Median Income
$85,750
14% higher than US avg
Home Value
$109,100
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.6%
89% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$765
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
48.5%
51% higher than US avg
Unemployment
17.1%
375% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.1%
10% lower than US avg
How Wainwright Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population612
Median Age29.0 yrs
Density59/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 1%
Veterans3.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$85,750
Per Capita$27,123
Unemployment17.1%
Poverty11.1%
County GDP$744M
Commute6 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,100
Rent$765
Ownership66.1%
Zillow$290,656
Housing Units167
Rent Burden46.3%
Health
Obesity48.5%
Uninsured16.2%
Smoking30.7%
Depression21.0%
Heart Disease7.9%
Climate
Avg Temp15°F (-10°C)
Elevation38 ft (12 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.6%
High School+83.9%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score2.05
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute6 min
Broadband86.5%
Libraries1
Is Wainwright a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wainwright receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Wainwright offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wainwright is $85,750, 14% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 17.1%, unemployment is notably high. 11.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 6 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wainwright is $109,100, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
3.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. School test scores average 2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Wainwright has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 15°F. Winters average -11°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July.
Wainwright has a population of 612 with a density of 59 people per square mile, spread across 10.3 square miles. The median age is 29.0 years, 25% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (5.7%), with 1.1% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 60.4% of residents, while 28.6% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
612
Total Population
2023 Census
29.0yrs
Median Age
25% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Wainwright vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
60.4%
23% below US avg
Spanish
28.6%
113% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Wainwright vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Wainwright is $85,750, which is 14% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,123 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,724, 20% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 17.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.1% of residents live below the poverty line. 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 6 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Wainwright vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,750 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,123 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,724 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,838 |
| Gini Index | 0.421 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 17.1% |
| 375% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.1% |
| 10% below 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 | 5.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 31.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Wainwright is $109,100, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% 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. 66.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 167 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. 46.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,100 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,656 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $765 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 46.3% |
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 | 66.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.9% |
| Housing Units | 167 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
In Wainwright, 48.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.9% of residents, above the national average. 39.6% have high blood pressure. 30.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.9% report binge drinking. 32.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.0% report depression. 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 16.2% 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: Wainwright vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 48.5% |
| 51% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 7.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.6% |
| Asthma | 13.7% |
| COPD | 9.1% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 30.7% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.5% |
| Depression | 21.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 19.5% |
| Short Sleep | 42.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.8% |
| Uninsured | 16.2% |
| 88% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,260 |
| Dentists | 1:2,474 |
| Mental Health | 1:90 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 42.7% |
| Premature Death | 19,918/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 3.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 4 |
Wainwright has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 15°F (-10°C). Winters average -11°F in January while summers reach 46°F in July. The city sits at an elevation of 38 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
-11°F Jan (-24°C)
46°F Jul (8°C)
| Annual Average | 14.8°F |
| 73% below US avg |
| January Average | -11°F (-24°C) |
| July Average | 46°F (8°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 38 ft (12 m) |
| Area | 10.3 sq mi (26.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 59/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 70.6582°N, 159.9852°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Northwest Arctic Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
512 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.22"
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
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.4 on Aug 8, 2025.
| Aug 13, 2014 |
20 km SSW of Barrow, Alaska |
M3.5 |
119 km |
| Mar 28, 2008 |
54 km NNW of Wainwright, Alaska |
M3.4 |
52 km |
| Aug 8, 2025 |
134 km NNW of Wainwright, Alaska |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Feb 14, 2010 |
39 km WNW of Barrow, Alaska |
M3.0 |
118 km |
| Mar 27, 2008 |
50 km NNW of Wainwright, Alaska |
M2.9 |
49 km |
| Feb 17, 2025 |
104 km NW of Barrow, Alaska |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Oct 26, 2013 |
22 km NNW of Barrow, Alaska |
M2.8 |
140 km |
| Mar 28, 2008 |
16 km NNE of Wainwright, Alaska |
M2.6 |
13 km |
| Mar 28, 2008 |
32 km NNW of Wainwright, Alaska |
M2.5 |
32 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-11°F (-24°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| February |
-11°F (-24°C) |
0.2 in |
Coldest |
| March |
-11°F (-24°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
4°F (-16°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
24°F (-4°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| June |
39°F (4°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
46°F (8°C) |
1.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
43°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| October |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| December |
-7°F (-21°C) |
0.2 in |
|
Wainwright has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from -11°F in February to 46°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 5.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.2") and January the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Wainwright. 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 Wainwright
What is the population of Wainwright?
Wainwright has a population of 612 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 59 people per square mile, spread across 10.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Wainwright expensive to live in?
Wainwright 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 $85,750, 14% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,100 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Wainwright?
Wainwright has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 15°F (-10°C). Winter temperatures average -11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 46°F in July.
How is the job market in Wainwright?
The job market in Wainwright faces challenges, with unemployment at 17.1% / 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 6 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wainwright?
The median home value in Wainwright is $109,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. For renters, the median monthly rent is $765. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 66.1%.
How are the schools in Wainwright?
Schools in Wainwright have an average test score of 2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.6% of adults in Wainwright hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 83.9% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wainwright?
The obesity rate in Wainwright is 48.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 30.7% of adults are smokers. 32.5% are physically inactive. 21.0% of residents report depression. 16.2% 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 Wainwright?
The average commute in Wainwright is 6 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 31.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wainwright?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wainwright is 1.1% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino. 60.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 28.6% speak Spanish. 3.0% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 83.8% have health insurance coverage.