Median Income
$31,250
58% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
647/100K
70% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.1%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$863
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
16.7%
364% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
57.1%
360% higher than US avg
How Old Harbor Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population186
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density11/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 7%
Veterans9.9%
Economy
F
Median Income$31,250
Per Capita$19,207
Unemployment16.7%
Poverty57.1%
County GDP$989M
Commute5 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$95,000
Rent$863
Ownership65.9%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units128
Rent Burden27.8%
Crime
F
Violent647/100K
Property4,157/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured13.2%
Smoking24.4%
Depression19.3%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation1,759 ft (536 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+6.1%
High School+86.7%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute5 min
Broadband91.0%
Libraries4
Is Old Harbor a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Old Harbor receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Old Harbor has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Old Harbor is $31,250, 58% below the national average of $75,149. At 16.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 57.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Old Harbor is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $863 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 647 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 4,157 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
6.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Old Harbor has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Old Harbor has a population of 186 with a density of 11 people per square mile, spread across 26.5 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (91.4%), with 7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.1% of residents, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 73.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Old Harbor vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.1%
11% above US avg
Spanish
12.9%
4% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Old Harbor vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Old Harbor is $31,250, which is 58% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,207 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,170, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 16.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 57.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 475 business establishments, including 49 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Old Harbor vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $31,250 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,207 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,170 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,879 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 16.7% |
| 364% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 57.1% |
| 360% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 475 |
| County GDP | $989M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,383 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.67% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 39.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
The median home value in Old Harbor is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $863 (26% below 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. 65.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 128 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $5,383 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.8% 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 | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $863 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.8% |
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 | 65.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.1% |
| Housing Units | 128 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,383 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.67% |
In Old Harbor, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.6% of residents, above the national average. 35.3% have high blood pressure. 24.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 19.3% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 13.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:710. The dentist ratio is 1:1,817. 99.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Old Harbor vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.3% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.4% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 19.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 41.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.5% |
| Uninsured | 13.2% |
| 53% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:710 |
| Dentists | 1:1,817 |
| Mental Health | 1:233 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 51.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,976/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Old Harbor has a violent crime rate of 647 per 100,000 residents, 70% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,157 per 100,000, 112% above the U.S. average. Overall, Old Harbor receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Old Harbor vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 646.7/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,157.0/100K |
| 112% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Old Harbor has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. 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 1,759 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
54°F Jul (12°C)
| Annual Average | 40.5°F |
| 25% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,759 ft (536 m) |
| Area | 26.5 sq mi (68.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 11/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 57.2188°N, 153.3297°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kodiak Island Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) 298 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Oct)
6.97"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,583 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 27, 2025.
| Dec 6, 1999 |
26 km SSE of Karluk, Alaska |
M7.0 |
63 km |
| Jan 10, 2001 |
47 km S of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M6.9 |
50 km |
| Jul 11, 2000 |
24 km SSW of Larsen Bay, Alaska |
M6.5 |
54 km |
| Dec 7, 1999 |
29 km N of Akhiok, Alaska |
M6.4 |
56 km |
| May 7, 1999 |
129 km SSE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M6.2 |
131 km |
| May 25, 2008 |
122 km SSE of Akhiok, Alaska |
M6.0 |
146 km |
| Mar 30, 2009 |
124 km SSE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.9 |
127 km |
| May 16, 2009 |
136 km SE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.9 |
138 km |
| Apr 9, 2005 |
107 km S of Akhiok, Alaska |
M5.8 |
149 km |
| Nov 6, 2000 |
113 km SSE of Akhiok, Alaska |
M5.8 |
128 km |
| Nov 8, 1998 |
101 km SE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.7 |
103 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
35 km N of Aleneva, Alaska |
M5.6 |
131 km |
| Aug 3, 2003 |
105 km SSE of Akhiok, Alaska |
M5.6 |
123 km |
| Aug 31, 2017 |
61 km NW of Aleneva, Alaska |
M5.6 |
138 km |
| Dec 8, 1996 |
129 km SE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.5 |
131 km |
| Jul 11, 2000 |
23 km SSE of Karluk, Alaska |
M5.5 |
59 km |
| Aug 26, 1999 |
68 km NNW of Karluk, Alaska |
M5.5 |
137 km |
| May 11, 2017 |
69 km SE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.4 |
72 km |
| Mar 3, 1996 |
117 km SSE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.4 |
120 km |
| Dec 7, 2013 |
59 km WSW of Akhiok, Alaska |
M5.4 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 30.0 m (98 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1788 |
ALASKA PENINSULA, AK |
Earthquake |
30.0 m |
— |
31 km |
| 1854 |
KODIAK ISLAND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
2.4 m |
— |
84 km |
| 1970 |
ANDREANOF ISLANDS, AK |
Earthquake |
0.0 m |
— |
46 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Katmai (153 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Katmai |
Stratovolcano |
2,047 m (6,716 ft) |
1912 |
153 km |
| Trident |
Stratovolcano |
1,864 m (6,115 ft) |
1974 |
154 km |
| Martin |
Stratovolcano |
1,863 m (6,112 ft) |
1953 |
161 km |
| Ugashik-Peulik |
Stratovolcano |
1,474 m (4,836 ft) |
1814 |
191 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TWIN CREEKS (3,418 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
TWIN CREEKS |
3,418 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| February |
31°F (-1°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| April |
34°F (1°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| May |
40°F (5°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| June |
46°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
6.6 in |
|
| October |
40°F (5°C) |
7.0 in |
Wettest |
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
6.0 in |
|
Old Harbor has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 29°F in March to 54°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 62.7 inches, with October being the wettest month (7.0") and July the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Old Harbor. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,216 |
| Toddler | $1,054 |
| Preschool | $1,013 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,180 |
| Toddler | $1,071 |
| Preschool | $1,003 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Harbor
What is the population of Old Harbor?
Old Harbor has a population of 186 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 11 people per square mile, spread across 26.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Old Harbor expensive to live in?
Old Harbor 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 $31,250, 58% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $863 per month, below 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 Old Harbor safe?
Public safety is a concern in Old Harbor, with a violent crime rate of 647 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 4,157 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Old Harbor receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Old Harbor?
Old Harbor has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Old Harbor?
The job market in Old Harbor faces challenges, with unemployment at 16.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,170. There are 475 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 5 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Old Harbor?
The median home value in Old Harbor is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $863. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.9%. The average annual property tax is $5,383.
How are the schools in Old Harbor?
Schools in Old Harbor score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.1% of adults in Old Harbor hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.7% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Old Harbor?
The obesity rate in Old Harbor is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.4% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 19.3% of residents report depression. 13.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 99.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:710.
What is transportation like in Old Harbor?
The average commute in Old Harbor is 5 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 39.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Old Harbor?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Old Harbor is 7% White, 91.4% Hispanic or Latino. 87.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.9% speak Spanish. 9.9% of the population are military veterans. 13.5% of residents have a disability. 73.5% have health insurance coverage.