Median Income
$50,833
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$72,500
74% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.0%
88% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$488
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment
18.0%
400% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.8%
156% higher than US avg
How Selawik Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population403
Median Age19.4 yrs
Density204/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 4%
Veterans1.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$50,833
Per Capita$13,528
Unemployment18.0%
Poverty31.8%
County GDP$744M
Commute6 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$72,500
Rent$488
Ownership54.2%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units160
Rent Burden16.7%
Crime
F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured16.3%
Smoking35.1%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease9.2%
Climate
Avg Temp24°F (-4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain11.4 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation5 ft (2 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.0%
High School+66.3%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score2.05
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute6 min
Broadband96.0%
Libraries1
Is Selawik a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Selawik receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Selawik has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Selawik is $50,833, 32% below the national average of $75,149. At 18.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 31.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Selawik is $72,500, 74% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $488 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.4x 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
4.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.3% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Selawik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 24°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.4 inches, including 64.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Selawik has a population of 403 with a density of 204 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age is 19.4 years, 50% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.9% female and 55.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (92.8%), with 3.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 51.8% of residents, while 48.2% speak Spanish. 1.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.4yrs
Median Age
50% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
51.8%
34% below US avg
Spanish
48.2%
260% above US avg
The median household income in Selawik is $50,833, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,528 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 18.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 6 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,833 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,528 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,838 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 18.0% |
| 400% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.8% |
| 156% above 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 | 6.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 9.4% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Selawik is $72,500, 74% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $488 (58% 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. 54.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 160 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1987. 16.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $72,500 |
| 74% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $488 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.7% |
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 | 54.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 45.8% |
| Housing Units | 160 |
| Median Year Built | 1987 |
Property Tax
In Selawik, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.2% of residents, above the national average. 40.7% have high blood pressure. 35.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.9% report binge drinking. 35.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.2% report depression. 22.4% experience frequent mental distress. 16.3% 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: Selawik vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.7% |
| Asthma | 14.3% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 5.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 35.1% |
| 151% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.8% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 22.4% |
| Physical Distress | 21.8% |
| Short Sleep | 44.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 16.3% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:2,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:90 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.6% |
| Dental Visits | 38.1% |
| Premature Death | 19,918/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Selawik 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, Selawik receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Selawik 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 |
Selawik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 24°F (-4°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. The area gets 274 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 11.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 64.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. 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 5 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-2°F Jan (-19°C)
55°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 24.0°F |
| 56% below US avg |
| January Average | -2°F (-19°C) |
| July Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 5 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 4.1 sq mi (10.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 204/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 66.5921°N, 160.0022°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Northwest Arctic Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI) 366 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.4"
70% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.24"
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)
Earthquake History
596 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 20, 2025.
| Mar 6, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M5.2 |
128 km |
| Mar 18, 2020 |
67 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M5.0 |
127 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
northern Alaska |
M5.0 |
127 km |
| Jul 18, 2014 |
51 km E of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.9 |
135 km |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
65 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.8 |
127 km |
| Feb 10, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.8 |
127 km |
| Apr 23, 2019 |
67 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.6 |
129 km |
| Jul 2, 2019 |
68 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
130 km |
| Aug 17, 2007 |
74 km N of Kiana, Alaska |
M4.5 |
116 km |
| Mar 22, 2010 |
58 km SSW of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
107 km |
| Mar 12, 2019 |
68 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
129 km |
| Jun 15, 2019 |
66 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
129 km |
| May 9, 2019 |
66 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
127 km |
| Dec 6, 1994 |
82 km N of Kiana, Alaska |
M4.4 |
128 km |
| Nov 27, 1995 |
50 km E of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
133 km |
| Jul 18, 2014 |
60 km E of Noatak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
130 km |
| Mar 27, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
128 km |
| Jun 4, 2009 |
57 km SSW of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
110 km |
| Jan 4, 2006 |
80 km NW of Ambler, Alaska |
M4.3 |
126 km |
| Apr 10, 1994 |
10 km SSE of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.3 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Imuruk Lake (196 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Imuruk Lake |
Shield(s) |
610 m (2,001 ft) |
300 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KERULU CREEK (41,024 ac, 2003).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2003 |
KERULU CREEK |
41,024 |
76 km |
| 2011 |
FISH RIVER |
32,882 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
DERBY CREEK |
18,722 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
SALMON RIVER |
15,183 |
69 km |
| 1991 |
IAN NW 30 |
10,082 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
TAGAGAWIK |
9,180 |
62 km |
| 2010 |
RABBIT CREEK 2 |
5,971 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
OTTER CREEK |
3,854 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
SOUTH FORK BUCKLAND RIVER |
3,249 |
92 km |
| 2003 |
TAG RIVER |
3,163 |
82 km |
| 1995 |
532391 |
2,903 |
41 km |
| 2019 |
BUCKLAND 3 |
2,838 |
66 km |
| 2009 |
TAGAGAWIK RIVER 3 |
1,877 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
432258 |
1,664 |
49 km |
| 2019 |
BUCKLAND 1 |
1,536 |
72 km |
| 2002 |
SAND |
1,516 |
81 km |
| 1994 |
432250 |
1,280 |
91 km |
| 1995 |
OTZ NE 55 |
1,257 |
86 km |
| 2002 |
TAG RIVER 4 |
1,233 |
91 km |
| 2009 |
CONTINENTAL |
1,209 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| March |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| April |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
36°F (2°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| June |
50°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
55°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
43°F (6°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| October |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
0°F (-18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Selawik has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from -2°F in January to 55°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.2 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.2") and May the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Selawik. 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 Selawik
What is the population of Selawik?
Selawik has a population of 403 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 204 people per square mile, spread across 4.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.9% female and 55.1% male.
Is Selawik expensive to live in?
Selawik 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 $50,833, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $72,500 (74% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $488 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Selawik safe?
Public safety is a concern in Selawik, 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, Selawik receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Selawik?
Selawik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 24°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.4 inches, with 64.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Selawik?
The job market in Selawik faces challenges, with unemployment at 18.0% / significantly above the national rate 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 6 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Selawik?
The median home value in Selawik is $72,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $488. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.2%.
How are the schools in Selawik?
Schools in Selawik have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.0% of adults in Selawik hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 66.3% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Selawik?
The obesity rate in Selawik is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 35.1% of adults are smokers. 35.8% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 16.3% 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 Selawik?
The average commute in Selawik is 6 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, 9.4% use public transit, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Selawik?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Selawik is 3.7% White, 92.8% Hispanic or Latino. 51.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 48.2% speak Spanish. 1.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.