Median Income
$86,250
15% higher than US avg
Home Value
$163,800
42% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,490/100K
292% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
43.9%
30% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,180
1% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.6%
31% lower than US avg
How Unalakleet Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population800
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density281/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 25%
Veterans10.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$86,250
Per Capita$42,786
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty8.6%
County GDP$181M
Commute3 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$163,800
Rent$1,180
Ownership56.3%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units201
Rent Burden11.9%
Crime
F
Violent1,490/100K
Property4,348/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured15.9%
Smoking35.3%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease9.1%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain21.5 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation11 ft (3 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+43.9%
High School+94.7%
Graduate+41.4%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute3 min
Broadband83.2%
Is Unalakleet a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Unalakleet receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Unalakleet offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Unalakleet is $86,250, 15% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The unemployment rate of 5.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 8.6% 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 Unalakleet is $163,800, 42% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,180 per month. At just 1.9x 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
Educational attainment is solid, with 43.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Unalakleet has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Unalakleet has a population of 800 with a density of 281 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54% female and 46% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (74.5%), with 25% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.1% of residents, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Unalakleet vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.1%
2% above US avg
Spanish
19.9%
49% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Unalakleet vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Unalakleet is $86,250, which is 15% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,786. The average weekly wage is $748, 48% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 121 business establishments, including 18 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). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Unalakleet vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $86,250 |
| 15% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,786 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $748 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $27,423 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.6% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 121 |
| County GDP | $181M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 3.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 24.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Unalakleet is $163,800, 42% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,180 (1% above 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. 56.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 201 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1982. 11.9% 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 | $163,800 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,180 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.9% |
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 | 56.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 43.7% |
| Housing Units | 201 |
| Median Year Built | 1982 |
Property Tax
In Unalakleet, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.1% of residents, above the national average. 38.5% have high blood pressure. 35.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 36.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.7% report depression. 22.2% experience frequent mental distress. 15.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Unalakleet vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.2% |
| Heart Disease | 9.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 38.5% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 11.9% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 5.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 35.3% |
| 152% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.1% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.2% |
| Physical Distress | 21.1% |
| Short Sleep | 45.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.4% |
| Uninsured | 15.9% |
| 85% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:889 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.1% |
| Dental Visits | 34.8% |
| Premature Death | 24,556/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 100.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Unalakleet 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, Unalakleet receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Unalakleet 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 |
Unalakleet has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -4°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. The area gets 269 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 21.5 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 11 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-4°F Jan (-20°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 27.9°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | -4°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 11 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 281/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 63.8942°N, 160.7968°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kusilvak Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) 391 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
21.5"
43% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.03"
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
84 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M3.6 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jul 6, 2006 |
36 km NNE of Koyuk, Alaska |
M4.5 |
148 km |
| May 17, 1999 |
15 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M4.5 |
127 km |
| Dec 15, 1997 |
17 km E of Golovin, Alaska |
M4.5 |
117 km |
| May 18, 1995 |
15 km N of Elim, Alaska |
M4.3 |
120 km |
| Jun 16, 2023 |
30 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M4.3 |
149 km |
| Sep 13, 1998 |
26 km S of Nulato, Alaska |
M4.2 |
147 km |
| Jul 31, 1993 |
10 km SSW of Elim, Alaska |
M4.0 |
105 km |
| Sep 18, 2024 |
19 km WSW of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M4.0 |
20 km |
| Jul 21, 1998 |
northern Alaska |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| May 25, 1996 |
9 km SE of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Nov 21, 2000 |
26 km ENE of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Jun 13, 2023 |
29 km WSW of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.9 |
147 km |
| May 25, 1996 |
8 km WNW of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.8 |
138 km |
| Feb 6, 2001 |
31 km W of Kaltag, Alaska |
M3.8 |
85 km |
| Jul 12, 2005 |
12 km SSW of White Mountain, Alaska |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Jan 27, 2022 |
53 km S of Elim, Alaska |
M3.7 |
81 km |
| Aug 8, 2021 |
23 km SSE of Golovin, Alaska |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Sep 28, 1992 |
50 km NNE of Stebbins, Alaska |
M3.6 |
54 km |
| Aug 25, 2025 |
24 km N of Koyuk, Alaska |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Jan 22, 1992 |
51 km NE of Unalakleet, Alaska |
M3.5 |
50 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: St. Michael (82 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| St. Michael |
Shield(s) |
715 m (2,346 ft) |
Unknown |
82 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PAPA WILLIE CREEK (127,133 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
PAPA WILLIE CREEK |
127,133 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
OLD WOMAN |
46,474 |
61 km |
| 2015 |
SISTERS |
31,132 |
72 km |
| 2017 |
TOIK HILL |
16,983 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
NONVALNUK |
12,147 |
100 km |
| 2013 |
SHAKTOOLIK RIVER |
11,972 |
36 km |
| 2013 |
OLD WOMEN RIVER |
11,045 |
51 km |
| 2015 |
EGAVIK |
10,147 |
18 km |
| 2004 |
ROTO RIVER |
9,395 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
GOLSOVIA 3 |
7,772 |
79 km |
| 2013 |
RIDGE TOP |
7,420 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
BEAR CREEK |
4,380 |
60 km |
| 1990 |
032044 |
3,868 |
92 km |
| 1991 |
132225 |
3,516 |
38 km |
| 2018 |
UNALAKLEET RIVER |
3,374 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
RIVER NORTH |
3,108 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
OLD WOMAN RIVER |
2,679 |
59 km |
| 2015 |
HONEYMOON |
2,644 |
73 km |
| 2014 |
THE SISTERS |
2,598 |
72 km |
| 1990 |
UNK SE 10 |
1,108 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-4°F (-20°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
9°F (-13°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| April |
22°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
39°F (4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| June |
51°F (10°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
Wettest |
| September |
44°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| October |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Unalakleet has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from -4°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.7 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.0") and March the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Unalakleet. 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 Unalakleet
What is the population of Unalakleet?
Unalakleet has a population of 800 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 281 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 54% female and 46% male.
Is Unalakleet expensive to live in?
Unalakleet 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 $86,250, 15% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $163,800 (42% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,180 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Unalakleet safe?
Public safety is a concern in Unalakleet, 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, Unalakleet receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Unalakleet?
Unalakleet has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -4°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 21.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Unalakleet?
The unemployment rate in Unalakleet is 5.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $748. There are 121 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 3 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Unalakleet?
The median home value in Unalakleet is $163,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,180. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.3%.
How are the schools in Unalakleet?
Schools in Unalakleet have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 43.9% of adults in Unalakleet hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.7% have completed high school. 41.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Unalakleet?
The obesity rate in Unalakleet is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 35.3% of adults are smokers. 36.1% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 15.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 100.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Unalakleet?
The average commute in Unalakleet is 3 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 24.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Unalakleet?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Unalakleet is 25% White, 74.5% Hispanic or Latino. 80.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.9% speak Spanish. 10.3% of the population are military veterans. 10.9% of residents have a disability. 88.4% have health insurance coverage.