Median Income
$106,328
41% higher than US avg
Home Value
$264,500
6% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,353/100K
519% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.0%
41% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,610
38% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.1%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.6%
6% lower than US avg
How Kotzebue Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,046
Median Age31.0 yrs
Density125/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 21%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$106,328
Per Capita$42,341
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty11.6%
County GDP$744M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$264,500
Rent$1,610
Ownership43.6%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units1,091
Rent Burden18.9%
Crime
F
Violent2,353/100K
Property2,537/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault1,467/100K
Burglary581/100K
Health
Obesity37.1%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking21.7%
Depression19.7%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp24°F (-4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain11.4 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation79 ft (24 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.0%
High School+93.2%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score2.05
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute7 min
Broadband93.6%
Libraries1
Is Kotzebue a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Kotzebue receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Kotzebue offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Kotzebue is $106,328, which is significantly higher than the national average / 41% above $75,149. This places Kotzebue among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Kotzebue is $264,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,610 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 2,353 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 2,537 per 100,000, 29% above the national average.
Education
20.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Kotzebue has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 24°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.4 inches, including 64.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Kotzebue has a population of 3,046 with a density of 125 people per square mile, spread across 24.4 square miles. The median age is 31.0 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (73.5%), with 20.6% White, 1.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 74.5% of residents, while 25.5% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 80.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.0yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
74.5%
5% below US avg
Spanish
25.5%
90% above US avg
The median household income in Kotzebue is $106,328, which is 41% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,341. The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 148 business establishments, including 5 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $106,328 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,341 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,838 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.6% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 148 |
| County GDP | $744M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 4 |
| Retail | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 21.3% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Kotzebue is $264,500, 6% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,610 (38% 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. 43.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,091 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1984. 18.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $264,500 |
| 6% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,610 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.9% |
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 | 43.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 43.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 56.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,091 |
| Median Year Built | 1984 |
Property Tax
In Kotzebue, 37.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.5% have high blood pressure. 21.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 19.7% report depression. 18.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260. The dentist ratio is 1:2,474. 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Kotzebue vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.1% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.5% |
| Asthma | 12.5% |
| COPD | 6.7% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.7% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 19.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.8% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:2,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:90 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.5% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
| Premature Death | 19,918/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Kotzebue has a violent crime rate of 2,353 per 100,000 residents, 519% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,467.0 per 100,000, robbery at 213.9, rape at 672.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,537 per 100,000, 29% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,436, burglary at 581, vehicle theft at 520 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Kotzebue receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Kotzebue vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,353.3/100K |
| 519% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 672.4/100K |
| Robbery | 213.9/100K |
| Assault | 1,467.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,536.7/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
| Burglary | 580.7/100K |
| Theft | 1,436.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 519.6/100K |
| Arson | 61.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Kotzebue has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 24°F (-4°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. The area gets 274 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 11.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 64.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. 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 79 feet.
Temperature
-2°F Jan (-19°C)
55°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 24.0°F |
| 56% below US avg |
| January Average | -2°F (-19°C) |
| July Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 79 ft (24 m) |
| Area | 24.4 sq mi (63.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 125/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 66.8771°N, 162.5035°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Northwest Arctic Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
437 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.4"
70% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.05"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
582 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 |
94 km |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
29 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
88 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
25 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
94 km |
| Apr 18, 2014 |
22 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
92 km |
| Apr 18, 2014 |
18 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.7 |
92 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
23 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.0 |
93 km |
| Apr 19, 2014 |
23 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M5.0 |
89 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
25 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.9 |
91 km |
| May 3, 2014 |
30 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.9 |
96 km |
| Jul 18, 2014 |
51 km E of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.9 |
86 km |
| Sep 16, 1993 |
35 km WSW of Red Dog Mine, Alaska |
M4.8 |
120 km |
| May 30, 2014 |
29 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.7 |
86 km |
| Apr 19, 2014 |
26 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.6 |
87 km |
| May 5, 2014 |
24 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.6 |
96 km |
| Jun 7, 2014 |
30 km ENE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
93 km |
| May 5, 2014 |
19 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
93 km |
| Aug 17, 2007 |
74 km N of Kiana, Alaska |
M4.5 |
130 km |
| Jun 7, 2014 |
33 km NE of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
96 km |
| Jul 18, 2014 |
60 km E of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
89 km |
| Dec 6, 1994 |
82 km N of Kiana, Alaska |
M4.4 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Imuruk Lake (157 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Imuruk Lake |
Shield(s) |
610 m (2,001 ft) |
300 |
157 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ELI RIVER (14,394 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
ELI RIVER |
14,394 |
83 km |
| 2004 |
UVGOON CREEK |
11,027 |
98 km |
| 1991 |
IAN NW 30 |
10,082 |
72 km |
| 2012 |
OTTER CREEK |
3,854 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
532391 |
2,903 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
CAPE ESPENBERY |
1,575 |
69 km |
| 2019 |
BUCKLAND 1 |
1,536 |
98 km |
| 1995 |
OTZ NE 55 |
1,257 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| March |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| April |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
46°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
55°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
51°F (11°C) |
2.1 in |
Wettest |
| September |
42°F (5°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| December |
0°F (-18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Kotzebue has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from -2°F in February to 55°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.1") and March the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Kotzebue. 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 Kotzebue
What is the population of Kotzebue?
Kotzebue has a population of 3,046 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 125 people per square mile, spread across 24.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Kotzebue expensive to live in?
Kotzebue 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 $106,328, 41% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $264,500 (6% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,610 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Kotzebue safe?
Public safety is a concern in Kotzebue, with a violent crime rate of 2,353 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 2,537 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Kotzebue receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Kotzebue?
Kotzebue has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 24°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.4 inches, with 64.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Kotzebue?
Kotzebue has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,724. There are 148 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Kotzebue?
The median home value in Kotzebue is $264,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,610. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 43.6%.
How are the schools in Kotzebue?
Schools in Kotzebue have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.0% of adults in Kotzebue hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.2% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Kotzebue?
The obesity rate in Kotzebue is 37.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.7% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 19.7% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 3.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,260.
What is transportation like in Kotzebue?
The average commute in Kotzebue is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 21.3% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Kotzebue?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Kotzebue is 20.6% White, 1.3% Black or African American, 73.5% Hispanic or Latino. 74.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 25.5% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 10.8% of residents have a disability. 80.8% have health insurance coverage.
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