Median Income
$88,750
18% higher than US avg
Home Value
$102,100
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
659/100K
73% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.4%
51% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.8%
200% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
29.3%
136% higher than US avg
How Kaktovik Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population153
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density199/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans7.8%
Economy
C
Median Income$88,750
Per Capita$35,050
Unemployment10.8%
Poverty29.3%
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,100
Ownership85.1%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units79
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent659/100K
Property3,840/100K
Health
Obesity48.4%
Uninsured14.4%
Smoking30.8%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp12°F (-11°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain4.5 in/yr
Sunny Days328/yr
Elevation53 ft (16 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+85.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband47.0%
Is Kaktovik a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kaktovik receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Kaktovik offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kaktovik is $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 10.8%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 29.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kaktovik is $102,100, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 659 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 3,840 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Kaktovik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 12°F. Winters average -15°F in January while summers reach 48°F in July. With 328 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 4.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Kaktovik has a population of 153 with a density of 199 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.6% female and 61.4% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (97.4%), with 2.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 64.5% of residents, while 35.5% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 73.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
64.5%
18% below US avg
Spanish
35.5%
165% above US avg
The median household income in Kaktovik is $88,750, which is 18% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,050. The unemployment rate is 10.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 29.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. 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). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $88,750 |
| 18% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,050 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.8% |
| 200% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 29.3% |
| 136% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 10.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Kaktovik is $102,100, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 85.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 79 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,100 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,632 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 85.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.9% |
| Housing Units | 79 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
In Kaktovik, 48.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 39.6% have high blood pressure. 30.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 32.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.1% report depression. 21.3% experience frequent mental distress. 14.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Kaktovik vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.4% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.6% |
| Asthma | 13.8% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.8% |
| 120% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.5% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 19.6% |
| Short Sleep | 42.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.4% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 45.3% |
Food & Exercise
Kaktovik has a violent crime rate of 659 per 100,000 residents, 73% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,840 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. Overall, Kaktovik receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kaktovik vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 658.9/100K |
| 73% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,839.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kaktovik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 12°F (-11°C). Winters average -15°F in January while summers reach 48°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 328 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 4.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.5 inches of snow annually. 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 53 feet.
Temperature
-15°F Jan (-26°C)
48°F Jul (9°C)
| Annual Average | 12.2°F |
| 77% below US avg |
| January Average | -15°F (-26°C) |
| July Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| Sunny Days | 328 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 53 ft (16 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 199/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 70.1215°N, 143.6294°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
383 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
4.5"
88% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
0.87"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
613 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.4 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Jul 3, 2019 |
115 km NNE of Arctic Village, Alaska |
M5.3 |
119 km |
| Apr 28, 2007 |
71 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.9 |
70 km |
| Dec 4, 1993 |
83 km SE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M4.9 |
134 km |
| Jan 14, 2019 |
78 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.9 |
77 km |
| Sep 1, 2013 |
108 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.8 |
107 km |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
57 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.7 |
57 km |
| Jul 3, 2019 |
115 km NNE of Arctic Village, Alaska |
M4.6 |
119 km |
| Feb 20, 2006 |
98 km WSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.6 |
97 km |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
115 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.6 |
115 km |
| Apr 10, 2007 |
69 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.6 |
68 km |
| Jan 9, 2019 |
114 km NNE of Arctic Village, Alaska |
M4.5 |
120 km |
| Mar 11, 2008 |
99 km SE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M4.4 |
138 km |
| Apr 20, 2007 |
66 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.4 |
65 km |
| Jul 17, 1994 |
61 km SE of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
61 km |
| Jul 17, 2013 |
111 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
110 km |
| Jun 24, 2012 |
70 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
69 km |
| Mar 13, 2019 |
75 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
74 km |
| Mar 15, 2022 |
71 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.3 |
70 km |
| Jan 15, 2019 |
74 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
73 km |
| Sep 5, 2013 |
111 km SSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-15°F (-26°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| February |
-19°F (-28°C) |
0.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
-15°F (-26°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| April |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
40°F (5°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
48°F (9°C) |
0.9 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
45°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| September |
35°F (1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| October |
15°F (-9°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
-3°F (-19°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
-11°F (-24°C) |
0.2 in |
|
Kaktovik has a seasonal temperature swing of 67°F / from -19°F in February to 48°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 4.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (0.9") and February the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Kaktovik. 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 Kaktovik
What is the population of Kaktovik?
Kaktovik has a population of 153 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 199 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.6% female and 61.4% male.
Is Kaktovik expensive to live in?
Kaktovik 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 $88,750, 18% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,100 (64% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kaktovik safe?
Public safety is a concern in Kaktovik, with a violent crime rate of 659 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 3,840 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kaktovik receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kaktovik?
Kaktovik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 12°F (-11°C). Winter temperatures average -15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 48°F in July. The area receives 328 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 4.5 inches, with 2.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Kaktovik?
The job market in Kaktovik faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kaktovik?
The median home value in Kaktovik is $102,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. The homeownership rate is 85.1%.
How are the schools in Kaktovik?
Schools in Kaktovik 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 Kaktovik hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kaktovik?
The obesity rate in Kaktovik is 48.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.8% of adults are smokers. 32.5% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 14.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Kaktovik?
The average commute in Kaktovik is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 10.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kaktovik?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kaktovik is 2.6% White, 97.4% Hispanic or Latino. 64.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 35.5% speak Spanish. 7.8% of the population are military veterans. 7.7% of residents have a disability. 73.5% have health insurance coverage.
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