Gustavus, AK
Population 610 · Alaska
About Gustavus, AK
Gustavus is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 610 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $64,167 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Gustavus features a median home value of $276,500, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Gustavus in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,106, 5% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 457 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (217 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (45 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gustavus shows an unemployment rate of 9.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 10.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Gustavus have an average one-way commute time of 20.4 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.8% of Gustavus residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Gustavus, AK
Compared to national averages, Gustavus has a median household income of $64,167 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $276,500, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,106 is 5% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Gustavus's income is 5% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 36% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Gustavus, AK?
Gustavus offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,106/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.7%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($64,167) that falls below the national average. However, Gustavus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gustavus has a population of 610 with a median age of 51.5 years. Compare Gustavus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Gustavus
What is the population of Gustavus, AK?
The population of Gustavus, AK is 610 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 Gustavus?
The median household income in Gustavus, AK is $64,167 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gustavus?
The median home value in Gustavus, AK is $276,500, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gustavus?
The median monthly rent in Gustavus, AK is $1,106, which is 5% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gustavus?
The unemployment rate in Gustavus, AK is 9.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gustavus, AK a good place to live?
Gustavus offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 610 and a median age of 51.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Gustavus, AK?
31.8% of residents in Gustavus 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 Gustavus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gustavus, AK: median home value is $276,500 (13% above national), median rent is $1,106/month, and median household income is $64,167. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Gustavus?
The poverty rate in Gustavus, AK is 10.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Gustavus, AK?
Gustavus's population is 0.0% White, 8.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 2.5% of residents are foreign-born.