Median Income
$65,833
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$93,000
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.4%
87% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
24.5%
581% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Shaktoolik Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population293
Median Age28.9 yrs
Density274/mi²
Male / Female50% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans2.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$65,833
Per Capita$18,326
Unemployment24.5%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$181M
Commute3 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$93,000
Ownership92.6%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units88
Rent Burden16.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Uninsured15.8%
Smoking34.6%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease8.7%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation16 ft (5 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.4%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+1.2%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute3 min
Broadband68.0%
Is Shaktoolik a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shaktoolik receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Shaktoolik has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shaktoolik is $65,833, 12% below the national average of $75,149. At 24.5%, unemployment is notably high. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 3 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shaktoolik is $93,000, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. 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
4.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Shaktoolik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F. Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Shaktoolik has a population of 293 with a density of 274 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 28.9 years, 26% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.5% female and 49.5% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (98.3%), with 1.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 78.8% of residents, while 21.2% speak Spanish. 2.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 73.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
28.9yrs
Median Age
26% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shaktoolik vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
78.8%
0% below US avg
Spanish
21.2%
58% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Shaktoolik vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shaktoolik is $65,833, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,326 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $748, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 24.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 121 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 3 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shaktoolik vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,833 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,326 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $748 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $27,423 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 24.5% |
| 581% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 121 |
| County GDP | $181M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 3.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Shaktoolik is $93,000, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 88 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. 16.0% 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 | $93,000 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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
| Homeownership | 92.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.4% |
| Housing Units | 88 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
In Shaktoolik, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.7% of residents, above the national average. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 34.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 34.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.9% report depression. 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Shaktoolik vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 13.2% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 5.0% |
| Stroke | 5.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.6% |
| 147% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.3% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 19.9% |
| Short Sleep | 44.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.1% |
| Uninsured | 15.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:889 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.2% |
| Dental Visits | 29.6% |
| Premature Death | 24,556/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Shaktoolik 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. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Shaktoolik receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shaktoolik 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 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Shaktoolik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. 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 16 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-4°F Jan (-20°C)
54°F Jul (12°C)
| Annual Average | 23.2°F |
| 57% below US avg |
| January Average | -4°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 16 ft (5 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 274/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.3545°N, 161.1935°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kusilvak Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
396 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 100.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
No Rating |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| 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
149 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| May 17, 1999 |
15 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M4.5 |
134 km |
| Jul 6, 2006 |
36 km NNE of Koyuk, Alaska |
M4.5 |
98 km |
| Dec 15, 1997 |
17 km E of Golovin, Alaska |
M4.5 |
74 km |
| Apr 30, 2001 |
22 km SW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.4 |
122 km |
| Jun 16, 2023 |
30 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.3 |
118 km |
| May 18, 1995 |
15 km N of Elim, Alaska |
M4.3 |
69 km |
| Jul 28, 2005 |
18 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.3 |
117 km |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
48 km SW of Buckland, Alaska |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Aug 13, 2002 |
40 km SSE of Solomon, Alaska |
M4.1 |
135 km |
| Jul 21, 1998 |
northern Alaska |
M4.0 |
79 km |
| Jul 31, 1993 |
10 km SSW of Elim, Alaska |
M4.0 |
60 km |
| Sep 18, 2024 |
19 km WSW of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M4.0 |
59 km |
| May 25, 1996 |
9 km SE of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.9 |
82 km |
| Jul 21, 2005 |
8 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M3.9 |
114 km |
| Nov 21, 2000 |
26 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.9 |
142 km |
| Jun 13, 2023 |
29 km WSW of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.9 |
115 km |
| May 25, 1996 |
8 km WNW of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.8 |
99 km |
| Feb 6, 2001 |
31 km W of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.8 |
87 km |
| Jul 12, 2005 |
12 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M3.8 |
112 km |
| Jan 27, 2022 |
53 km S of Elim, Alaska |
M3.7 |
61 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: St. Michael (110 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| St. Michael |
Shield(s) |
715 m (2,346 ft) |
Unknown |
110 km |
| Imuruk Lake |
Shield(s) |
610 m (2,001 ft) |
300 |
167 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
18 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: OLD WOMAN (46,474 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
OLD WOMAN |
46,474 |
85 km |
| 2015 |
KOYUK |
23,101 |
98 km |
| 2013 |
SHAKTOOLIK RIVER |
11,972 |
51 km |
| 2013 |
OLD WOMEN RIVER |
11,045 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
EGAVIK |
10,147 |
47 km |
| 2004 |
ROTO RIVER |
9,395 |
97 km |
| 1997 |
PEACE RIVER |
7,959 |
99 km |
| 2015 |
UNGALIK |
7,557 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
SHAKTOOLIK |
4,937 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
BEAR CREEK |
4,380 |
96 km |
| 1991 |
132225 |
3,516 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
UNALAKLEET RIVER |
3,374 |
69 km |
| 2010 |
TIPOOKTULEARUK RIVER |
3,185 |
97 km |
| 2017 |
RIVER NORTH |
3,108 |
51 km |
| 2019 |
SALMON CREEK |
2,986 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
OLD WOMAN RIVER |
2,679 |
90 km |
| 1984 |
414057 |
1,689 |
98 km |
| 1990 |
UNK SE 10 |
1,108 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
38°F (3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
51°F (11°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| July |
54°F (12°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
45°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| October |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
3°F (-16°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Shaktoolik has a seasonal temperature swing of 58°F / from -4°F in January to 54°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.4") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Shaktoolik. 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 Shaktoolik
What is the population of Shaktoolik?
Shaktoolik has a population of 293 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 274 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 28.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
Is Shaktoolik expensive to live in?
Shaktoolik 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 $65,833, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $93,000 (67% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shaktoolik safe?
Public safety is a concern in Shaktoolik, 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, Shaktoolik receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shaktoolik?
Shaktoolik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 23°F (-5°C). Winter temperatures average -4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Shaktoolik?
The job market in Shaktoolik faces challenges, with unemployment at 24.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $748. There are 121 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 3 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shaktoolik?
The median home value in Shaktoolik is $93,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 92.6%.
How are the schools in Shaktoolik?
Schools in Shaktoolik have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 4.4% of adults in Shaktoolik hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 1.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shaktoolik?
The obesity rate in Shaktoolik is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.6% of adults are smokers. 34.3% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 15.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Shaktoolik?
The average commute in Shaktoolik is 3 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 3.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shaktoolik?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shaktoolik is 1.7% White, 98.3% Hispanic or Latino. 78.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 21.2% speak Spanish. 2.6% of the population are military veterans. 10.6% of residents have a disability. 73.1% have health insurance coverage.
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