Median Income
$81,944
9% higher than US avg
Home Value
$184,700
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.6%
86% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,288
11% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.1%
50% higher than US avg
Unemployment
25.4%
606% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.4%
40% higher than US avg
How Point Hope Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population721
Median Age25.3 yrs
Density144/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans2.5%
Economy
C+
Median Income$81,944
Per Capita$24,297
Unemployment25.4%
Poverty17.4%
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$184,700
Rent$1,288
Ownership68.1%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units175
Rent Burden13.8%
Health
Obesity48.1%
Uninsured19.4%
Smoking30.3%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
Rain9.7 in/yr
Elevation17 ft (5 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.6%
High School+78.5%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband80.1%
Is Point Hope a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Point Hope receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Point Hope offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Point Hope is $81,944, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 25.4%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 17.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Point Hope is $184,700, 34% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,288 per month. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
4.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Point Hope has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -1°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.7 inches.
Point Hope has a population of 721 with a density of 144 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age is 25.3 years, 35% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 49.9% male. The city is predominantly White (1.4%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 66.1% of residents, while 41% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 80.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
721
Total Population
2023 Census
25.3yrs
Median Age
35% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Point Hope vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
66.1%
16% below US avg
Spanish
41.0%
206% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Point Hope vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Point Hope is $81,944, which is 9% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,297 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 25.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Point Hope vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $81,944 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,297 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 25.4% |
| 606% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.4% |
| 40% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 12.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.2% |
The median home value in Point Hope is $184,700, 34% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,288 (11% 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. 68.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 175 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 13.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $184,700 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,288 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.8% |
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 | 68.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.9% |
| Housing Units | 175 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
In Point Hope, 48.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 39.7% have high blood pressure. 30.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 32.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.1% report depression. 21.0% experience frequent mental distress. 19.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Point Hope vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.1% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.0% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.7% |
| Asthma | 13.5% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.3% |
| 116% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.1% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 21.0% |
| Physical Distress | 19.3% |
| Short Sleep | 42.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.6% |
| Uninsured | 19.4% |
| 126% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 66.2% |
| Dental Visits | 41.6% |
Food & Exercise
Point Hope has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -1°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 9.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 17 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-1°F Jan (-18°C)
51°F Jul (11°C)
| Annual Average | 22.7°F |
| 58% below US avg |
| January Average | -1°F (-18°C) |
| July Average | 51°F (11°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 17 ft (5 m) |
| Area | 5.0 sq mi (13.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 144/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 68.3442°N, 166.6812°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
569 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.7"
75% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.38"
Earthquake History
216 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 8, 2025.
| Apr 13, 2008 |
54 km SSW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M5.2 |
55 km |
| Feb 21, 2012 |
68 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M5.1 |
69 km |
| Sep 16, 1993 |
35 km WSW of Red Dog Mine, Alaska |
M4.8 |
139 km |
| Mar 12, 2025 |
74 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.8 |
74 km |
| Sep 16, 1996 |
84 km WSW of Kivalina, Alaska |
M4.6 |
115 km |
| Aug 30, 2023 |
123 km SW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.5 |
124 km |
| Feb 22, 2012 |
63 km SSW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.5 |
64 km |
| Feb 19, 2006 |
74 km SW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.4 |
75 km |
| Apr 7, 2012 |
87 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.3 |
86 km |
| Jan 11, 2022 |
68 km WSW of Kivalina, Alaska |
M4.3 |
103 km |
| May 5, 2012 |
71 km SSW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.2 |
72 km |
| Mar 2, 2013 |
88 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.2 |
87 km |
| Mar 24, 2007 |
54 km WNW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.1 |
56 km |
| Jul 20, 1992 |
28 km NNE of Kivalina, Alaska |
M4.1 |
107 km |
| Mar 27, 2014 |
25 km W of Red Dog Mine, Alaska |
M4.1 |
137 km |
| Apr 3, 2013 |
89 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.0 |
88 km |
| Apr 25, 2003 |
37 km W of Red Dog Mine, Alaska |
M3.9 |
126 km |
| Jul 5, 2004 |
60 km SSE of Point Hope, Alaska |
M3.9 |
59 km |
| Mar 1, 2008 |
116 km SSW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M3.8 |
116 km |
| Jan 19, 2006 |
76 km SSW of Point Hope, Alaska |
M3.8 |
77 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TUSIKPAK LAKE (14,554 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
TUSIKPAK LAKE |
14,554 |
25 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-1°F (-18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| February |
-3°F (-20°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| March |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| April |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| June |
37°F (3°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| July |
51°F (11°C) |
1.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
40°F (4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Point Hope has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from -3°F in February to 51°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 8.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.4") and March the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Point Hope. 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 Point Hope
What is the population of Point Hope?
Point Hope has a population of 721 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 144 people per square mile, spread across 5.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 25.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
Is Point Hope expensive to live in?
Point Hope 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 $81,944, 9% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $184,700 (34% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,288 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Point Hope?
Point Hope has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -1°F in January, while summers reach an average of 51°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 9.7 inches.
How is the job market in Point Hope?
The job market in Point Hope faces challenges, with unemployment at 25.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 2.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Point Hope?
The median home value in Point Hope is $184,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,288. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.1%.
How are the schools in Point Hope?
Schools in Point Hope have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.6% of adults in Point Hope hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.5% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Point Hope?
The obesity rate in Point Hope is 48.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.3% of adults are smokers. 32.1% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 19.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Point Hope?
The average commute in Point Hope is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 12.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Point Hope?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Point Hope is 1.4% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 66.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 41% speak Spanish. 2.5% of the population are military veterans. 13.7% of residents have a disability. 80.6% have health insurance coverage.