Thorne Bay, AK
Population 475 · Alaska
About Thorne Bay, AK
Thorne Bay is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 475 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,750 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 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 Thorne Bay features a median home value of $234,600, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Thorne Bay in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $934, 20% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 327 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (128 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (90 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Thorne Bay shows an unemployment rate of 9.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Thorne Bay have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
35.2% of Thorne Bay 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 1.7% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Thorne Bay, AK
Compared to national averages, Thorne Bay has a median household income of $61,750 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $234,600, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $934 is 20% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Thorne Bay's income is 9% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 15% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Thorne Bay, AK?
Thorne Bay offers affordable housing with a median home value of $234,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $934/month, and a well-educated community where 35.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 8.2%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,750) that falls below the national average. However, Thorne Bay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Thorne Bay has a population of 475 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Thorne Bay 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 Thorne Bay
What is the population of Thorne Bay, AK?
The population of Thorne Bay, AK is 475 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 Thorne Bay?
The median household income in Thorne Bay, AK is $61,750 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Thorne Bay?
The median home value in Thorne Bay, AK is $234,600, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Thorne Bay?
The median monthly rent in Thorne Bay, AK is $934, which is 20% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Thorne Bay?
The unemployment rate in Thorne Bay, AK is 9.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Thorne Bay, AK a good place to live?
Thorne Bay offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 475 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Thorne Bay, AK?
35.2% of residents in Thorne Bay aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Thorne Bay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Thorne Bay, AK: median home value is $234,600 (4% below national), median rent is $934/month, and median household income is $61,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Thorne Bay?
The poverty rate in Thorne Bay, AK is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Thorne Bay, AK?
Thorne Bay's population is 1.7% White, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.