Median Income
$22,917
70% lower than US avg
Home Value
$55,600
80% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
871/100K
129% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$733
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.3%
75% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Holy Cross Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population229
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density8/mi²
Male / Female70% / 30%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
C+
Median Income$22,917
Per Capita$18,201
Unemployment6.3%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$837M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$55,600
Rent$733
Ownership82.8%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units123
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
F
Violent871/100K
Property2,348/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured15.5%
Smoking32.4%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease9.5%
Climate
Avg Temp31°F (-0°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain19.7 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation266 ft (81 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+0.6%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband87.0%
Libraries2
Is Holy Cross a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Holy Cross receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Holy Cross offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Holy Cross is $22,917, 70% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Holy Cross is $55,600, 80% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x 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
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Holy Cross 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. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches, including 64.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Holy Cross has a population of 229 with a density of 8 people per square mile, spread across 37.2 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 29.7% female and 70.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (97.8%), with 2.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 16.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Holy Cross vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.4%
22% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Holy Cross vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Holy Cross is $22,917, which is 70% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,201 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,054, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.6% 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). 36.2% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Holy Cross vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $22,917 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,201 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,054 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $47,363 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.3% |
| 75% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% 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 | 9.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 6.4% |
| Public Transit | 1.1% |
| Work from Home | 36.2% |
The median home value in Holy Cross is $55,600, 80% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $733 (37% 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 123 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). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $55,600 |
| 80% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $733 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
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 | 123 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,300 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 9.53% |
In Holy Cross, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.9% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 39.3% have high blood pressure. 32.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.7% report depression. 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 15.5% 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: Holy Cross vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.9% |
| Heart Disease | 9.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.3% |
| Asthma | 13.9% |
| COPD | 10.9% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 32.4% |
| 131% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 20.9% |
| Short Sleep | 43.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 15.5% |
| 80% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,160 |
| Dentists | 1:630 |
| Mental Health | 1:35 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.2% |
| Dental Visits | 35.0% |
| Premature Death | 18,066/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 2.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 91.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Holy Cross 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, Holy Cross receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Holy Cross 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 |
Holy Cross 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. 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 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. 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 266 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) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 266 ft (81 m) |
| Area | 37.2 sq mi (96.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 8/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.1851°N, 159.8588°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Bethel Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
330 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
19.7"
48% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.54"
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
46 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M3.9 on Apr 22, 2024.
| May 27, 2005 |
51 km SE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M4.6 |
124 km |
| May 27, 2005 |
71 km SE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M4.3 |
142 km |
| Jan 26, 1991 |
35 km SSW of Holy Cross, Alaska |
M4.1 |
33 km |
| Mar 6, 2014 |
13 km WSW of Aniak, Alaska |
M3.9 |
71 km |
| Dec 22, 2012 |
67 km SSE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
53 km SE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Apr 22, 2024 |
37 km ESE of Holy Cross, Alaska |
M3.9 |
41 km |
| Jun 8, 2005 |
53 km SE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M3.8 |
127 km |
| Apr 4, 2004 |
17 km SSW of Aniak, Alaska |
M3.8 |
83 km |
| Jun 9, 2005 |
53 km SE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M3.8 |
126 km |
| Mar 20, 1997 |
Southern Alaska |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| May 26, 2005 |
67 km SE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M3.7 |
137 km |
| Sep 29, 2016 |
45 km ENE of Holy Cross, Alaska |
M3.7 |
50 km |
| Feb 9, 1992 |
70 km SW of Sleetmute, Alaska |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Aug 31, 2021 |
5 km S of Lower Kalskag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
84 km |
| Jun 1, 2010 |
9 km SE of Tuluksak, Alaska |
M3.5 |
138 km |
| Jan 19, 2002 |
20 km ESE of Crooked Creek, Alaska |
M3.4 |
118 km |
| Feb 20, 1995 |
15 km NW of Red Devil, Alaska |
M3.4 |
126 km |
| Apr 22, 2009 |
3 km SE of Kalskag, Alaska |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jun 11, 2005 |
55 km SE of Chuathbaluk, Alaska |
M3.4 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: St. Michael (182 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| St. Michael |
Shield(s) |
715 m (2,346 ft) |
Unknown |
182 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 |
40 km |
| 2005 |
SADDLE |
133,070 |
46 km |
| 2005 |
TALBIKSOK |
82,041 |
78 km |
| 2019 |
SMITH CREEK |
72,002 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
WHITEFISH LAKE 1 |
70,979 |
96 km |
| 2015 |
NORTH ANIAK |
57,410 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
NAGEETHLUK RIVER |
56,332 |
93 km |
| 2005 |
YETNA |
51,550 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
LOWER REINDEER PEAK |
47,611 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
STUYAHOK RIVER |
45,239 |
47 km |
| 2005 |
GRAYLING CREEK |
44,650 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
OWHAT RIVER |
40,921 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
OPHIR CREEK |
31,489 |
98 km |
| 1989 |
SWINGING DOME |
28,882 |
84 km |
| 1991 |
CROSS |
20,614 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
KUYUKUTUK RIVER |
20,099 |
74 km |
| 2009 |
FRANKLIN CREEK |
18,279 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
LITTLE YETNA RIVER |
17,846 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
VILLAGE CREEK |
16,711 |
95 km |
| 2015 |
HAWK RIVER |
15,566 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
7°F (-14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
11°F (-12°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
56°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
30°F (-1°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
4°F (-16°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
Holy Cross has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 4°F in December to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 18.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.5") and April the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Holy Cross. 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 Holy Cross
What is the population of Holy Cross?
Holy Cross has a population of 229 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 8 people per square mile, spread across 37.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 29.7% female and 70.3% male.
Is Holy Cross expensive to live in?
Holy Cross 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 $22,917, 70% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $55,600 (80% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $733 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Holy Cross safe?
Public safety is a concern in Holy Cross, 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, Holy Cross receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Holy Cross?
Holy Cross 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. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches, with 64.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Holy Cross?
The unemployment rate in Holy Cross is 6.3%, 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 36.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Holy Cross?
The median home value in Holy Cross is $55,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $733. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 82.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,300.
How are the schools in Holy Cross?
Schools in Holy Cross 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 Holy Cross hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 0.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Holy Cross?
The obesity rate in Holy Cross is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 32.4% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 15.5% 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 Holy Cross?
The average commute in Holy Cross is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 6.4% of workers drive alone to work, 1.1% use public transit, and 36.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Holy Cross?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Holy Cross is 2.2% White, 97.8% Hispanic or Latino. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.4% speak Spanish. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 16.6% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
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