276,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $325,402. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,106. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.8%.
How are the schools in Gustavus?
Schools in Gustavus have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 31.8% of adults in Gustavus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gustavus?
The obesity rate in Gustavus is 34.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 22.3% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Gustavus?
The average commute in Gustavus is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 60.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gustavus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gustavus is 89.3% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino. 93.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.1% speak Spanish. 15.6% of the population are military veterans. 16.8% of residents have a disability. 94.2% have health insurance coverage.
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