Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.9%
75% lower than US avg
How Prudhoe Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,971
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density5/mi²
Male / Female75% / 25%
Largest GroupWhite 72%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
Per Capita$104,014
Unemployment0.9%
Commute23 min
Housing
Zillow$290,656
Rent Burden27.8%
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.4%
Depression14.1%
Heart Disease4.3%
Climate
Avg Temp13°F (-10°C)
Rain5.7 in/yr
Elevation22 ft (7 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+98.0%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute23 min
Is Prudhoe Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Prudhoe Bay receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment. Prudhoe Bay has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.9%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Prudhoe Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 13°F. Winters average -15°F in January while summers reach 47°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 5.7 inches, including 35.5 inches of snow.
Prudhoe Bay has a population of 1,971 with a density of 5 people per square mile, spread across 557.1 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 25.2% female and 74.8% male. The city is predominantly White (72.3%), with 5.4% Hispanic, 4.7% Black, 7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75.6% of residents, while 23.7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 6.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,971
Total Population
2023 Census
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Prudhoe Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.6%
4% below US avg
Spanish
23.7%
77% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Prudhoe Bay vs U.S. Average
Per capita income is $104,014 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.9% (below the 3.6% US average). The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Prudhoe Bay vs U.S.
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $104,014 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.9% |
| 75% below US avg |
| |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 7.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.7% |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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
Property Tax
In Prudhoe Bay, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 6.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.3% of residents, below the national average. 27.8% have high blood pressure. 13.4% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 16.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 14.1% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 12.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Prudhoe Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.8% |
| Asthma | 6.8% |
| COPD | 3.4% |
| Cancer | 4.6% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.4% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.5% |
| Depression | 14.1% |
| Mental Distress | 12.3% |
| Physical Distress | 9.3% |
| Short Sleep | 31.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 56.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.7% |
Food & Exercise
Prudhoe Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 13°F (-10°C). Winters average -15°F in January while summers reach 47°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 62°F. Annual precipitation totals 5.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 35.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 22 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-15°F Jan (-26°C)
47°F Jul (8°C)
| Annual Average | 13.2°F |
| 76% below US avg |
| January Average | -15°F (-26°C) |
| July Average | 47°F (8°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 22 ft (7 m) |
| Area | 557.1 sq mi (1,442.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 5/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 70.3659°N, 148.7494°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
384 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
5.7"
85% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.37"
Earthquake History
38 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M3.2 on Jan 13, 2025.
| Aug 31, 1995 |
109 km SSE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M5.1 |
127 km |
| Dec 4, 1993 |
83 km SE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M4.9 |
103 km |
| Feb 20, 2006 |
98 km WSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
115 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.6 |
143 km |
| Mar 11, 2008 |
99 km SE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M4.4 |
118 km |
| Dec 4, 2001 |
79 km SSE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M4.4 |
98 km |
| Aug 31, 1995 |
116 km SSE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M4.2 |
133 km |
| Mar 10, 2019 |
89 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M4.2 |
150 km |
| May 12, 2013 |
81 km SE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M4.1 |
101 km |
| Mar 22, 2006 |
100 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Jul 17, 1999 |
northern Alaska |
M3.9 |
149 km |
| Nov 11, 1995 |
88 km SE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M3.8 |
108 km |
| Sep 14, 1994 |
130 km SSE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Feb 21, 2006 |
101 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M3.7 |
138 km |
| Jun 27, 2003 |
86 km WSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M3.7 |
131 km |
| Mar 20, 2008 |
71 km SE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M3.6 |
91 km |
| Feb 20, 2006 |
75 km ESE of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M3.3 |
95 km |
| Mar 26, 2003 |
77 km SSW of Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
M3.2 |
87 km |
| Feb 20, 2006 |
86 km WSW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jan 13, 2025 |
89 km SW of Kaktovik, Alaska |
M3.2 |
149 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 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-15°F (-26°C) |
0.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-15°F (-26°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
-14°F (-25°C) |
0.1 in |
|
| April |
3°F (-16°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| June |
40°F (4°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
47°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
44°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
35°F (1°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| October |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| November |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| December |
-9°F (-23°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Prudhoe Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 62°F / from -15°F in January to 47°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 5.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.4") and February the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Prudhoe Bay. 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 Prudhoe Bay
What is the population of Prudhoe Bay?
Prudhoe Bay has a population of 1,971 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 5 people per square mile, spread across 557.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 25.2% female and 74.8% male.
Is Prudhoe Bay expensive to live in?
Prudhoe Bay has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100).
What is the weather like in Prudhoe Bay?
Prudhoe Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 13°F (-10°C). Winter temperatures average -15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 47°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 5.7 inches, with 35.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Prudhoe Bay?
The job market in Prudhoe Bay is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.9% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Prudhoe Bay?
Schools in Prudhoe Bay have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 19.5% of adults in Prudhoe Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.0% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Prudhoe Bay?
The obesity rate in Prudhoe Bay is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.4% of adults are smokers. 16.5% are physically inactive. 14.1% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Prudhoe Bay?
The average commute in Prudhoe Bay is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 7.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.7% use public transit, and 3.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Prudhoe Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Prudhoe Bay is 72.3% White, 4.7% Black or African American, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 7% Asian. 75.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 23.7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.8% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.