Median Income
$32,500
57% lower than US avg
Home Value
$241,700
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,266/100K
233% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
42.0%
25% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.0%
122% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
22.2%
79% higher than US avg
How Whale Pass Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population64
Median Age61.0 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans50.0%
Economy
D
Median Income$32,500
Per Capita$19,689
Unemployment8.0%
Poverty22.2%
County GDP$294M
Housing
C
Home Value$241,700
Ownership66.7%
Zillow$366,597
Housing Units95
Rent Burden22.1%
Crime
F
Violent1,266/100K
Property1,582/100K
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking19.5%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain82.3 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation355 ft (108 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+42.0%
High School+78.0%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband24.0%
Libraries8
Is Whale Pass a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Whale Pass receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Whale Pass has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Whale Pass is $32,500, 57% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.0%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 22.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Whale Pass is $241,700, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. With a home price-to-income ratio of 7.4x, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many families.
Safety & Crime
With 1,266 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 1,582 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 42.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 78.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Whale Pass has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 82.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Whale Pass has a population of 64 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 36.7 square miles. The median age is 61.0 years, 57% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 50.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
61.0yrs
Median Age
57% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Whale Pass vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Whale Pass vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Whale Pass is $32,500, which is 57% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,689 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,052, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 231 business establishments, including 29 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 81.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Whale Pass vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $32,500 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,689 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,052 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,196 |
| Gini Index | 0.425 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.0% |
| 122% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.2% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 231 |
| County GDP | $294M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 29 |
| Healthcare | 17 |
| Retail | 24 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,200 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 81.3% |
The median home value in Whale Pass is $241,700, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,597, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 66.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 95 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2000. The average annual property tax is $5,200 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 7.4x, making homeownership a significant financial stretch for most families.
Home Values
| Census Median | $241,700 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $366,597 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
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 | 66.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 66.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.3% |
| Housing Units | 95 |
| Median Year Built | 2000 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,200 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.15% |
In Whale Pass, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.4% of residents, above the national average. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.6% report binge drinking. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:573. The dentist ratio is 1:1,883. 32.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Whale Pass vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.5% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.5% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:573 |
| Dentists | 1:1,883 |
| Mental Health | 1:100 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.9% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,378/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 17 |
Whale Pass has a violent crime rate of 1,266 per 100,000 residents, 233% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,582 per 100,000, 19% below the U.S. average. Overall, Whale Pass receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Whale Pass vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,265.8/100K |
| 233% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,582.3/100K |
| 19% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Whale Pass has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 82.3 inches (wetter 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 355 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (1°C)
54°F Jul (12°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 54°F (12°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 355 ft (108 m) |
| Area | 36.7 sq mi (94.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 3/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 56.0821°N, 133.0675°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ketchikan International (KTN)
73 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
82.3"
117% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
21.26"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 92.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 44.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
286 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 5, 2025.
| Jan 5, 2013 |
110 km SW of Edna Bay, Alaska |
M7.5 |
147 km |
| Jun 28, 2004 |
98 km WSW of Craig, Alaska |
M6.8 |
145 km |
| Jan 31, 2013 |
92 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M5.9 |
139 km |
| Jul 12, 2003 |
47 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M5.9 |
116 km |
| Jan 8, 2013 |
98 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.9 |
143 km |
| Mar 9, 2019 |
Southeastern Alaska |
M4.8 |
146 km |
| Jan 5, 2013 |
79 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.7 |
143 km |
| Jan 5, 2013 |
off the coast of Southeastern Alaska |
M4.7 |
142 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
Southeastern Alaska |
M4.7 |
140 km |
| Jan 6, 2013 |
67 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.5 |
138 km |
| Jul 9, 2001 |
27 km W of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.5 |
126 km |
| May 27, 2013 |
84 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.4 |
136 km |
| Jan 15, 2025 |
91 km S of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.4 |
131 km |
| Jul 4, 2019 |
94 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.3 |
147 km |
| Jan 8, 2013 |
51 km WSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.3 |
143 km |
| Apr 29, 2013 |
60 km ENE of Thoms Place, Alaska |
M4.3 |
117 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
84 km SSW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.3 |
140 km |
| Jan 9, 2013 |
98 km SW of Edna Bay, Alaska |
M4.2 |
136 km |
| Sep 7, 2004 |
71 km ENE of Wrangell, Alaska |
M4.2 |
131 km |
| Oct 23, 1995 |
44 km SW of Port Alexander, Alaska |
M4.2 |
133 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.5 m (5 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 2013 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.5 m |
— |
125 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Tlevak Strait-Suemez Is. (94 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Tlevak Strait-Suemez Is. |
Volcanic field |
50 m (164 ft) |
Unknown |
94 km |
| Hoodoo Mountain |
Subglacial |
1,850 m (6,070 ft) |
-7050 |
135 km |
| Iskut-Unuk River Cones |
Pyroclastic cone(s) |
1,880 m (6,168 ft) |
1800 |
165 km |
| Edgecumbe |
Stratovolcano(es) |
970 m (3,182 ft) |
-2220 |
196 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (1°C) |
13.7 in |
|
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
11.2 in |
|
| March |
36°F (2°C) |
10.2 in |
|
| April |
41°F (5°C) |
8.9 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
8.0 in |
|
| June |
53°F (12°C) |
6.4 in |
|
| July |
54°F (12°C) |
6.3 in |
Driest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
8.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
52°F (11°C) |
14.1 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
21.3 in |
Wettest |
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
15.6 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
14.8 in |
Coldest |
Whale Pass has a seasonal temperature swing of 23°F / from 33°F in December to 57°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 139.4 inches, with October being the wettest month (21.3") and July the driest (6.3").
Average costs for common services in Whale Pass. 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 Whale Pass
What is the population of Whale Pass?
Whale Pass has a population of 64 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 36.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 61.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Whale Pass expensive to live in?
Whale Pass 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 $32,500, 57% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $241,700 (14% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Whale Pass safe?
Public safety is a concern in Whale Pass, with a violent crime rate of 1,266 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 1,582 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Whale Pass receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Whale Pass?
Whale Pass has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 82.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Whale Pass?
The job market in Whale Pass faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,052. There are 231 business establishments in the area, including 29 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Whale Pass?
The median home value in Whale Pass is $241,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $366,597. The homeownership rate is 66.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,200.
How are the schools in Whale Pass?
Schools in Whale Pass have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 42.0% of adults in Whale Pass hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 78.0% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Whale Pass?
The obesity rate in Whale Pass is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 22.5% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance. 32.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:573.
What are the demographics of Whale Pass?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Whale Pass is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 50.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.5% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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