Median Income
$38,125
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,900
66% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.4%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
14.6%
306% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.3%
72% higher than US avg
How Wales Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population286
Median Age20.7 yrs
Density128/mi²
Male / Female62% / 38%
Largest GroupWhite 8%
Veterans0.7%
Economy
D
Median Income$38,125
Per Capita$13,448
Unemployment14.6%
Poverty21.3%
Commute4 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,900
Ownership67.1%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units112
Rent Burden27.8%
Health
Obesity41.4%
Uninsured18.2%
Smoking34.8%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease8.3%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
Rain17.2 in/yr
Elevation177 ft (54 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+84.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute4 min
Broadband67.1%
Is Wales a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wales receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Wales offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wales is $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. At 14.6%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wales is $96,900, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Wales has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.2 inches, including 80.8 inches of snow.
Wales has a population of 286 with a density of 128 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age is 20.7 years, 47% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 37.8% female and 62.2% male. The city is predominantly White (7.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 76% of residents, while 31.9% speak Spanish. 0.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 81.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
286
Total Population
2023 Census
20.7yrs
Median Age
47% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
76.0%
3% below US avg
Spanish
31.9%
138% above US avg
The median household income in Wales is $38,125, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $13,448 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,447. The unemployment rate is 14.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 290 business establishments, including 17 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 4 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,125 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $13,448 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,447 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 14.6% |
| 306% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.3% |
| 72% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 290 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 32 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Wales is $96,900, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 112 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 27.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,900 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
Rental Costs
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 | 67.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.9% |
| Housing Units | 112 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Wales, 41.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.3% of residents, above the national average. 35.9% have high blood pressure. 34.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 33.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.0% report depression. 21.2% experience frequent mental distress. 18.2% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Wales vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.4% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.1% |
| Heart Disease | 8.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.9% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 10.6% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 5.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 34.8% |
| 149% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.5% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 21.2% |
| Physical Distress | 19.5% |
| Short Sleep | 43.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.8% |
| Uninsured | 18.2% |
| 112% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 60.4% |
| Dental Visits | 34.5% |
Food & Exercise
Wales has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average 6°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 17.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 80.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 177 feet.
Temperature
6°F Jan (-15°C)
52°F Jul (11°C)
| Annual Average | 28.0°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | 6°F (-15°C) |
| July Average | 52°F (11°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 177 ft (54 m) |
| Area | 2.2 sq mi (5.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 128/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 65.6132°N, 168.0683°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
586 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
17.2"
55% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.80"
Earthquake History
287 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.8 on Aug 20, 2025.
| Nov 3, 1996 |
89 km SSE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M5.2 |
144 km |
| Aug 9, 1996 |
73 km SE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M5.2 |
106 km |
| May 21, 2011 |
12 km N of Port Clarence, Alaska |
M5.0 |
62 km |
| Aug 9, 1996 |
93 km SE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M4.9 |
111 km |
| Jul 10, 2006 |
30 km W of Diomede, Alaska |
M4.9 |
73 km |
| Jul 9, 2016 |
44 km NNE of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.8 |
89 km |
| Nov 25, 2000 |
107 km NW of Diomede, Alaska |
M4.6 |
145 km |
| Feb 16, 2025 |
33 km SW of Wales, Alaska |
M4.6 |
34 km |
| Feb 3, 2025 |
26 km SSW of Wales, Alaska |
M4.6 |
27 km |
| Jan 16, 2024 |
65 km NE of Teller, Alaska |
M4.5 |
129 km |
| Jul 8, 2006 |
57 km NE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M4.5 |
103 km |
| Apr 25, 2014 |
6 km E of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.4 |
85 km |
| Aug 9, 1996 |
87 km SE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M4.4 |
109 km |
| May 13, 2010 |
37 km NNW of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.4 |
63 km |
| Aug 27, 1996 |
43 km E of Teller, Alaska |
M4.4 |
130 km |
| Oct 22, 2003 |
34 km ESE of Wales, Alaska |
M4.4 |
34 km |
| May 21, 1997 |
15 km NNW of Port Clarence, Alaska |
M4.3 |
56 km |
| Apr 4, 1999 |
47 km S of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M4.3 |
139 km |
| Jul 17, 2016 |
43 km NNE of Brevig Mission, Alaska |
M4.2 |
91 km |
| Apr 7, 2010 |
50 km SSE of Lavrentiya, Russia |
M4.2 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| February |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| March |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
27°F (-3°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
38°F (3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| July |
52°F (11°C) |
1.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
Wettest |
| September |
40°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| December |
6°F (-14°C) |
0.7 in |
|
Wales has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from -2°F in February to 52°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 14.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.8") and February the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wales. 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 Wales
What is the population of Wales?
Wales has a population of 286 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 128 people per square mile, spread across 2.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 20.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 37.8% female and 62.2% male.
Is Wales expensive to live in?
Wales 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 $38,125, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,900 (66% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Wales?
Wales has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average 6°F in January, while summers reach an average of 52°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 17.2 inches, with 80.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Wales?
The job market in Wales faces challenges, with unemployment at 14.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,447. There are 290 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 4 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wales?
The median home value in Wales is $96,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 67.1%.
How are the schools in Wales?
Schools in Wales have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Wales hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wales?
The obesity rate in Wales is 41.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 34.8% of adults are smokers. 33.5% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 18.2% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Wales?
The average commute in Wales is 4 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wales?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wales is 7.7% White. 76% of residents speak only English at home, while 31.9% speak Spanish. 0.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 81.8% have health insurance coverage.