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Yellowknife, NT

Northwest Territories

Yellowknife is a small city in Northwest Territories with a population of 20,340. Residents earn $148,000 per year, which is 97% above the national average.

4.0 /5.0
A Great
20,340 Population 510/sq mi density
$148,000 Median Income $78,100 per capita
$448,000 Home Value
$1,820 Median Rent 15.8% income on rent
31°F Avg Temperature 233 sunny days/yr
A
Overall
4.0 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A
Economy
4.4 / 5.0
$148,000 median income, 5.7% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$448,000 home value, $1,820/mo rent
C+
Education
2.7 / 5.0
21.3% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $148,000
97% higher than US avg
Home Value $448,000
59% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 21.3%
37% lower than US avg
Median Rent $1,820
56% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.2%
18% lower than US avg
Unemployment 5.7%
58% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 4.3%
65% lower than US avg

How Yellowknife Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population20,340
Median Age35.2 yrs
Density510/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 80%

Economy

A
Median Income$148,000
Per Capita$78,100
Unemployment5.7%
Poverty4.3%
Commute16 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$448,000
Rent$1,820
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units7,520
Rent Burden15.8%

Health

Obesity26.2%
UninsuredN/A
Smoking8.9%
Depression4.1%
Heart Disease9.5%

Climate

Avg Temp31°F (-0°C)
AQI27 (Good)
Rain11.1 in/yr
Sunny Days233/yr
Elevation630 ft (192 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+21.3%
High School+27.0%
Graduate+9.0%

Community

Commute16 min
Broadband94.0%

Is Yellowknife a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Yellowknife receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, above-average unemployment. Yellowknife stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Yellowknife is $148,000, which is significantly higher than the national average — 97% above $75,149. This places Yellowknife among higher-income communities. The unemployment rate of 5.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Yellowknife is $448,000, making it a premium housing market at 59% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,820 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. At just 3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

21.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 27.0% have completed high school.

Climate & Weather

Yellowknife has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F. Winters average 1°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 11.1 inches, including 31.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27.

Yellowknife has a population of 20,340 with a density of 510 people per square mile, spread across 39.9 square miles. The median age is 35.2 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.1% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (80%), with 4.4% Black, 13.3% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 76.3% of residents. 18.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

20,340
Total Population
2021 Census
510
People / sq mi
35.2yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
39.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 50%
Female 50.1%

Race & Ethnicity

Yellowknife vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only76.3%
3% below US avg
Spanish4.3%
68% below US avg
Other Languages19.4%

Social Characteristics

Yellowknife vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Yellowknife is $148,000, which is 97% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $78,100 (above the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 5.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 4.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 84.1, below the national baseline of 100 — offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 15.1% of workers work from home.

Income: Yellowknife vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$148,000
97% above US avg
Per Capita Income$78,100

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.7%
58% above US avg
Poverty Rate4.3%
65% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living84.10 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time15.5 min
Drive Alone62.1%
Public Transit1.3%
Work from Home15.1%

Walkability

The median home value in Yellowknife is $448,000, 59% above the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $1,820 (56% above the national average of $1,163). There are 7,520 total housing units in the city. 15.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$448,000
59% above US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$1,820
56% above US avg
Rent Burden15.8%

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied56.9%
Renter-Occupied43.2%
Housing Units7,520

Property Tax

In Yellowknife, 26.2% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 5.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.5% of residents, above the national average. 22.1% have high blood pressure. 8.9% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 10.0% report binge drinking. 76.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 4.1% report depression (below the 20.0% national average).

Health Metrics: Yellowknife vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.2%
18% below US avg
Diabetes5.5%
Heart Disease9.5%
High Blood Pressure22.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking8.9%
36% below US avg
Binge Drinking10.0%
Physical Inactivity76.3%
Depression4.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate89.0%

Food & Exercise

Yellowknife has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F (-0°C). Winters average 1°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July — a wide seasonal temperature swing of 67°F. The area gets 233 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 11.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 31.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 27 — among the cleanest air in the country. 90% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 630 feet.

Temperature

1°F Jan (-17°C) 68°F Jul (20°C)
Annual Average31.2°F
42% below US avg
January Average1°F (-17°C)
July Average68°F (20°C)
Sunny Days233 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall11.1 inches
71% below US avg
Snowfall31.4 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median27.0
RatingGood
Good Days %89.5%

Geography

Elevation630 ft (192 m)
Area39.9 sq mi (103.4 km²)
Population Density510/sq mi
Coordinates62.4541°N, 114.3725°W
TimezoneAmerica/Edmonton

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 1°F (-17°C) 0.6 in
February -9°F (-23°C) 0.5 in Coldest
March 1°F (-17°C) 0.5 in
April 22°F (-6°C) 0.3 in Driest
May 39°F (4°C) 0.7 in
June 53°F (12°C) 1.0 in
July 68°F (20°C) 1.4 in Warmest
August 56°F (14°C) 1.7 in Wettest
September 45°F (7°C) 1.2 in
October 30°F (-1°C) 1.3 in
November 9°F (-13°C) 0.9 in
December -9°F (-23°C) 0.7 in

Yellowknife has a seasonal temperature swing of 77°F — from -9°F in February to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.7") and April the driest (0.3").

21.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 37% below the national average of 33.7%. 27.0% have completed high school. 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 94.0% of households have broadband internet access. 62.1% of workers drive alone to work.

Education

Bachelor's Degree+21.3%
37% below US avg
High School+27.0%
Graduate Degree+9.0%
C+ Education Grade (2.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density510/sq mi
Total Area39.9 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access94.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute15.5 min
Drive Alone62.1%
Public Transit1.3%
Work from Home15.1%

Frequently Asked Questions About Yellowknife

What is the population of Yellowknife?

Yellowknife has a population of 20,340 residents and is located in Northwest Territories. The population density is 510 people per square mile, spread across 39.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.1% female and 50% male.

Is Yellowknife expensive to live in?

Yellowknife is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.1 — below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $148,000, 97% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $448,000 (59% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,820 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Yellowknife?

Yellowknife has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 31°F (-0°C). Winter temperatures average 1°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 233 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 11.1 inches, with 31.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 27.

How is the job market in Yellowknife?

The unemployment rate in Yellowknife is 5.7%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 15.1% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Yellowknife?

The median home value in Yellowknife is $448,000. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,820.

How are the schools in Yellowknife?

21.3% of adults in Yellowknife hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 27.0% have completed high school. 9.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Yellowknife?

The obesity rate in Yellowknife is 26.2% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 8.9% of adults are smokers. 76.3% are physically inactive. 4.1% of residents report depression.

What is transportation like in Yellowknife?

The average commute in Yellowknife is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 62.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1.3% use public transit, and 15.1% work from home.

What are the demographics of Yellowknife?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Yellowknife is 80% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 13.3% Asian. 76.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.3% speak Spanish. 18.5% of residents have a disability. 89.0% have health insurance coverage.

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Behchokǫ̀, NT 1,746 pop · 58.4 mi
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