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Iqaluit, NU

Nunavut

Iqaluit is a small city in Nunavut with a population of 7,429. Residents earn $157,000 per year, which is 109% above the national average.

3.7 /5.0
B+ Good
7,429 Population 373/sq mi density
$157,000 Median Income $83,700 per capita
$600,000 Home Value
$1,500 Median Rent 10.5% income on rent
19°F Avg Temperature 152 sunny days/yr
B+
Overall
3.7 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.2 / 5.0
$157,000 median income, 7.3% unemployment
A+
Affordability
4.5 / 5.0
$600,000 home value, $1,500/mo rent
C
Education
2.3 / 5.0
16.6% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $157,000
109% higher than US avg
Home Value $600,000
113% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 16.6%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,500
29% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.2%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment 7.3%
103% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 4.0%
68% lower than US avg

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

People

Population7,429
Median Age32.8 yrs
Density373/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 88%

Economy

A
Median Income$157,000
Per Capita$83,700
Unemployment7.3%
Poverty4.0%
Commute12 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$600,000
Rent$1,500
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units2,705
Rent Burden10.5%

Health

Obesity26.2%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking8.9%
Depression4.1%
Heart Disease9.5%

Climate

Avg Temp19°F (-7°C)
AQI27 (Good)
Rain22.5 in/yr
Sunny Days152/yr
Elevation56 ft (17 m)

Education

C
Bachelor's+16.6%
High School+21.8%
Graduate+8.9%

Community

Commute12 min
Broadband94.0%

Is Iqaluit a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Iqaluit receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Iqaluit offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Iqaluit is $157,000, which is significantly higher than the national average — 109% above $75,149. This places Iqaluit among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 7.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Iqaluit is $600,000, making it a premium housing market at 113% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,500 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.

Education

16.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 21.8% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Iqaluit has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 19°F. Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 47°F in July. With 152 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches, including 66.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.

Iqaluit has a population of 7,429 with a density of 373 people per square mile, spread across 19.9 square miles. The median age is 32.8 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (87.6%), with 5.4% Black, 5.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 49.1% of residents, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

7,429
Total Population
2021 Census
373
People / sq mi
32.8yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
19.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50.2%
Female 49.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Iqaluit vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only49.1%
38% below US avg
Spanish5.9%
56% below US avg
Other Languages45.1%

Social Characteristics

Iqaluit vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Iqaluit is $157,000, which is 109% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $83,700 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 7.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 84.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.1% of workers work from home.

Income: Iqaluit vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$157,000
109% above US avg
Per Capita Income$83,700

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment7.3%
103% above US avg
Poverty Rate4.0%
68% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living84.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time12.4 min
Drive Alone54.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home16.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Iqaluit is $600,000, 113% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,500 (29% above the national average of $1,163). There are 2,705 total housing units in the city. 10.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$600,000
113% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,500
29% above US avg
Rent Burden10.5%

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied25.9%
Renter-Occupied74.1%
Housing Units2,705

Property Tax

In Iqaluit, 26.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 22.1% have high blood pressure. 8.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 10.0% report binge drinking. 76.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.1% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

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

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.2%
18% below US avg
Diabetes5.5%
Heart Disease9.5%
High Blood Pressure22.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking8.9%
36% below US avg
Binge Drinking10.0%
Physical Inactivity76.3%
Depression4.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.0%

Food & Exercise

Iqaluit has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 19°F (-7°C). Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 47°F in July — a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 152 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 22.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 66.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27 — among the cleanest air in the country. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 56 feet.

Temperature

-16°F Jan (-27°C) 47°F Jul (8°C)
Annual Average19.3°F
64% below US avg
January Average-16°F (-27°C)
July Average47°F (8°C)
Sunny Days152 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall22.5 inches
41% below US avg
Snowfall66.1 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median27.0
RatingGood
Good Days %89.5%

Geography

Elevation56 ft (17 m)
Area19.9 sq mi (51.6 km²)
Population Density373/sq mi
Coordinates63.7470°N, 68.5173°W
TimezoneAmerica/Iqaluit

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -16°F (-27°C) 0.9 in
February -16°F (-27°C) 0.7 in Coldest, Driest
March -7°F (-22°C) 0.8 in
April 8°F (-13°C) 1.0 in
May 25°F (-4°C) 1.0 in
June 39°F (4°C) 1.6 in
July 47°F (8°C) 2.4 in Warmest
August 46°F (8°C) 2.6 in Wettest
September 37°F (3°C) 2.1 in
October 25°F (-4°C) 1.5 in
November 10°F (-12°C) 1.2 in
December -7°F (-22°C) 0.8 in

Iqaluit has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F — from -16°F in February to 47°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.6") and February the driest (0.7").

16.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 51% below the national average of 33.7%. 21.8% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 94.0% of households have broadband internet access. 54.4% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+16.6%
51% below US avg
High School+21.8%
Graduate Degree+8.9%
C Education Grade (2.3/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density373/sq mi
Total Area19.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access94.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute12.4 min
Drive Alone54.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home16.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Iqaluit

What is the population of Iqaluit?

Iqaluit has a population of 7,429 residents and is located in Nunavut. The population density is 373 people per square mile, spread across 19.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.2% male.

Is Iqaluit expensive to live in?

Iqaluit is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.1 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $157,000, 109% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $600,000 (113% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,500 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Iqaluit?

Iqaluit has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 19°F (-7°C). Winter temperatures average -16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 47°F in July. The area receives 152 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 22.5 inches, with 66.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 27.

How is the job market in Iqaluit?

The unemployment rate in Iqaluit is 7.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 16.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Iqaluit?

The median home value in Iqaluit is $600,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,500.

How are the schools in Iqaluit?

16.6% of adults in Iqaluit hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 21.8% have completed high school. 8.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Iqaluit?

The obesity rate in Iqaluit is 26.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.9% of adults are smokers. 76.3% are physically inactive. 4.1% of residents report depression.

What is transportation like in Iqaluit?

The average commute in Iqaluit is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 54.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Iqaluit?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Iqaluit is 87.6% White, 5.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 5.3% Asian. 49.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.9% speak Spanish. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

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