Shungnak, AK
Population 211 · Alaska
About Shungnak, AK
Shungnak is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 211 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $76,667 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23.4 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 Shungnak features a median home value of $85,000, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Shungnak 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 68 total housing units, 95% are owner-occupied (42 units) and 5% are renter-occupied (2 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Shungnak shows an unemployment rate of 29.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Shungnak have an average one-way commute time of 3.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Shungnak 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, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Shungnak Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Shungnak, AK
Compared to national averages, Shungnak has a median household income of $76,667 (2% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $85,000, which is 65% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Shungnak's income is 13% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 58% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Shungnak, AK?
Shungnak offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $76,667, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $85,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 3.8 minutes.
Shungnak has a population of 211 with a median age of 23.4 years. Compare Shungnak with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Shungnak
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glacier View | 209 | $51,250 | $174,500 | Compare |
| Halibut Cove | 214 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Nanwalek | 208 | $68,250 | $141,700 | Compare |
| Tetlin | 208 | $0 | $47,900 | Compare |
| Seldovia Village | 207 | $74,063 | $203,600 | Compare |
| Harding-Birch Lakes | 206 | $68,958 | $196,900 | Compare |
| Deering | 205 | $55,625 | $106,300 | Compare |
| Golovin | 205 | $63,750 | $102,500 | 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 Shungnak With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Shungnak
What is the population of Shungnak, AK?
The population of Shungnak, AK is 211 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 Shungnak?
The median household income in Shungnak, AK is $76,667 per year, which is 2% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Shungnak?
The median home value in Shungnak, AK is $85,000, which is 65% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Shungnak?
The median monthly rent in Shungnak, AK is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Shungnak?
The unemployment rate in Shungnak, AK is 29.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Shungnak, AK a good place to live?
Shungnak offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 211 and a median age of 23.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Shungnak, AK?
0.0% of residents in Shungnak 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 Shungnak?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Shungnak, AK: median home value is $85,000 (65% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $76,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Shungnak?
The poverty rate in Shungnak, AK is 31.5%, 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 Shungnak, AK?
Shungnak's population is 0.0% White, 100.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.