Median Income
$52,143
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
871/100K
129% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.3%
40% higher than US avg
How Nulato Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population284
Median Age39.7 yrs
Density7/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 25%
Veterans9.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,143
Per Capita$29,335
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty17.3%
County GDP$744M
Commute6 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Ownership80.8%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units119
Rent Burden21.2%
Crime
F
Violent871/100K
Property2,348/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured13.1%
Smoking28.2%
Depression21.6%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation238 ft (73 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+91.0%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score2.05
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute6 min
Broadband77.0%
Libraries1
Is Nulato a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nulato receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Nulato has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nulato is $52,143, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nulato is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 871 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 2,348 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Nulato has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Nulato has a population of 284 with a density of 7 people per square mile, spread across 43.9 square miles. The median age is 39.7 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (75.4%), with 24.6% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.4% of residents. 9.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.7yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.4%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.6%
73% below US avg
The median household income in Nulato is $52,143, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,335 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. 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 6 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,143 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,335 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,838 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.3% |
| 40% above 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 | 5.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 28.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.3% |
The median home value in Nulato is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 119 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 21.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
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 | 80.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.2% |
| Housing Units | 119 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
In Nulato, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 37.3% have high blood pressure. 28.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 28.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% report depression. 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 13.1% 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: Nulato vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.3% |
| Asthma | 14.0% |
| COPD | 9.4% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.2% |
| 101% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.1% |
| Depression | 21.6% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 19.3% |
| Short Sleep | 40.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.1% |
| 52% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:2,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:90 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.8% |
| Dental Visits | 47.4% |
| Premature Death | 19,918/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Nulato has a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 residents, 129% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,348 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. Overall, Nulato receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nulato vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 870.8/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,348.0/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nulato has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 269 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 21.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). 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 238 feet.
Temperature
-4°F Jan (-20°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 27.9°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | -4°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 238 ft (73 m) |
| Area | 43.9 sq mi (113.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 7/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.6913°N, 158.2754°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Northwest Arctic Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
307 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.60"
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
66 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2006 |
36 km NNE of Koyuk, Alaska |
M4.5 |
132 km |
| May 17, 1999 |
15 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M4.5 |
36 km |
| Sep 13, 1998 |
26 km S of Nulato, Alaska |
M4.2 |
25 km |
| Nov 21, 2000 |
26 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.9 |
28 km |
| Feb 6, 2001 |
31 km W of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.8 |
66 km |
| Aug 25, 2025 |
24 km N of Koyuk, Alaska |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Feb 19, 2023 |
95 km SSE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Oct 22, 2003 |
99 km NNW of Koyukuk, Alaska |
M3.5 |
108 km |
| Jan 22, 1992 |
51 km NE of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M3.5 |
103 km |
| Oct 4, 2000 |
16 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.5 |
34 km |
| Aug 28, 2019 |
10 km NNE of Ruby, Alaska |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Apr 29, 2021 |
20 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.4 |
35 km |
| Jun 23, 2020 |
48 km ENE of Shaktoolik, Alaska |
M3.4 |
99 km |
| Apr 7, 2022 |
49 km NNW of Koyukuk, Alaska |
M3.3 |
63 km |
| Jul 2, 2002 |
27 km SSW of Galena, Alaska |
M3.2 |
58 km |
| May 4, 2022 |
26 km W of Ruby, Alaska |
M3.2 |
106 km |
| Sep 13, 2000 |
6 km WNW of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.2 |
47 km |
| Jan 20, 2004 |
37 km W of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.1 |
72 km |
| May 18, 2013 |
43 km NE of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M3.1 |
108 km |
| Dec 31, 1990 |
89 km NW of Takotna, Alaska |
M3.1 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BONANZA CREEK (241,856 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
BONANZA CREEK |
241,856 |
44 km |
| 2005 |
HOLTNATKATNA CREEK |
204,488 |
93 km |
| 2000 |
YUKON CREEK |
68,820 |
52 km |
| 1990 |
GAL N 38 |
61,375 |
93 km |
| 2002 |
KHOTOL RIVER |
58,025 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
GISASA RIVER |
51,057 |
29 km |
| 2022 |
MUD RIVER |
49,997 |
91 km |
| 2015 |
OLD WOMAN |
46,474 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
COFFEE CAN LAKE |
41,717 |
97 km |
| 2015 |
YUKON CREEK |
39,035 |
45 km |
| 2015 |
NULATO |
35,728 |
15 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE MUD RIVER 1 |
33,500 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
LITTLE MUD RIVER 2 |
33,080 |
80 km |
| 1988 |
831024 |
25,914 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
LOUIS LAKE |
24,323 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
LOUIS LAKE |
22,720 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
BARE MT |
22,514 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
ILLINOIS MINE |
21,968 |
73 km |
| 2005 |
NULATO 3 |
14,707 |
11 km |
| 2015 |
CAMP CREEK |
11,801 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
3°F (-16°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
42°F (5°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
Wettest |
| September |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Nulato has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from -4°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.6") and May the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Nulato. 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 Nulato
What is the population of Nulato?
Nulato has a population of 284 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 7 people per square mile, spread across 43.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.7 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Nulato expensive to live in?
Nulato 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 $52,143, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nulato safe?
Public safety is a concern in Nulato, with a violent crime rate of 871 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 2,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nulato receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nulato?
Nulato has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Nulato?
The unemployment rate in Nulato is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 6 minutes, and 3.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nulato?
The median home value in Nulato is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 80.8%.
How are the schools in Nulato?
Schools in Nulato have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 6.2% of adults in Nulato hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.0% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nulato?
The obesity rate in Nulato is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.2% of adults are smokers. 28.1% are physically inactive. 21.6% of residents report depression. 13.1% 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 Nulato?
The average commute in Nulato is 6 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 28.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nulato?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nulato is 24.6% White, 75.4% Hispanic or Latino. 96.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.6% speak Spanish. 9.6% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
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