Median Income
$81,406
8% higher than US avg
Home Value
$340,800
21% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.9%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,078
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.9%
397% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
31% lower than US avg
How Hoonah Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population894
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density152/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 40%
Veterans8.9%
Economy
B
Median Income$81,406
Per Capita$42,061
Unemployment17.9%
Poverty8.5%
County GDP$144M
Commute11 min
Housing
A
Home Value$340,800
Rent$1,078
Ownership63.4%
Zillow$472,854
Housing Units364
Rent Burden17.8%
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured28.7%
Smoking21.2%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain65.8 in/yr
Elevation1,360 ft (415 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.9%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+5.7%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute11 min
Broadband68.3%
Libraries3
Is Hoonah a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Hoonah receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Hoonah offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Hoonah is $81,406, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 17.9%, unemployment is notably high. 8.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Hoonah is $340,800, 21% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,078 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.2x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
18.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Hoonah has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 65.8 inches, including 90.0 inches of snow.
Hoonah has a population of 894 with a density of 152 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.9% female and 62.1% male. The city is predominantly White (39.6%), with 12.1% Hispanic, 2% Black, 4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.9% of residents, while 17.7% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 71.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
894
Total Population
2023 Census
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.9%
2% above US avg
Spanish
17.7%
32% above US avg
The median household income in Hoonah is $81,406, which is 8% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,061. The average weekly wage is $984, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.5% 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 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,406 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,061 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $984 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.469 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.9% |
| 397% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.5% |
| 31% 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 | 10.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 34.3% |
| Public Transit | 2.5% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Hoonah is $340,800, 21% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $472,854, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,078 (7% 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. 63.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 364 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. 17.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $340,800 |
| 21% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $472,854 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,078 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.8% |
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 | 63.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.6% |
| Housing Units | 364 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
In Hoonah, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 33.8% have high blood pressure. 21.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 24.7% are physically inactive. 20.5% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 28.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Hoonah vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.8% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.2% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.7% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 71.3% |
| Uninsured | 28.7% |
| 234% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:452 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.1% |
| Dental Visits | 49.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,452/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Hoonah has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 65.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 90.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 1,360 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,360 ft (415 m) |
| Area | 7.3 sq mi (18.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 152/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 58.1220°N, 135.4315°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Hoonah-Angoon Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Juneau International (JNU)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
65.8"
73% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
9.19"
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
613 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 |
85 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
40 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M6.0 |
93 km |
| Jun 24, 1991 |
34 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M5.6 |
87 km |
| Jul 11, 1990 |
27 km WSW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M5.5 |
147 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
63 km SW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M5.2 |
122 km |
| Jun 7, 2009 |
66 km NNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M5.0 |
101 km |
| Sep 1, 2019 |
64 km WSW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M5.0 |
141 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
43 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
97 km |
| Aug 4, 2004 |
26 km WSW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M4.7 |
149 km |
| May 1, 2021 |
93 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
147 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
41 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
95 km |
| Aug 14, 2019 |
92 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
143 km |
| Jan 6, 2000 |
30 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
80 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
44 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
99 km |
| Feb 18, 2015 |
43 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
97 km |
| Apr 16, 2009 |
95 km NW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
145 km |
| Feb 24, 1997 |
45 km NNW of Gustavus, Alaska |
M4.5 |
83 km |
| Jan 14, 2022 |
56 km SSW of Pelican, Alaska |
M4.5 |
95 km |
| Jan 16, 2017 |
30 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
84 km |
| Jul 8, 2021 |
30 km SSW of Covenant Life, Alaska |
M4.4 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tsunami History
11 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 |
77 km |
| 2025 |
TRACY ARM, AK |
Meteorological |
470.0 m |
- |
143 km |
| 1936 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
149.4 m |
- |
111 km |
| 1853 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
120.0 m |
- |
137 km |
| 1874 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
24.4 m |
- |
137 km |
| 1917 |
TAKU INLET, JUNEAU, AK |
Meteorological |
2.4 m |
1 |
76 km |
| 1880 |
SITKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.8 m |
- |
129 km |
| 1972 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.1 m |
- |
146 km |
| 2014 |
PALMA BAY, AK |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
- |
93 km |
| 1927 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
- |
61 km |
| 1900 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
5 |
132 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Edgecumbe (121 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Edgecumbe |
Stratovolcano(es) |
970 m (3,182 ft) |
-2220 |
121 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
6.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
49°F (9°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
51°F (11°C) |
7.3 in |
|
| October |
43°F (6°C) |
9.2 in |
Wettest |
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
8.8 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
7.9 in |
|
Hoonah has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 31°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 65.8 inches, with October being the wettest month (9.2") and May the driest (2.5").
Average costs for common services in Hoonah. 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 Hoonah
What is the population of Hoonah?
Hoonah has a population of 894 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 152 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.9% female and 62.1% male.
Is Hoonah expensive to live in?
Hoonah 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 $81,406, 8% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $340,800 (21% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,078 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Hoonah?
Hoonah has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 65.8 inches, with 90.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Hoonah?
The job market in Hoonah faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. 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 11 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Hoonah?
The median home value in Hoonah is $340,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $472,854. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,078. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 63.4%.
How are the schools in Hoonah?
Schools in Hoonah have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.9% of adults in Hoonah hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 5.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Hoonah?
The obesity rate in Hoonah is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.2% of adults are smokers. 24.7% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 28.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Hoonah?
The average commute in Hoonah is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 34.3% of workers drive alone to work, 2.5% use public transit, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Hoonah?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Hoonah is 39.6% White, 2% Black or African American, 12.1% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian. 79.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.7% speak Spanish. 8.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 71.3% have health insurance coverage.