Median Income
$31,429
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,304
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.4%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Kobuk Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population125
Median Age22.1 yrs
Density8/mi²
Male / Female58% / 42%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans68.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$31,429
Per Capita$17,250
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$8,088M
Commute10 min
Housing
F
Rent$1,304
Ownership52.6%
Zillow$253,301
Housing Units52
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K
Health
Obesity42.4%
Uninsured17.4%
Smoking31.6%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease8.4%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain10.7 in/yr
Sunny Days317/yr
Elevation150 ft (46 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+73.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score2.63
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute10 min
Broadband38.0%
Libraries8
Is Kobuk a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kobuk receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Kobuk has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kobuk is $31,429, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 10 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $1,304 per month.
Safety & Crime
With 1,490 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 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Kobuk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -7°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 317 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 10.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Kobuk has a population of 125 with a density of 8 people per square mile, spread across 16.7 square miles. The median age is 22.1 years, 43% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.4% female and 57.6% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.8%), with 3.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 70.1% of residents, while 29.9% speak Spanish. 68.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 77.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
22.1yrs
Median Age
43% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
70.1%
11% below US avg
Spanish
29.9%
123% above US avg
The median household income in Kobuk is $31,429, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,250 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $2,472, 73% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 225 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 10 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 | $31,429 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,250 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $2,472 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,561 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 225 |
| County GDP | $8,088M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,233 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,301. Monthly rent averages $1,304 (12% above 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. 52.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 52 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $6,233 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,304 |
| 12% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
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 | 52.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 52.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 47.4% |
| Housing Units | 52 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,233 |
| 78% above US avg |
In Kobuk, 42.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.4% of residents, above the national average. 39.2% have high blood pressure. 31.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 35.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.6% report depression. 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,743. The dentist ratio is 1:1,544. 6.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kobuk vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.4% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.3% |
| Heart Disease | 8.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.2% |
| Asthma | 13.3% |
| COPD | 10.8% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 31.6% |
| 126% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.1% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 20.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 77.4% |
| Uninsured | 17.4% |
| 102% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,743 |
| Dentists | 1:1,544 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,060 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.3% |
| Dental Visits | 37.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,617/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Kobuk has a violent crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 residents, 292% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Kobuk receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kobuk vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,489.8/100K |
| 292% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,347.8/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kobuk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -7°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 65°F. The area gets 317 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 10.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 4.2 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 150 feet.
Temperature
-7°F Jan (-22°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 22.6°F |
| 58% below US avg |
| January Average | -7°F (-22°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 317 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 150 ft (46 m) |
| Area | 16.7 sq mi (43.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 8/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 66.9234°N, 156.9041°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | North Slope Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
294 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.7"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.32"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 58.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
595 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 20, 2025.
| Mar 6, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M5.2 |
70 km |
| Mar 18, 2020 |
67 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M5.0 |
72 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
northern Alaska |
M5.0 |
70 km |
| Feb 10, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.8 |
70 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
89 km NNE of Ambler, Alaska |
M4.8 |
100 km |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
65 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.8 |
71 km |
| Apr 23, 2019 |
67 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.6 |
73 km |
| Jun 15, 2019 |
66 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
71 km |
| Mar 22, 2010 |
58 km SSW of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
66 km |
| Jul 2, 2019 |
68 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
74 km |
| Apr 18, 1995 |
74 km E of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.5 |
76 km |
| Mar 12, 2019 |
68 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
73 km |
| Jun 4, 2009 |
57 km SSW of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
65 km |
| Mar 27, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
69 km |
| May 9, 2019 |
66 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
71 km |
| Aug 13, 1993 |
30 km ENE of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.4 |
31 km |
| Sep 29, 2011 |
24 km N of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.3 |
23 km |
| Apr 10, 1994 |
10 km SSE of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.3 |
12 km |
| Oct 22, 1997 |
31 km NNW of Hughes, Alaska |
M4.3 |
127 km |
| Jan 4, 2006 |
80 km NW of Ambler, Alaska |
M4.3 |
121 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KERULU CREEK (41,024 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
KERULU CREEK |
41,024 |
90 km |
| 2016 |
MAUNELUK RIVER 2 |
31,354 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
HSL NNW 37 |
27,154 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
SIX MILE |
26,490 |
98 km |
| 2012 |
HOGATZA RIVER |
23,739 |
92 km |
| 2017 |
LOCKWOOD |
21,904 |
31 km |
| 2010 |
KILIOVILIK CREEK |
20,911 |
45 km |
| 1986 |
DCK SW 47 |
16,900 |
80 km |
| 1994 |
DCK SW 50 |
13,180 |
85 km |
| 1988 |
DCK S 25 |
10,697 |
53 km |
| 2005 |
HOLLY LAKES |
10,349 |
62 km |
| 2019 |
MAUNELUK RIVER |
9,847 |
27 km |
| 2019 |
LOCKWOOD HILLS |
8,946 |
71 km |
| 2015 |
SELAWIK RIVER |
8,865 |
58 km |
| 1988 |
832061 |
8,656 |
97 km |
| 2005 |
BEAVER CREEK |
7,379 |
69 km |
| 1992 |
232266 |
7,176 |
70 km |
| 1999 |
PAH FLATS |
6,474 |
57 km |
| 2012 |
NEKAKTE |
6,402 |
84 km |
| 2010 |
RABBIT CREEK 2 |
5,971 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-7°F (-22°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-7°F (-22°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
38°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| June |
54°F (12°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
42°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
-7°F (-22°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Kobuk has a seasonal temperature swing of 65°F / from -7°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and May the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Kobuk. 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 Kobuk
What is the population of Kobuk?
Kobuk has a population of 125 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 8 people per square mile, spread across 16.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 22.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.4% female and 57.6% male.
Is Kobuk expensive to live in?
Kobuk 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 $31,429, 58% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $1,304 per month, above the national average of $1,163.
Is Kobuk safe?
Public safety is a concern in Kobuk, with a violent crime rate of 1,490 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 4,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kobuk receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kobuk?
Kobuk has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 317 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 10.7 inches, with 4.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Kobuk?
The job market in Kobuk is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $2,472. There are 225 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 10 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kobuk?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,304. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 52.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,233.
How are the schools in Kobuk?
Schools in Kobuk have an average test score of 2.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Kobuk hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 73.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kobuk?
The obesity rate in Kobuk is 42.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 31.6% of adults are smokers. 35.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 17.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 6.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,743.
What is transportation like in Kobuk?
The average commute in Kobuk is 10 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kobuk?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kobuk is 3.2% White, 96.8% Hispanic or Latino. 70.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 29.9% speak Spanish. 68.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.5% of residents have a disability. 77.4% have health insurance coverage.
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