Home Value
$179,200
36% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
349/100K
8% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.0%
97% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.6%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
41.7%
236% higher than US avg
How Northway Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population202
Median Age16.2 yrs
Density1/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 5%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
Per Capita$15,056
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty41.7%
County GDP$1,055M
Commute9 min
Housing
Home Value$179,200
Ownership90.0%
Zillow$363,734
Housing Units109
Rent Burden23.0%
Crime
F
Violent349/100K
Property1,265/100K
Health
Obesity41.6%
Uninsured13.3%
Smoking28.0%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp25°F (-4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain11.3 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation2,215 ft (675 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.0%
High School+67.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute9 min
Broadband50.0%
Libraries3
Is Northway a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Northway receives an overall livability score of 1.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Northway faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 41.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Northway is $179,200, 36% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Northway is below the national average at 349 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,265 per 100,000, 35% below the national average.
Education
1.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Northway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F. Winters average -13°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.3 inches, including 42.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Northway has a population of 202 with a density of 1 people per square mile, spread across 20.4 square miles. The median age is 16.2 years, 58% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (95.5%), with 4.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 79.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
16.2yrs
Median Age
58% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.2%
46% below US avg
Per capita income is $15,056 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,733, 21% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 41.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 257 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $15,056 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,733 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,227 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 41.7% |
| 236% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 257 |
| County GDP | $1,055M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 9.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.5% |
The median home value in Northway is $179,200, 36% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,734, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 90.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 109 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $179,200 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $363,734 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 90.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 90.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 10.0% |
| Housing Units | 109 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
In Northway, 41.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 37.7% have high blood pressure. 28.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.7% report binge drinking. 32.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.5% report depression. 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,742. The dentist ratio is 1:1,755. 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Northway vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.6% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.7% |
| Asthma | 13.2% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.0% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.2% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 19.0% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.4% |
| Uninsured | 13.3% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,742 |
| Dentists | 1:1,755 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.3% |
| Dental Visits | 42.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Northway has a violent crime rate of 349 per 100,000 residents, 8% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,265 per 100,000, 35% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 182 federally declared disasters. Overall, Northway receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Northway vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 348.9/100K |
| 8% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,264.7/100K |
| 35% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 182 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Northway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winters average -13°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 73°F. 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 11.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.9 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 2,215 feet.
Temperature
-13°F Jan (-25°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 24.7°F |
| 54% below US avg |
| January Average | -13°F (-25°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,215 ft (675 m) |
| Area | 20.4 sq mi (52.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 63.0008°N, 141.5413°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Southeast Fairbanks Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
229 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.3"
70% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.83"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
692 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M3.3 on Sep 10, 2024.
| Feb 13, 2017 |
20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
82 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
98 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
110 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.0 |
127 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.0 |
87 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
60 km SW of Alcan Border, Alaska |
M5.0 |
87 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
13 km SSE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.9 |
111 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
15 km SE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.8 |
103 km |
| Feb 23, 2004 |
29 km E of Nabesna, Alaska |
M4.8 |
88 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
Central Alaska |
M4.8 |
87 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
41 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.7 |
149 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
17 km NNE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M4.6 |
86 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
26 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.6 |
134 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
30 km NNW of Nabesna, Alaska |
M4.6 |
91 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
18 km N of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.6 |
113 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
17 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M4.5 |
86 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
33 km NNW of Nabesna, Alaska |
M4.5 |
91 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
29 km N of Nabesna, Alaska |
M4.4 |
87 km |
| Nov 9, 2002 |
Central Alaska |
M4.4 |
107 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
3 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.4 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (169 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
169 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (PORCUPINE) (267,726 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (PORCUPINE) |
267,726 |
77 km |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (GARDINER CREEK) |
125,751 |
9 km |
| 1990 |
TOK RIVER |
95,688 |
67 km |
| 2013 |
CHISANA RIVER |
44,397 |
63 km |
| 1998 |
STP001 |
42,797 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
BLACK HILL |
41,929 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
CHISANA RIVER 2 |
37,941 |
57 km |
| 2019 |
MCARTHUR CREEK |
36,888 |
29 km |
| 1999 |
UPPERWESTFORK |
32,987 |
91 km |
| 1998 |
GARDINER CREEK |
28,824 |
18 km |
| 2021 |
BLACK HILLS |
28,360 |
54 km |
| 2018 |
TAIXTSALDA HILL |
28,055 |
47 km |
| 2015 |
LONG LAKE |
27,670 |
21 km |
| 2009 |
LADUE RIVER |
21,953 |
33 km |
| 2013 |
TETLIN JCT RIDGE |
18,530 |
50 km |
| 2007 |
LADUE |
18,142 |
38 km |
| 1991 |
113349 |
18,047 |
54 km |
| 2019 |
BOUNDARY RIVER |
13,773 |
39 km |
| 1990 |
PORCUPINE |
11,458 |
68 km |
| 1986 |
PORCUPINE |
11,049 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-13°F (-25°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-5°F (-21°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| March |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| May |
41°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
51°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
0°F (-18°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
-11°F (-24°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Northway has a seasonal temperature swing of 73°F / from -13°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.1 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.8") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Northway. 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 Northway
What is the population of Northway?
Northway has a population of 202 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 1 people per square mile, spread across 20.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 16.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Northway expensive to live in?
Northway has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $179,200 (36% below the U.S. median).
Is Northway safe?
Northway is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 349 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,265 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Northway receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Northway?
Northway has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average -13°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.3 inches, with 42.9 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Northway?
The job market in Northway is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,733. There are 257 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 2.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Northway?
The median home value in Northway is $179,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,734. The homeownership rate is 90.0%.
How are the schools in Northway?
Schools in Northway have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 1.0% of adults in Northway hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 67.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Northway?
The obesity rate in Northway is 41.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.0% of adults are smokers. 32.2% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 13.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,742.
What is transportation like in Northway?
The average commute in Northway is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Northway?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Northway is 4.5% White, 95.5% Hispanic or Latino. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 28.2% of residents have a disability. 79.4% have health insurance coverage.
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