Longyearbyen, Svalbard and Jan Mayen — City Data & Statistics

Bachelor's+ 35.0%

4% higher than US avg

Median Rent $700

40% lower than US avg

Poverty Rate 5.0%

60% lower than US avg

People

Population2,368

Median Age35.0 yrs

Density25/mi²

Male / FemaleN/A

Housing

Home ValueN/A

Rent$700

OwnershipN/A

Climate

Avg Temp20°F (-7°C)

Rain16.1 in/yr

Sunny Days307/yr

Elevation3 ft (1 m)

Education

B+

Bachelor's+35.0%

High School+99.0%

Community

CommuteN/A

Population	2,368
Population Density	25 / sq mi
Elevation	3 ft (1 m)
Coordinates	78.2233°, 15.6469°
Timezone	Arctic/Longyearbyen
Country	🇸🇯 Svalbard and Jan Mayen
State / Province	Svalbard
Average Temperature	20°F (-7°C)
January Average	7°F (-14°C)
July Average	40°F (5°C)
Annual Precipitation	16.1 inches (409 mm)
Annual Snowfall	12.4 inches (32 cm)
Median Age	35.0 years

Is Longyearbyen a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Longyearbyen receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Longyearbyen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

Only 5.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Cost of Living & Housing

Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 35.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 99.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Longyearbyen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 20°F. Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 40°F in July. With 307 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.1 inches, including 12.4 inches of snow.

Longyearbyen has a population of 2,368 with a density of 25 people per square mile, spread across 93.8 square miles. The median age is 35.0 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. 17.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average).

Population

2,368

Total Population

People / sq mi

35.0yrs

Median Age

10% below US avg

93.8mi²

Land Area

Race & Ethnicity

Longyearbyen vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

Other Languages	100%

Social Characteristics

Longyearbyen vs U.S. Average

Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163).

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent	$700
	40% below US avg

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied	60.0%
Renter-Occupied	40.0%

Property Tax

Longyearbyen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 20°F (-7°C). Winters average 7°F in January while summers reach 40°F in July. The area gets 307 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 16.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 12.4 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 3 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

7°F Jan (-14°C) 40°F Jul (5°C)

Annual Average	20.2°F
	63% below US avg
January Average	7°F (-14°C)
July Average	40°F (5°C)
Sunny Days	307 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	16.1 inches
	58% below US avg
Snowfall	12.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

Geography

Elevation	3 ft (1 m)
Area	93.8 sq mi (242.9 km²)
Population Density	25/sq mi
Coordinates	78.2233°N, 15.6469°W
Timezone	Arctic/Longyearbyen

Monthly Weather

Month	Avg Temperature	Precipitation	Summary
January	7°F (-14°C)	1.4 in
February	5°F (-15°C)	1.3 in	Coldest
March	7°F (-14°C)	1.2 in
April	10°F (-12°C)	0.9 in
May	24°F (-5°C)	0.8 in	Driest
June	34°F (1°C)	1.2 in
July	40°F (5°C)	1.8 in	Warmest
August	39°F (4°C)	1.9 in	Wettest
September	31°F (-0°C)	1.5 in
October	21°F (-6°C)	1.4 in
November	14°F (-10°C)	1.4 in
December	9°F (-13°C)	1.4 in

Longyearbyen has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F — from 5°F in February to 40°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.9") and May the driest (0.8").

35.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 4% above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	35.0%
	4% above US avg
High School+	99.0%

B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	25/sq mi
Total Area	93.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions About Longyearbyen

What is the population of Longyearbyen?

Longyearbyen has a population of 2,368 residents and is located in Svalbard and Jan Mayen. The population density is 25 people per square mile, spread across 93.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years.

Is Longyearbyen expensive to live in?

Longyearbyen is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 70 — below the baseline of 100. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163.

What is the weather like in Longyearbyen?

Longyearbyen has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 20°F (-7°C). Winter temperatures average 7°F in January, while summers reach an average of 40°F in July. The area receives 307 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.1 inches, with 12.4 inches of snow.

How much does housing cost in Longyearbyen?

For renters, the median monthly rent is $700.

How are the schools in Longyearbyen?

35.0% of adults in Longyearbyen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 99.0% have completed high school.