Median Income
$113,561
51% higher than US avg
Home Value
$338,900
20% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
2,744/100K
622% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.4%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,567
35% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.8%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.1%
69% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Nome Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,668
Median Age31.6 yrs
Density288/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 27%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$113,561
Per Capita$44,793
Unemployment6.1%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$603M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$338,900
Rent$1,567
Ownership48.9%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units1,495
Rent Burden21.5%
Crime
F
Violent2,744/100K
Property1,359/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault1,205/100K
Burglary359/100K
Health
Obesity32.8%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.4%
Depression19.2%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain17.2 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation49 ft (15 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.4%
High School+92.3%
Graduate+12.6%
School Score4.16
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute7 min
Broadband91.1%
Libraries1
Is Nome a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nome 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, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Nome offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nome is $113,561, which is significantly higher than the national average / 51% above $75,149. This places Nome among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 6.1% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate 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 Nome is $338,900, 20% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,567 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 2,744 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 1,359 per 100,000, 31% below the national average.
Education
24.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Nome has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 17.2 inches, including 80.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Nome has a population of 3,668 with a density of 288 people per square mile, spread across 21.6 square miles. The median age is 31.6 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (62.8%), with 27.1% White, 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 81.4% of residents, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 87.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.6yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
81.4%
4% above US avg
Spanish
18.6%
39% above US avg
The median household income in Nome is $113,561, which is 51% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,793 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,447. The unemployment rate is 6.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $113,561 |
| 51% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,793 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,447 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.1% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below 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 | 1.46% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 48.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Nome is $338,900, 20% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,567 (35% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,334 for a one-bedroom to $1,533 for a two-bedroom apartment. 48.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,495 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). 21.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $338,900 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,567 |
| 35% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,227 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,334 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,533 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,132 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,525 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 48.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,495 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,940 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.46% |
In Nome, 32.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.2% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 19.2% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Nome vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 19.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.2% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:759 |
| Dentists | 1:984 |
| Mental Health | 1:89 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.2% |
| Dental Visits | 56.9% |
| Premature Death | 18,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Nome has a violent crime rate of 2,744 per 100,000 residents, 622% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,205.4 per 100,000, robbery at 25.7, rape at 1,513.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,359 per 100,000, 31% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 821, burglary at 359, vehicle theft at 180 per 100,000 residents. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Nome receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nome vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,744.3/100K |
| 622% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 1,513.2/100K |
| Robbery | 25.7/100K |
| Assault | 1,205.4/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,359.3/100K |
| 31% below US avg |
| Burglary | 359.1/100K |
| Theft | 820.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 179.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nome has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 52°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 17.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 80.8 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 49 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-15°C)
52°F Jul (11°C)
| Annual Average | 28.0°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 49 ft (15 m) |
| Area | 21.6 sq mi (56.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 288/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.5057°N, 165.4153°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Nome Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI) 518 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.2"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
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
289 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M3.0 on Jun 15, 2025.
| May 21, 2011 |
12 km N of Port Clarence, Alaska |
M5.0 |
118 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
44 km NNE of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.8 |
137 km |
| Jun 18, 2000 |
79 km NW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.7 |
99 km |
| Aug 30, 1992 |
27 km NNW of Nome, Alaska |
M4.7 |
27 km |
| Jan 16, 2024 |
65 km NE of Teller, Alaska |
M4.5 |
125 km |
| Dec 15, 1997 |
17 km E of Golovin, Alaska |
M4.5 |
131 km |
| Jul 14, 1997 |
46 km NNW of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.4 |
60 km |
| Oct 22, 2003 |
34 km ESE of Wales, Alaska |
M4.4 |
142 km |
| May 13, 2010 |
37 km NNW of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.4 |
142 km |
| Apr 30, 2001 |
22 km SW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.4 |
82 km |
| Aug 27, 1996 |
43 km E of Teller, Alaska |
M4.4 |
78 km |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
6 km E of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.4 |
102 km |
| May 21, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Port Clarence, Alaska |
M4.3 |
123 km |
| Jun 16, 2023 |
30 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.3 |
86 km |
| Jul 28, 2005 |
18 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.3 |
87 km |
| Mar 8, 2015 |
49 km S of Nome, Alaska |
M4.3 |
50 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
43 km NNE of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Apr 21, 1994 |
33 km NNW of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.2 |
44 km |
| Aug 13, 2002 |
40 km SSE of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.1 |
74 km |
| Mar 4, 1990 |
9 km SW of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.1 |
41 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Imuruk Lake (146 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Imuruk Lake |
Shield(s) |
610 m (2,001 ft) |
300 |
146 km |
| St. Michael |
Shield(s) |
715 m (2,346 ft) |
Unknown |
199 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OME NW 60 (3,539 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
OME NW 60 |
3,539 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
BIRCH CREEK |
2,537 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
QUARTZ CREEK 2 |
2,274 |
96 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| February |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| March |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| April |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
34°F (1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
47°F (8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
50°F (10°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
17°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
8°F (-14°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Nome has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 5°F in February to 52°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 16.9 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.3") and March the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Nome. 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 Nome
What is the population of Nome?
Nome has a population of 3,668 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 288 people per square mile, spread across 21.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Nome expensive to live in?
Nome 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 $113,561, 51% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $338,900 (20% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,567 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nome safe?
Public safety is a concern in Nome, with a violent crime rate of 2,744 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 1,359 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Nome receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nome?
Nome has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 52°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 17.2 inches, with 80.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Nome?
The unemployment rate in Nome is 6.1%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 7 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nome?
The median home value in Nome is $338,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,567. Fair market rent is $1,334 for a 1-bedroom and $1,533 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.9%. The average annual property tax is $4,940.
How are the schools in Nome?
Schools in Nome have an average test score of 4.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 24.4% of adults in Nome hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.3% have completed high school. 12.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nome?
The obesity rate in Nome is 32.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 19.2% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:759.
What is transportation like in Nome?
The average commute in Nome is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 48.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nome?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nome is 27.1% White, 2.8% Black or African American, 62.8% Hispanic or Latino. 81.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.6% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 9.0% of residents have a disability. 87.2% have health insurance coverage.