Median Income
$61,750
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$234,600
17% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,266/100K
233% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.2%
4% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$934
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.8%
61% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.8%
29% lower than US avg
How Thorne Bay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population475
Median Age45.4 yrs
Density18/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans14.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,750
Per Capita$31,182
Unemployment5.8%
Poverty8.8%
County GDP$294M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$234,600
Rent$934
Ownership58.7%
Zillow$294,630
Housing Units330
Rent Burden16.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,266/100K
Property1,582/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured11.3%
Smoking20.7%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain85.2 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation146 ft (45 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.2%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+3.6%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute18 min
Broadband79.8%
Libraries8
Is Thorne Bay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Thorne Bay receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Thorne Bay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Thorne Bay is $61,750, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Thorne Bay is $234,600, 17% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $934 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.8x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,266 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 1,582 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.2% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Thorne Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 85.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Thorne Bay has a population of 475 with a density of 18 people per square mile, spread across 29.6 square miles. The median age is 45.4 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 4.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93.1% of residents, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 14.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.4yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Thorne Bay vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.1%
19% above US avg
Spanish
6.9%
49% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Thorne Bay vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Thorne Bay is $61,750, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,182 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,052, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 231 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Thorne Bay vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,750 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,182 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,052 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,196 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.8% |
| 29% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 231 |
| County GDP | $294M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,200 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.22% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 39.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.3% |
The median home value in Thorne Bay is $234,600, 17% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,630, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $934 (20% 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. 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 330 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $5,200 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $234,600 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $294,630 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $934 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.1% |
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 | 58.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.3% |
| Housing Units | 330 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,200 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.22% |
In Thorne Bay, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 33.2% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.6% report depression. 18.2% experience frequent mental distress. 11.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:573. The dentist ratio is 1:1,883. 32.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Thorne Bay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.8% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.2% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 33.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.2% |
| Uninsured | 11.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:573 |
| Dentists | 1:1,883 |
| Mental Health | 1:100 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.9% |
| Dental Visits | 55.8% |
| Premature Death | 14,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Thorne Bay has a violent crime rate of 1,266 per 100,000 residents, 233% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,582 per 100,000, 19% below the U.S. average. Overall, Thorne Bay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Thorne Bay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,265.8/100K |
| 233% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,582.3/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Thorne Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 85.2 inches (wetter 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 146 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
58°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 44.3°F |
| 18% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 146 ft (45 m) |
| Area | 29.6 sq mi (76.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 18/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 55.6670°N, 132.5357°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ketchikan International (KTN)
39 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
85.2"
124% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
19.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
90 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.8. Most recent: M4.4 on Jan 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
98 km WSW of Craig, Alaska |
M6.8 |
143 km |
| Jul 12, 2003 |
47 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M5.9 |
148 km |
| Jan 15, 2025 |
91 km S of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.4 |
146 km |
| Apr 29, 2013 |
60 km ENE of Thoms Place, Alaska |
M4.3 |
112 km |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
71 km ENE of Wrangell, Alaska |
M4.2 |
145 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
98 km SW of Edna Bay, Alaska |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Jan 5, 2013 |
102 km WSW of Craig, Alaska |
M4.0 |
145 km |
| Jan 7, 2013 |
95 km SW of Edna Bay, Alaska |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Nov 8, 2009 |
29 km S of Hydaburg, Alaska |
M3.9 |
82 km |
| Jun 28, 2004 |
105 km WSW of Craig, Alaska |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Jan 8, 2013 |
94 km SW of Edna Bay, Alaska |
M3.5 |
145 km |
| Oct 5, 2013 |
97 km SW of Edna Bay, Alaska |
M3.4 |
145 km |
| Nov 6, 2013 |
60 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Jun 29, 2004 |
74 km SW of Craig, Alaska |
M3.3 |
118 km |
| Nov 2, 1997 |
12 km SSE of Kasaan, Alaska |
M3.3 |
29 km |
| Apr 6, 2010 |
34 km SW of Craig, Alaska |
M3.3 |
78 km |
| May 4, 2011 |
99 km WSW of Craig, Alaska |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Nov 8, 2009 |
34 km SSE of Hydaburg, Alaska |
M3.2 |
85 km |
| Jan 5, 2013 |
90 km SW of Edna Bay, Alaska |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Feb 21, 1992 |
17 km SE of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M3.2 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 2013 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.5 m |
— |
137 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Tlevak Strait-Suemez Is. (67 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Tlevak Strait-Suemez Is. |
Volcanic field |
50 m (164 ft) |
Unknown |
67 km |
| Hoodoo Mountain |
Subglacial |
1,850 m (6,070 ft) |
-7050 |
146 km |
| Iskut-Unuk River Cones |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,880 m (6,168 ft) |
1800 |
160 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
12.6 in |
|
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
10.5 in |
Coldest |
| March |
35°F (1°C) |
9.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
8.9 in |
|
| May |
47°F (8°C) |
7.6 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
6.2 in |
|
| July |
58°F (15°C) |
6.0 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
8.4 in |
|
| September |
51°F (11°C) |
12.5 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
19.5 in |
Wettest |
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
14.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (0°C) |
13.8 in |
|
Thorne Bay has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 32°F in February to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 130.4 inches, with October being the wettest month (19.5") and July the driest (6.0").
Average costs for common services in Thorne Bay. 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 Thorne Bay
What is the population of Thorne Bay?
Thorne Bay has a population of 475 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 18 people per square mile, spread across 29.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Thorne Bay expensive to live in?
Thorne Bay 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 $61,750, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $234,600 (17% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $934 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Thorne Bay safe?
Public safety is a concern in Thorne Bay, with a violent crime rate of 1,266 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 1,582 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Thorne Bay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Thorne Bay?
Thorne Bay has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 85.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Thorne Bay?
The unemployment rate in Thorne Bay is 5.8%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,052. There are 231 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 6.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Thorne Bay?
The median home value in Thorne Bay is $234,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $294,630. For renters, the median monthly rent is $934. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,200.
How are the schools in Thorne Bay?
Schools in Thorne Bay have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 35.2% of adults in Thorne Bay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 3.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Thorne Bay?
The obesity rate in Thorne Bay is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 11.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:573.
What is transportation like in Thorne Bay?
The average commute in Thorne Bay is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 39.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Thorne Bay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Thorne Bay is 89.5% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino. 93.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 6.9% speak Spanish. 14.6% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 90.2% have health insurance coverage.
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