Median Income
$114,286
52% higher than US avg
Home Value
$448,700
59% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
155/100K
59% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.3%
46% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$2,040
75% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.3%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
73% lower than US avg
How Unalaska Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,430
Median Age38.7 yrs
Density43/mi²
Male / Female69% / 32%
Largest GroupWhite 23%
Veterans3.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$114,286
Per Capita$53,093
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty3.4%
Commute7 min
Housing
A
Home Value$448,700
Rent$2,040
Ownership27.3%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units944
Rent Burden21.8%
Crime
F
Violent155/100K
Property864/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault133/100K
Burglary44/100K
Health
Obesity30.3%
Uninsured12.3%
Smoking14.3%
Depression14.0%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain60.1 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation1,062 ft (324 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.3%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute7 min
Broadband77.5%
Is Unalaska a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Unalaska receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, a high uninsured rate. Unalaska offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Unalaska is $114,286, which is significantly higher than the national average / 52% above $75,149. This places Unalaska among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Unalaska is $448,700, making it a premium housing market at 59% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $2,040 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Unalaska is below the national average at 155 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 864 per 100,000, 56% below the national average.
Education
18.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Unalaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 60.1 inches, including 81.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Unalaska has a population of 4,430 with a density of 43 people per square mile, spread across 212.7 square miles. The median age is 38.7 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 31.5% female and 68.5% male. The city is predominantly White (22.9%), with 4.1% Hispanic, 5.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 35.7% of residents, while 64.3% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 5.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.7yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
35.7%
55% below US avg
Spanish
64.3%
380% above US avg
The median household income in Unalaska is $114,286, which is 52% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $53,093 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 3.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $114,286 |
| 52% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $53,093 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.4% |
| 73% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 51.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.5% |
The median home value in Unalaska is $448,700, 59% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. Monthly rent averages $2,040 (75% 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. 27.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 944 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1990. 21.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $448,700 |
| 59% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $2,040 |
| 75% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.8% |
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 | 27.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 27.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 72.7% |
| Housing Units | 944 |
| Median Year Built | 1990 |
Property Tax
In Unalaska, 30.3% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 31.1% have high blood pressure. 14.3% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 24.8% are physically inactive. 14.0% report depression (below the 20.0% national average). 13.3% experience frequent mental distress. 12.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Unalaska vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.3% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.1% |
| Asthma | 8.1% |
| COPD | 4.6% |
| Cancer | 5.1% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.3% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.8% |
| Depression | 14.0% |
| Mental Distress | 13.3% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.6% |
| Uninsured | 12.3% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 65.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.0% |
Food & Exercise
Unalaska has a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 residents, 59% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 133.0 per 100,000, robbery at 22.2, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 864 per 100,000, 56% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 753, burglary at 44, vehicle theft at 66 per 100,000 residents. Overall, Unalaska receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Unalaska vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 155.1/100K |
| 59% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 22.2/100K |
| Assault | 133.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 864.2/100K |
| 56% below US avg |
| Burglary | 44.3/100K |
| Theft | 753.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 66.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Unalaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winters average 33°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 60.1 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 81.6 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 1,062 feet.
Temperature
33°F Jan (1°C)
52°F Jul (11°C)
| Annual Average | 41.6°F |
| 23% below US avg |
| January Average | 33°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 52°F (11°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,062 ft (324 m) |
| Area | 212.7 sq mi (550.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 43/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 53.9103°N, 166.5290°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
788 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
60.1"
58% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
8.03"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
4,486 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.6. Most recent: M3.0 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Feb 19, 2003 |
92 km SE of Akutan, Alaska |
M6.6 |
127 km |
| Oct 13, 2009 |
127 km E of Nikolski, Alaska |
M6.5 |
132 km |
| Jan 22, 2022 |
71 km S of Unalaska, Alaska |
M6.2 |
75 km |
| Feb 13, 1992 |
59 km S of Akutan, Alaska |
M6.0 |
63 km |
| Jan 26, 2025 |
86 km SSW of Unalaska, Alaska |
M5.6 |
90 km |
| Aug 8, 1996 |
97 km SSW of Unalaska, Alaska |
M5.5 |
102 km |
| May 9, 2001 |
110 km ESE of Akutan, Alaska |
M5.5 |
148 km |
| Oct 15, 2009 |
114 km S of Unalaska, Alaska |
M5.5 |
119 km |
| Mar 1, 2002 |
131 km S of Unalaska, Alaska |
M5.5 |
135 km |
| Jul 9, 2019 |
92 km E of Nikolski, Alaska |
M5.5 |
129 km |
| Oct 19, 1991 |
48 km WSW of Unalaska, Alaska |
M5.4 |
50 km |
| May 25, 2000 |
125 km ESE of Nikolski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
146 km |
| Sep 14, 2019 |
16 km SSW of Akutan, Alaska |
M5.4 |
46 km |
| May 11, 1999 |
65 km SSE of Akutan, Alaska |
M5.4 |
82 km |
| Oct 20, 1991 |
26 km WSW of Dutch Harbor, Alaska |
M5.4 |
28 km |
| Jul 26, 2016 |
116 km S of Unalaska, Alaska |
M5.4 |
121 km |
| Oct 5, 2024 |
85 km SSW of Unalaska, Alaska |
M5.4 |
90 km |
| Apr 4, 1993 |
112 km SE of Akutan, Alaska |
M5.4 |
142 km |
| Jan 10, 2007 |
81 km WSW of Dutch Harbor, Alaska |
M5.3 |
83 km |
| Aug 1, 2022 |
67 km SSE of Akutan, Alaska |
M5.3 |
82 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 0.1 m (0 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1965 |
FOX ISLANDS, ALEUTIAN ISLANDS, AK |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
119 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
8 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Makushin (26 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Makushin |
Stratovolcano |
1,800 m (5,906 ft) |
1995 |
26 km |
| Akutan |
Stratovolcano |
1,303 m (4,275 ft) |
1992 |
43 km |
| Bogoslof |
Submarine |
150 m (492 ft) |
2017 |
98 km |
| Okmok |
Shield |
1,073 m (3,520 ft) |
2008 |
118 km |
| Westdahl |
Stratovolcano? |
1,563 m (5,128 ft) |
1992 |
140 km |
| Recheschnoi |
Stratovolcano |
1,984 m (6,509 ft) |
Unknown |
157 km |
| Fisher |
Stratovolcano |
1,112 m (3,648 ft) |
1830 |
159 km |
| Shishaldin |
Stratovolcano |
2,857 m (9,373 ft) |
2020 |
191 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
33°F (1°C) |
6.0 in |
|
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
6.6 in |
Coldest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
33°F (1°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
38°F (3°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| June |
44°F (7°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| July |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
51°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
5.7 in |
|
| October |
39°F (4°C) |
8.0 in |
Wettest |
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
6.9 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
6.7 in |
|
Unalaska has a seasonal temperature swing of 22°F / from 30°F in February to 52°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 62.4 inches, with October being the wettest month (8.0") and July the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Unalaska. 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 Unalaska
What is the population of Unalaska?
Unalaska has a population of 4,430 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 43 people per square mile, spread across 212.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.7 years. The population is 31.5% female and 68.5% male.
Is Unalaska expensive to live in?
Unalaska 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 $114,286, 52% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $448,700 (59% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $2,040 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Unalaska safe?
Unalaska is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 155 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 864 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Unalaska receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Unalaska?
Unalaska has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 33°F in January, while summers reach an average of 52°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 60.1 inches, with 81.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Unalaska?
Unalaska has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 7.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Unalaska?
The median home value in Unalaska is $448,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. For renters, the median monthly rent is $2,040. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 27.3%.
How are the schools in Unalaska?
Schools in Unalaska have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 18.3% of adults in Unalaska hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Unalaska?
The obesity rate in Unalaska is 30.3% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.3% of adults are smokers. 24.8% are physically inactive. 14.0% of residents report depression. 12.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Unalaska?
The average commute in Unalaska is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 51.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Unalaska?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Unalaska is 22.9% White, 5.4% Black or African American, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino. 35.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 64.3% speak Spanish. 3.8% of the population are military veterans. 5.8% of residents have a disability. 83.6% have health insurance coverage.
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