Chefornak, AK
Population 530 · Alaska
About Chefornak, AK
Chefornak is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 530 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,250 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 27 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Chefornak features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chefornak one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $792, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 114 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (86 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (22 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chefornak shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 20.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chefornak have an average one-way commute time of 4.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
6.8% of Chefornak residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 99.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Chefornak Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Chefornak, AK
Compared to national averages, Chefornak has a median household income of $46,250 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $792 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Chefornak's income is 32% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 100% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Chefornak, AK?
Chefornak offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $792/month, and short commute times averaging just 4.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,250) that falls below the national average. However, Chefornak’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chefornak has a population of 530 with a median age of 27 years. Compare Chefornak with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Chefornak
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuiqsut | 529 | $62,083 | $131,700 | Compare |
| Nenana | 527 | $51,250 | $88,600 | Compare |
| Trapper Creek | 514 | $70,048 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Valley | 507 | $211,071 | $0 | Compare |
| Yakutat | 506 | $80,625 | $185,000 | Compare |
| Pilot Station | 558 | $43,125 | $24,000 | Compare |
| Napaskiak | 563 | $42,813 | $37,300 | Compare |
| Galena | 565 | $86,250 | $96,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alaska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Chefornak With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chefornak
What is the population of Chefornak, AK?
The population of Chefornak, AK is 530 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Chefornak?
The median household income in Chefornak, AK is $46,250 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chefornak?
The median home value in Chefornak, AK is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chefornak?
The median monthly rent in Chefornak, AK is $792, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chefornak?
The unemployment rate in Chefornak, AK is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chefornak, AK a good place to live?
Chefornak offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 530 and a median age of 27, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Chefornak, AK?
6.8% of residents in Chefornak aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Chefornak?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chefornak, AK: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $792/month, and median household income is $46,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chefornak?
The poverty rate in Chefornak, AK is 20.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Chefornak, AK?
Chefornak's population is 0.0% White, 99.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.