Median Income
$44,405
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$223,700
21% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.5%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$648
44% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.2%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.1%
181% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
45% higher than US avg
How Tok Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,490
Median Age48.0 yrs
Density11/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 74%
Veterans16.3%
Economy
C
Median Income$44,405
Per Capita$33,921
Unemployment10.1%
Poverty18.0%
County GDP$1,055M
Commute9 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$223,700
Rent$648
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units766
Rent Burden17.1%
Health
Obesity38.2%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking23.2%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp25°F (-4°C)
Rain10.6 in/yr
Elevation1,641 ft (500 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.5%
High School+94.4%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute9 min
Broadband81.6%
Libraries3
Is Tok a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tok receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Tok has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tok is $44,405, 41% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 18.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tok is $223,700, 21% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $648 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
11.5% 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
Tok has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F. Winters average -12°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 10.6 inches, including 37.6 inches of snow.
Tok has a population of 1,490 with a density of 11 people per square mile, spread across 133.5 square miles. The median age is 48.0 years, 23% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (74.2%), with 4.9% Hispanic, 4% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.6% of residents, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 16.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,490
Total Population
2023 Census
48.0yrs
Median Age
23% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.6%
14% above US avg
Spanish
7.7%
43% below US avg
The median household income in Tok is $44,405, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,921 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,733, 21% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 257 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,405 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,921 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,733 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,227 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.1% |
| 181% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.0% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 257 |
| County GDP | $1,055M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.2% |
The median home value in Tok is $223,700, 21% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $648 (44% 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. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 766 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1994. 17.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $223,700 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,632 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $648 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.1% |
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 | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 766 |
| Median Year Built | 1994 |
Property Tax
In Tok, 38.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 23.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.5% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.6% report depression. 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,742. The dentist ratio is 1:1,755. 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tok vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.2% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 9.0% |
| Cancer | 6.9% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.2% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,742 |
| Dentists | 1:1,755 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.3% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 9,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Tok has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winters average -12°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 71°F. Annual precipitation totals 10.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,641 feet.
Temperature
-12°F Jan (-24°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 24.7°F |
| 54% below US avg |
| January Average | -12°F (-24°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,641 ft (500 m) |
| Area | 133.5 sq mi (345.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 11/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 63.3289°N, 143.0379°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Southeast Fairbanks Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
178 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.6"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.37"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,316 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 10, 2025.
| Oct 22, 1996 |
31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.7 |
116 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
134 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
132 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.4 |
85 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
124 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
103 km |
| Feb 13, 2017 |
20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
92 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
32 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M5.2 |
100 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
41 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.2 |
90 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
56 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
56 km |
| Jan 24, 2003 |
31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
105 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
44 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
87 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.0 |
86 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
60 km SW of Alcan Border, Alaska |
M5.0 |
137 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.0 |
64 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
28 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.0 |
109 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
Central Alaska |
M4.9 |
121 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
43 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
89 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
14 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
127 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (155 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
155 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (BILLY CREEK) (460,537 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (BILLY CREEK) |
460,537 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (CHICKEN) |
322,783 |
64 km |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (PORCUPINE) |
267,726 |
28 km |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (GARDINER CREEK) |
125,751 |
93 km |
| 1990 |
TOK RIVER |
95,688 |
17 km |
| 1998 |
STP001 |
42,797 |
70 km |
| 1999 |
UPPERWESTFORK |
32,987 |
35 km |
| 1998 |
GARDINER CREEK |
28,824 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
BLACK HILLS |
28,360 |
95 km |
| 2018 |
TAIXTSALDA HILL |
28,055 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
MOON LAKE |
27,819 |
34 km |
| 2015 |
LONG LAKE |
27,670 |
77 km |
| 1999 |
MOSQUITO |
26,220 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
LADUE RIVER |
21,953 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
EAGLE TRAIL |
20,203 |
27 km |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (ANOMALY) |
19,692 |
69 km |
| 2013 |
TETLIN JCT RIDGE |
18,530 |
38 km |
| 2013 |
BILLY CREEK |
16,385 |
70 km |
| 2019 |
BOUNDARY RIVER |
13,773 |
68 km |
| 1990 |
PORCUPINE |
11,458 |
27 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-12°F (-24°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-3°F (-19°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| March |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
42°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
0°F (-18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
-10°F (-23°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Tok has a seasonal temperature swing of 71°F / from -12°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.4") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Tok. 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 Tok
What is the population of Tok?
Tok has a population of 1,490 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 11 people per square mile, spread across 133.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 48.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Tok expensive to live in?
Tok 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 $44,405, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $223,700 (21% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $648 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Tok?
Tok has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average -12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 10.6 inches, with 37.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Tok?
The job market in Tok faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,733. There are 257 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 9.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tok?
The median home value in Tok is $223,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. For renters, the median monthly rent is $648. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.5%.
How are the schools in Tok?
Schools in Tok have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.5% of adults in Tok hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.4% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tok?
The obesity rate in Tok is 38.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.2% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,742.
What is transportation like in Tok?
The average commute in Tok is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tok?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tok is 74.2% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 4% Asian. 89.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.7% speak Spanish. 16.3% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 92.3% have health insurance coverage.