Median Income
$92,000
22% higher than US avg
Home Value
$117,000
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$825
29% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
46.3%
44% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.3%
49% lower than US avg
How Point Lay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population288
Median Age18.0 yrs
Density10/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 7%
Veterans97.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$92,000
Per Capita$27,425
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty6.3%
County GDP$744M
Commute5 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,000
Rent$825
Ownership45.6%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units61
Rent Burden11.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K
Health
Obesity46.3%
Uninsured14.6%
Smoking29.7%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain9.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation21 ft (6 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+81.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score2.05
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute5 min
Broadband68.0%
Libraries1
Is Point Lay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Point Lay receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Point Lay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Point Lay is $92,000, 22% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Point Lay is $117,000, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,490 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 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the national average.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Point Lay 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. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 9.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Point Lay has a population of 288 with a density of 10 people per square mile, spread across 32.3 square miles. The median age is 18.0 years, 54% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (91%), with 6.9% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 44.9% of residents, while 55.1% speak Spanish. 97.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 7.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 76.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
18.0yrs
Median Age
54% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Point Lay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
44.9%
43% below US avg
Spanish
55.1%
311% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Point Lay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Point Lay is $92,000, which is 22% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,425 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 5 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Point Lay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $92,000 |
| 22% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,425 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,838 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.3% |
| 49% below 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 | 5.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 16.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Point Lay is $117,000, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $825 (29% 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. 45.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 61 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 11.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,000 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $825 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.3% |
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 | 45.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 45.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.4% |
| Housing Units | 61 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
In Point Lay, 46.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 36.4% have high blood pressure. 29.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.8% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.5% report depression. 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 14.6% 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: Point Lay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 46.3% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.4% |
| Asthma | 13.3% |
| COPD | 8.4% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 4.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.7% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.2% |
| Uninsured | 14.6% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:2,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:90 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.5% |
| Dental Visits | 40.9% |
| Premature Death | 19,918/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Point Lay has a violent crime rate of 1,490 per 100,000 residents, 292% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,348 per 100,000, 122% above the U.S. average. Overall, Point Lay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Point Lay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,489.8/100K |
| 292% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,347.8/100K |
| 122% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Point Lay 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. The area gets 275 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 9.7 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 21 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) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 21 ft (6 m) |
| Area | 32.3 sq mi (83.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 10/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 69.7371°N, 162.8346°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Northwest Arctic Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
522 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.7"
75% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.30"
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)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ARCHIMEDES (1,004 ac, 2013).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2013 |
ARCHIMEDES |
1,004 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-1°F (-18°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| February |
-18°F (-28°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| March |
-13°F (-25°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| May |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| June |
41°F (5°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| July |
51°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
46°F (8°C) |
1.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
37°F (3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| November |
2°F (-16°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| December |
-11°F (-24°C) |
0.3 in |
|
Point Lay has a seasonal temperature swing of 69°F / from -18°F in February to 51°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 6.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.3") and May the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Point Lay. 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 Lay
What is the population of Point Lay?
Point Lay has a population of 288 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 10 people per square mile, spread across 32.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 18.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Point Lay expensive to live in?
Point Lay 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 $92,000, 22% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,000 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $825 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Point Lay safe?
Public safety is a concern in Point Lay, with a violent crime rate of 1,490 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 4,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Point Lay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Point Lay?
Point Lay 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. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 9.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Point Lay?
Point Lay has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. 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 5 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Point Lay?
The median home value in Point Lay is $117,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $825. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 45.6%.
How are the schools in Point Lay?
Schools in Point Lay have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.8% of adults in Point Lay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Point Lay?
The obesity rate in Point Lay is 46.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.7% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 14.6% 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 Point Lay?
The average commute in Point Lay is 5 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 16% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Point Lay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Point Lay is 6.9% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 91% Hispanic or Latino. 44.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 55.1% speak Spanish. 97.0% of the population are military veterans. 7.0% of residents have a disability. 76.2% have health insurance coverage.
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