Median Income
$62,083
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$131,700
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
2.5%
93% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,271
9% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.4%
45% higher than US avg
Unemployment
24.4%
578% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.5%
25% higher than US avg
How Nuiqsut Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population529
Median Age27.1 yrs
Density61/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans1.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$62,083
Per Capita$35,155
Unemployment24.4%
Poverty15.5%
County GDP$8,088M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$131,700
Rent$1,271
Ownership59.7%
Zillow$290,656
Housing Units136
Rent Burden12.5%
Health
Obesity46.4%
Uninsured11.7%
Smoking29.3%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp13°F (-10°C)
Rain5.7 in/yr
Elevation35 ft (11 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+2.5%
High School+81.1%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score2.63
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute7 min
Broadband62.2%
Libraries8
Is Nuiqsut a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nuiqsut receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, high obesity rates. Nuiqsut has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nuiqsut is $62,083, 17% below the national average of $75,149. At 24.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nuiqsut is $131,700, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,271 per month. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
2.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 2.6/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Nuiqsut has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 13°F. Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 50°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 5.7 inches, including 57.6 inches of snow.
Nuiqsut has a population of 529 with a density of 61 people per square mile, spread across 8.6 square miles. The median age is 27.1 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.9% female and 50.1% male. The city is predominantly White (15.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 42.1% of residents, while 41.9% speak Spanish. 1.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
529
Total Population
2023 Census
27.1yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
42.1%
46% below US avg
Spanish
41.9%
213% above US avg
The median household income in Nuiqsut is $62,083, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,155. The average weekly wage is $2,472, 73% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 24.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.5% 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 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,083 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,155 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $2,472 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,561 |
| Gini Index | 0.443 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 24.4% |
| 578% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% 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) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.73% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 27.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.7% |
The median home value in Nuiqsut is $131,700, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,271 (9% 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. 59.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 136 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. The average annual property tax is $6,233 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 12.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $131,700 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,656 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,271 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 12.5% |
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 | 59.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.3% |
| Housing Units | 136 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,233 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.73% |
In Nuiqsut, 46.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.2% have high blood pressure. 29.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 30.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.3% report depression. 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.7% 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: Nuiqsut vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.4% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.2% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.3% |
| 109% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.4% |
| Short Sleep | 40.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.3% |
| Uninsured | 11.7% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,743 |
| Dentists | 1:1,544 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,060 |
| Checkup Rate | 63.3% |
| Dental Visits | 43.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,617/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 6.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Nuiqsut has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 13°F (-10°C). Winters average -16°F in January while summers reach 50°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 66°F. Annual precipitation totals 5.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 57.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 35 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-16°F Jan (-27°C)
50°F Jul (10°C)
| Annual Average | 13.4°F |
| 75% below US avg |
| January Average | -16°F (-27°C) |
| July Average | 50°F (10°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 35 ft (11 m) |
| Area | 8.6 sq mi (22.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 61/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 70.2135°N, 150.9897°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | North Slope Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
382 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
5.7"
85% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.21"
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
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.2. Most recent: M3.2 on Mar 26, 2003.
| Mar 26, 2003 |
77 km SSW of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M3.2 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ITKILLIK RIVER (2,184 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
ITKILLIK RIVER |
2,184 |
17 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-16°F (-27°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-16°F (-27°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| March |
-14°F (-26°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
42°F (6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
50°F (10°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
44°F (7°C) |
1.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
35°F (2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| November |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
-10°F (-23°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Nuiqsut has a seasonal temperature swing of 65°F / from -16°F in January to 50°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 5.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.2") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Nuiqsut. 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 Nuiqsut
What is the population of Nuiqsut?
Nuiqsut has a population of 529 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 61 people per square mile, spread across 8.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.9% female and 50.1% male.
Is Nuiqsut expensive to live in?
Nuiqsut 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 $62,083, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $131,700 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,271 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Nuiqsut?
Nuiqsut has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 13°F (-10°C). Winter temperatures average -16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 50°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 5.7 inches, with 57.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Nuiqsut?
The job market in Nuiqsut faces challenges, with unemployment at 24.4% / significantly above 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 7 minutes, and 0.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nuiqsut?
The median home value in Nuiqsut is $131,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,271. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.7%. The average annual property tax is $6,233.
How are the schools in Nuiqsut?
Schools in Nuiqsut have an average test score of 2.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 2.5% of adults in Nuiqsut hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.1% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nuiqsut?
The obesity rate in Nuiqsut is 46.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.3% of adults are smokers. 30.7% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 11.7% 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 Nuiqsut?
The average commute in Nuiqsut is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 27.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nuiqsut?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nuiqsut is 15.5% White. 42.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 41.9% speak Spanish. 1.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.0% of residents have a disability. 88.3% have health insurance coverage.