Median Income
$76,667
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$85,000
70% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.8%
36% higher than US avg
Unemployment
15.9%
342% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
61% higher than US avg
How Shungnak Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population211
Median Age23.4 yrs
Density26/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 0%
Veterans1.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$76,667
Per Capita$19,264
Unemployment15.9%
Poverty20.0%
County GDP$744M
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$85,000
Ownership95.5%
Zillow$253,301
Housing Units73
Rent Burden21.2%
Crime
F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K
Health
Obesity43.8%
Uninsured16.3%
Smoking34.4%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease8.8%
Climate
Avg Temp26°F (-3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain13.9 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation113 ft (34 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score2.05
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband44.0%
Libraries1
Is Shungnak a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Shungnak receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Shungnak offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Shungnak is $76,667, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. At 15.9%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 20.0% 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 Shungnak is $85,000, 70% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.1x 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
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Shungnak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F. Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 13.9 inches, including 77.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Shungnak has a population of 211 with a density of 26 people per square mile, spread across 9.9 square miles. The median age is 23.4 years, 40% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.3% female and 50.7% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 54.2% of residents, while 45.8% speak Spanish. 1.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 5.7% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
23.4yrs
Median Age
40% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
54.2%
31% below US avg
Spanish
45.8%
242% above US avg
The median household income in Shungnak is $76,667, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,264 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 20.0% 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 4 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.9% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,667 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,264 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,838 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.9% |
| 342% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 20.0% |
| 61% 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 | 3.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 8.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.9% |
The median home value in Shungnak is $85,000, 70% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,301, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 95.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 73 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. 21.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $85,000 |
| 70% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,301 |
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 | 95.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 95.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 4.5% |
| Housing Units | 73 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
In Shungnak, 43.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.8% of residents, above the national average. 40.1% have high blood pressure. 34.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 35.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.9% report depression. 22.6% 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: Shungnak vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.8% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 8.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.1% |
| Asthma | 14.5% |
| COPD | 11.1% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.4% |
| 146% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.7% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 22.6% |
| Physical Distress | 21.7% |
| Short Sleep | 44.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.8% |
| Uninsured | 16.3% |
| 90% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:2,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:90 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.0% |
| Dental Visits | 37.0% |
| Premature Death | 19,918/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Shungnak 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, Shungnak receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Shungnak 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 |
Shungnak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winters average -10°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 70°F. 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 13.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 77.2 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 113 feet.
Temperature
-10°F Jan (-23°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 26.0°F |
| 52% below US avg |
| January Average | -10°F (-23°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 113 ft (34 m) |
| Area | 9.9 sq mi (25.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 26/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 66.8805°N, 157.1500°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Northwest Arctic Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI) 299 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
13.9"
63% 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
593 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 |
63 km |
| Mar 18, 2020 |
67 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M5.0 |
66 km |
| Mar 26, 2019 |
northern Alaska |
M5.0 |
64 km |
| Feb 10, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.8 |
64 km |
| Mar 13, 2025 |
89 km NNE of Ambler, Alaska |
M4.8 |
105 km |
| Apr 16, 2019 |
65 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.8 |
65 km |
| Apr 23, 2019 |
67 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.6 |
67 km |
| Jun 15, 2019 |
66 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
65 km |
| Mar 22, 2010 |
58 km SSW of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
57 km |
| Jul 2, 2019 |
68 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
68 km |
| Apr 18, 1995 |
74 km E of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.5 |
86 km |
| Mar 12, 2019 |
68 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.5 |
67 km |
| Jun 4, 2009 |
57 km SSW of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
57 km |
| Mar 27, 2019 |
64 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
63 km |
| May 9, 2019 |
66 km S of Shungnak, Alaska |
M4.4 |
65 km |
| Aug 13, 1993 |
30 km ENE of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.4 |
43 km |
| Sep 29, 2011 |
24 km N of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.3 |
29 km |
| Apr 10, 1994 |
10 km SSE of Kobuk, Alaska |
M4.3 |
18 km |
| Oct 22, 1997 |
31 km NNW of Hughes, Alaska |
M4.3 |
134 km |
| Jan 4, 2006 |
80 km NW of Ambler, Alaska |
M4.3 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
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 |
79 km |
| 2016 |
MAUNELUK RIVER 2 |
31,354 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
HSL NNW 37 |
27,154 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
HOGATZA RIVER |
23,739 |
98 km |
| 2017 |
LOCKWOOD |
21,904 |
23 km |
| 2010 |
KILIOVILIK CREEK |
20,911 |
35 km |
| 1986 |
DCK SW 47 |
16,900 |
80 km |
| 2015 |
SALMON RIVER |
15,183 |
94 km |
| 1994 |
DCK SW 50 |
13,180 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
DCK S 25 |
10,697 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
HOLLY LAKES |
10,349 |
68 km |
| 2019 |
MAUNELUK RIVER |
9,847 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
LOCKWOOD HILLS |
8,946 |
80 km |
| 2015 |
SELAWIK RIVER |
8,865 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
832061 |
8,656 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
BEAVER CREEK |
7,379 |
80 km |
| 1992 |
232266 |
7,176 |
75 km |
| 1999 |
PAH FLATS |
6,474 |
60 km |
| 2012 |
NEKAKTE |
6,402 |
78 km |
| 2010 |
RABBIT CREEK 2 |
5,971 |
44 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-10°F (-23°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-6°F (-21°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
2°F (-17°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
2.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
42°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| November |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
-5°F (-21°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Shungnak has a seasonal temperature swing of 70°F / from -10°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.2") and May the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Shungnak. 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 Shungnak
What is the population of Shungnak?
Shungnak has a population of 211 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 26 people per square mile, spread across 9.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 23.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.3% female and 50.7% male.
Is Shungnak expensive to live in?
Shungnak 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 $76,667, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $85,000 (70% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Shungnak safe?
Public safety is a concern in Shungnak, 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, Shungnak receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Shungnak?
Shungnak has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -10°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 13.9 inches, with 77.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Shungnak?
The job market in Shungnak faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.9% / 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 4 minutes, and 14.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Shungnak?
The median home value in Shungnak is $85,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,301. The homeownership rate is 95.5%.
How are the schools in Shungnak?
Schools in Shungnak have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Shungnak hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Shungnak?
The obesity rate in Shungnak is 43.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.4% of adults are smokers. 35.7% are physically inactive. 21.9% 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 Shungnak?
The average commute in Shungnak is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 8.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Shungnak?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Shungnak is 100% Hispanic or Latino. 54.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 45.8% speak Spanish. 1.7% of the population are military veterans. 5.7% of residents have a disability. 82.8% have health insurance coverage.