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Sanikiluaq, NU

Nunavut

Sanikiluaq is a small town in Nunavut with a population of 1,010. Residents earn $84,000 per year, which is 12% above the national average.

2.9 /5.0
C+ Fair
1,010 Population 24/sq mi density
$84,000 Median Income $35,800 per capita
$147,000 Home Value
$160 Median Rent 4.4% income on rent
25°F Avg Temperature 300 sunny days/yr
C+
Overall
2.9 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C+
Economy
2.5 / 5.0
$84,000 median income, 23.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$147,000 home value, $160/mo rent
F
Education
1.2 / 5.0
2.4% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $84,000
12% higher than US avg
Home Value $147,000
48% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 2.4%
93% lower than US avg
Median Rent $160
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.2%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment 23.7%
558% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 25.4%
105% higher than US avg

How Sanikiluaq Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,010
Median Age21.8 yrs
Density24/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 99%

Economy

C+
Median Income$84,000
Per Capita$35,800
Unemployment23.7%
Poverty25.4%
Commute11 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$147,000
Rent$160
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units230
Rent Burden4.4%

Health

Obesity26.2%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking8.9%
Depression4.1%
Heart Disease9.5%

Climate

Avg Temp25°F (-4°C)
AQI27 (Good)
Rain19.7 in/yr
Sunny Days300/yr
Elevation39 ft (12 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+2.4%
High School+18.3%
Graduate+1.6%

Community

Commute11 min
Broadband94.0%

Is Sanikiluaq a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Sanikiluaq receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Sanikiluaq has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Sanikiluaq is $84,000, 12% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 23.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 25.4% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Sanikiluaq is $147,000, 48% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $160 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

2.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 18.3% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Sanikiluaq has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F. Winters average -6°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. With 300 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 19.7 inches, including 7.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.

Sanikiluaq has a population of 1,010 with a density of 24 people per square mile, spread across 42.4 square miles. The median age is 21.8 years, 44% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly White (99%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 6.9% of residents. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

1,010
Total Population
2021 Census
24
People / sq mi
21.8yrs
Median Age
44% below US avg
42.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.5%
Female 50.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Sanikiluaq vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only6.9%
91% below US avg
Spanish0.5%
96% below US avg
Other Languages92.6%

Social Characteristics

Sanikiluaq vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Sanikiluaq is $84,000, which is 12% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,800. The unemployment rate is 23.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 25.4% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 84.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 11 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Sanikiluaq vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$84,000
12% above US avg
Per Capita Income$35,800

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment23.7%
558% above US avg
Poverty Rate25.4%
105% above US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living84.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time10.6 min
Drive Alone36.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home4.6%

Walkability

The median home value in Sanikiluaq is $147,000, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $160 (86% below the national average of $1,163). There are 230 total housing units in the city. 4.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$147,000
48% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$160
86% below US avg
Rent Burden4.4%

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied13.0%
Renter-Occupied87.0%
Housing Units230

Property Tax

In Sanikiluaq, 26.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 22.1% have high blood pressure. 8.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 10.0% report binge drinking. 76.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.1% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Sanikiluaq vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.2%
18% below US avg
Diabetes5.5%
Heart Disease9.5%
High Blood Pressure22.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking8.9%
36% below US avg
Binge Drinking10.0%
Physical Inactivity76.3%
Depression4.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.0%

Food & Exercise

Sanikiluaq has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winters average -6°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. The area gets 300 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 19.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 7.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27 — among the cleanest air in the country. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 39 feet, near sea level.

Temperature

-6°F Jan (-21°C) 51°F Jul (10°C)
Annual Average24.6°F
54% below US avg
January Average-6°F (-21°C)
July Average51°F (10°C)
Sunny Days300 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall19.7 inches
48% below US avg
Snowfall7.3 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median27.0
RatingGood
Good Days %89.5%

Geography

Elevation39 ft (12 m)
Area42.4 sq mi (109.7 km²)
Population Density24/sq mi
Coordinates56.5411°N, 79.2258°W
TimezoneAmerica/Iqaluit

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -6°F (-21°C) 0.7 in
February -9°F (-23°C) 0.7 in Coldest
March 1°F (-17°C) 0.6 in Driest
April 18°F (-8°C) 0.8 in
May 33°F (0°C) 1.2 in
June 42°F (6°C) 1.9 in
July 51°F (10°C) 2.5 in
August 52°F (11°C) 2.7 in Warmest
September 44°F (7°C) 2.8 in Wettest
October 36°F (2°C) 2.5 in
November 25°F (-4°C) 2.1 in
December 8°F (-13°C) 1.3 in

Sanikiluaq has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F — from -9°F in February to 52°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 19.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (2.8") and March the driest (0.6").

2.4% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 93% below the national average of 33.7%. 18.3% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 94.0% of households have broadband internet access. 36.4% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+2.4%
93% below US avg
High School+18.3%
Graduate Degree+1.6%
F Education Grade (1.2/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density24/sq mi
Total Area42.4 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access94.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute10.6 min
Drive Alone36.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home4.6%

Frequently Asked Questions About Sanikiluaq

What is the population of Sanikiluaq?

Sanikiluaq has a population of 1,010 residents and is located in Nunavut. The population density is 24 people per square mile, spread across 42.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.

Is Sanikiluaq expensive to live in?

Sanikiluaq is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.1 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $84,000, 12% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $147,000 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $160 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Sanikiluaq?

Sanikiluaq has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average -6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 51°F in July. The area receives 300 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 19.7 inches, with 7.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 27.

How is the job market in Sanikiluaq?

The job market in Sanikiluaq faces challenges, with unemployment at 23.7% — significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 11 minutes, and 4.6% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Sanikiluaq?

The median home value in Sanikiluaq is $147,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $160.

How are the schools in Sanikiluaq?

2.4% of adults in Sanikiluaq hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 18.3% have completed high school. 1.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Sanikiluaq?

The obesity rate in Sanikiluaq is 26.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.9% of adults are smokers. 76.3% are physically inactive. 4.1% of residents report depression.

What is transportation like in Sanikiluaq?

The average commute in Sanikiluaq is 11 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 36.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.6% work from home.

What are the demographics of Sanikiluaq?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Sanikiluaq is 99% White. 6.9% of residents speak only English at home. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

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