Median Income
$70,278
6% lower than US avg
Home Value
$119,600
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.3%
93% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,028
12% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.9%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
23.9%
564% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.4%
48% higher than US avg
How Kivalina Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population813
Median Age20.7 yrs
Density499/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans2.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$70,278
Per Capita$17,416
Unemployment23.9%
Poverty18.4%
County GDP$603M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$119,600
Rent$1,028
Ownership79.2%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units164
Rent Burden21.1%
Health
Obesity43.9%
Uninsured21.0%
Smoking34.8%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease9.3%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
Rain9.7 in/yr
Elevation12 ft (4 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.3%
High School+77.7%
Graduate+1.9%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband89.6%
Libraries1
Is Kivalina a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kivalina receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Kivalina has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kivalina is $70,278, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 23.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.4% 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 Kivalina is $119,600, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,028 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
2.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Kivalina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -1°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.7 inches.
Kivalina has a population of 813 with a density of 499 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 20.7 years, 47% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41.7% female and 58.3% male. The city is predominantly White (1.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.3% of residents, while 28.1% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 79.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
813
Total Population
2023 Census
20.7yrs
Median Age
47% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.3%
3% below US avg
Spanish
28.1%
110% above US avg
The median household income in Kivalina is $70,278, which is 6% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,416 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,447. The unemployment rate is 23.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 290 business establishments, including 17 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). 1.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $70,278 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,416 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,447 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 23.9% |
| 564% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.4% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 290 |
| County GDP | $603M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,940 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 2.2% |
| Public Transit | 4.8% |
| Work from Home | 1.6% |
The median home value in Kivalina is $119,600, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,028 (12% 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. 79.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 164 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $4,940 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 21.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $119,600 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,028 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
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 | 79.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.8% |
| Housing Units | 164 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,940 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.13% |
In Kivalina, 43.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.3% of residents, above the national average. 40.6% have high blood pressure. 34.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 35.6% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. 21.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:759. The dentist ratio is 1:984. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kivalina vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.9% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.2% |
| Heart Disease | 9.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.6% |
| Asthma | 14.2% |
| COPD | 11.0% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 5.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.8% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.6% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 21.7% |
| Short Sleep | 44.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.0% |
| Uninsured | 21.0% |
| 144% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:759 |
| Dentists | 1:984 |
| Mental Health | 1:89 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.6% |
| Dental Visits | 37.6% |
| Premature Death | 18,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Kivalina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -1°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 12 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-1°F Jan (-18°C)
51°F Jul (11°C)
| Annual Average | 22.7°F |
| 58% below US avg |
| January Average | -1°F (-18°C) |
| July Average | 51°F (11°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 12 ft (4 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 499/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 67.7269°N, 164.5356°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Nome Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
504 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.7"
74% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.33"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.1 / 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 High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
616 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 13, 2025.
| Jun 7, 2014 |
northern Alaska |
M5.8 |
91 km |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
29 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
94 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
25 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
85 km |
| Apr 18, 2014 |
22 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
83 km |
| Apr 18, 2014 |
18 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
78 km |
| Apr 13, 2008 |
54 km SSW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M5.2 |
118 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
68 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M5.1 |
106 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
23 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.0 |
83 km |
| Apr 19, 2014 |
23 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.0 |
87 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
30 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.9 |
90 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
25 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.9 |
87 km |
| Jul 18, 2014 |
51 km E of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.9 |
118 km |
| Mar 12, 2025 |
74 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.8 |
100 km |
| Sep 16, 1993 |
35 km WSW of Red Dog Mine, Alaska |
M4.8 |
43 km |
| May 30, 2014 |
29 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.7 |
95 km |
| Sep 16, 1996 |
84 km WSW of Kivalina, Alaska |
M4.6 |
85 km |
| May 5, 2014 |
24 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.6 |
82 km |
| Apr 19, 2014 |
26 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.6 |
91 km |
| Jun 7, 2014 |
30 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
92 km |
| May 5, 2014 |
19 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
9 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UVGOON CREEK 2 (87,928 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UVGOON CREEK 2 |
87,928 |
91 km |
| 2018 |
TUSIKPAK LAKE |
14,554 |
93 km |
| 2010 |
ELI RIVER |
14,394 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
UVGOON CREEK |
11,027 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
731015 |
7,461 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
TUTAK CREEK |
5,975 |
40 km |
| 2010 |
EVAINGIKNUK |
5,033 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
KIVALINA RIVER |
3,547 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
WULIK RIVER |
1,706 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-1°F (-18°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| April |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
32°F (0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
44°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
51°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
49°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
41°F (5°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
11°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| December |
3°F (-16°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
Kivalina has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from -1°F in January to 51°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 9.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and December the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Kivalina. 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 Kivalina
What is the population of Kivalina?
Kivalina has a population of 813 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 499 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41.7% female and 58.3% male.
Is Kivalina expensive to live in?
Kivalina 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 $70,278, 6% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $119,600 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,028 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Kivalina?
Kivalina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -1°F in January, while summers reach an average of 51°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 9.7 inches.
How is the job market in Kivalina?
The job market in Kivalina faces challenges, with unemployment at 23.9% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,447. There are 290 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 1.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kivalina?
The median home value in Kivalina is $119,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,028. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,940.
How are the schools in Kivalina?
Schools in Kivalina have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 2.3% of adults in Kivalina hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.7% have completed high school. 1.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kivalina?
The obesity rate in Kivalina is 43.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.8% of adults are smokers. 35.6% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 21.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:759.
What is transportation like in Kivalina?
The average commute in Kivalina is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 2.2% of workers drive alone to work, 4.8% use public transit, and 1.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kivalina?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kivalina is 1.2% White. 76.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 28.1% speak Spanish. 2.1% of the population are military veterans. 10.1% of residents have a disability. 79.0% have health insurance coverage.