Elim, AK
Population 278 · Alaska
About Elim, AK
Elim is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 278 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,000 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 20.9 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 Elim features a median home value of $117,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Elim one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 76 total housing units, 82% are owner-occupied (54 units) and 18% are renter-occupied (12 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Elim shows an unemployment rate of 35.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 41.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Elim have an average one-way commute time of 3.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
10.8% of Elim 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 0.7% White, 95.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Elim, AK
Compared to national averages, Elim has a median household income of $35,000 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $117,300, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Elim's income is 48% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 42% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Elim, AK?
Elim offers affordable housing with a median home value of $117,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and short commute times averaging just 3.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,000) that falls below the national average. However, Elim’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Elim has a population of 278 with a median age of 20.9 years. Compare Elim with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Alaska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Elim
What is the population of Elim, AK?
The population of Elim, AK is 278 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 Elim?
The median household income in Elim, AK is $35,000 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Elim?
The median home value in Elim, AK is $117,300, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Elim?
The median monthly rent in Elim, AK is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Elim?
The unemployment rate in Elim, AK is 35.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Elim, AK a good place to live?
Elim offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 278 and a median age of 20.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Elim, AK?
10.8% of residents in Elim 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 Elim?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Elim, AK: median home value is $117,300 (52% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $35,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Elim?
The poverty rate in Elim, AK is 41.7%, 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 Elim, AK?
Elim's population is 0.7% White, 95.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.8% of residents are foreign-born.