Median Income
$62,083
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$116,700
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,249/100K
229% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.7%
65% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.4%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.2%
211% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.6%
50% higher than US avg
How Shishmaref Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population462
Median Age33.7 yrs
Density200/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 4%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$62,083
Per Capita$19,226
Unemployment11.2%
Poverty18.6%
County GDP$603M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$116,700
Rent$950
Ownership67.2%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units167
Rent Burden10.5%
Crime
F
Violent1,249/100K
Property1,483/100K
Health
Obesity43.4%
Uninsured16.6%
Smoking37.1%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease9.9%
Climate
Avg Temp23°F (-5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain9.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation6 ft (2 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.7%
High School+86.9%
Graduate+5.9%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband87.7%
Libraries1
Is Shishmaref a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shishmaref receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Shishmaref has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shishmaref is $62,083, 17% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.6% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Shishmaref is $116,700, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,249 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 1,483 per 100,000, 24% below the national average.
Education
11.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Shishmaref 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.
Shishmaref has a population of 462 with a density of 200 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age is 33.7 years, 13% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 39.2% female and 60.8% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (94.8%), with 3.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 68.3% of residents, while 31.7% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 10.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.7yrs
Median Age
13% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Shishmaref vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
68.3%
13% below US avg
Spanish
31.7%
137% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Shishmaref vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Shishmaref is $62,083, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,226 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,447. The unemployment rate is 11.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.6% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 290 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 4 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Shishmaref vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,083 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,226 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,447 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,367 |
| Gini Index | 0.444 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.2% |
| 211% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.6% |
| 50% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 290 |
| County GDP | $603M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,940 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.5% |
The median home value in Shishmaref is $116,700, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% 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. 67.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $4,940 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 10.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $116,700 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 10.5% |
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 | 67.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.8% |
| Housing Units | 167 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,940 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.23% |
In Shishmaref, 43.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.9% of residents, above the national average. 39.9% have high blood pressure. 37.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 36.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.2% report depression. 21.8% experience frequent mental distress. 16.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:759. The dentist ratio is 1:984. 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Shishmaref vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.4% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.9% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 11.8% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 6.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 37.1% |
| 165% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.3% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 21.5% |
| Short Sleep | 46.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.1% |
| Uninsured | 16.6% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:759 |
| Dentists | 1:984 |
| Mental Health | 1:89 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.7% |
| Dental Visits | 34.2% |
| Premature Death | 18,090/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Shishmaref has a violent crime rate of 1,249 per 100,000 residents, 229% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,483 per 100,000, 24% below the U.S. average. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Shishmaref receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shishmaref vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,248.7/100K |
| 229% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,482.8/100K |
| 24% below 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 |
Shishmaref 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 6 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 | 6 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 7.3 sq mi (18.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 200/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 66.2330°N, 166.1253°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Nome Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
530 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
9.7"
75% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.36"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 34.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
339 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.0. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 20, 2025.
| May 21, 2011 |
12 km N of Port Clarence, Alaska |
M5.0 |
101 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
44 km NNE of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.8 |
59 km |
| Jun 18, 2000 |
79 km NW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.7 |
135 km |
| Sep 16, 1996 |
84 km WSW of Kivalina, Alaska |
M4.6 |
122 km |
| Feb 16, 2025 |
33 km SW of Wales, Alaska |
M4.6 |
146 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
26 km SSW of Wales, Alaska |
M4.6 |
137 km |
| Jan 16, 2024 |
65 km NE of Teller, Alaska |
M4.5 |
78 km |
| May 13, 2010 |
37 km NNW of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.4 |
68 km |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
6 km E of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.4 |
101 km |
| Aug 27, 1996 |
43 km E of Teller, Alaska |
M4.4 |
119 km |
| Oct 22, 2003 |
34 km ESE of Wales, Alaska |
M4.4 |
105 km |
| May 21, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Port Clarence, Alaska |
M4.3 |
102 km |
| Jan 11, 2022 |
68 km WSW of Kivalina, Alaska |
M4.3 |
136 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
43 km NNE of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.2 |
61 km |
| Mar 2, 2013 |
88 km S of Point Hope, Alaska |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
65 km NW of Deering, Alaska |
M4.1 |
108 km |
| Jun 29, 2017 |
36 km S of Wales, Alaska |
M4.1 |
137 km |
| Jul 3, 2019 |
49 km S of Shishmaref, Alaska |
M4.1 |
46 km |
| Feb 4, 2025 |
29 km SW of Wales, Alaska |
M4.0 |
142 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
55 km E of Teller, Alaska |
M4.0 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Imuruk Lake (145 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Imuruk Lake |
Shield(s) |
610 m (2,001 ft) |
300 |
145 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PISH RIVER (NORTH AND SOUTH) (3,078 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
PISH RIVER (NORTH AND SOUTH) |
3,078 |
86 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-1°F (-18°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-1°F (-18°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| April |
14°F (-10°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| May |
29°F (-2°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
40°F (4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| July |
51°F (11°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
49°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
42°F (6°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| October |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| November |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Shishmaref has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from -1°F in January to 51°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.4") and March the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Shishmaref. 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 Shishmaref
What is the population of Shishmaref?
Shishmaref has a population of 462 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 200 people per square mile, spread across 7.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 39.2% female and 60.8% male.
Is Shishmaref expensive to live in?
Shishmaref 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 $62,083, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $116,700 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shishmaref safe?
Public safety is a concern in Shishmaref, with a violent crime rate of 1,249 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 1,483 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Shishmaref receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shishmaref?
Shishmaref 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 Shishmaref?
The job market in Shishmaref faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,447. There are 290 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 4.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shishmaref?
The median home value in Shishmaref is $116,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,940.
How are the schools in Shishmaref?
Schools in Shishmaref have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.7% of adults in Shishmaref hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.9% have completed high school. 5.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shishmaref?
The obesity rate in Shishmaref is 43.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 37.1% of adults are smokers. 36.3% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 16.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:759.
What is transportation like in Shishmaref?
The average commute in Shishmaref is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shishmaref?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shishmaref is 3.7% White, 94.8% Hispanic or Latino. 68.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 31.7% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 10.2% of residents have a disability. 76.1% have health insurance coverage.
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