Utqiaġvik, AK
Population 4,850 · Alaska
About Utqiaġvik, AK
Utqiaġvik is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 4,850 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $89,038 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.7 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 Utqiaġvik features a median home value of $282,400, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Utqiaġvik in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,190, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,750 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (670 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (842 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Utqiaġvik shows an unemployment rate of 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Utqiaġvik have an average one-way commute time of 11.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
13.8% of Utqiaġvik 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 2.0% White, 63.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 9.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Utqiaġvik Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Utqiaġvik, AK
Compared to national averages, Utqiaġvik has a median household income of $89,038 (18% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $282,400, which is 15% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,190 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Utqiaġvik's income is 31% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 39% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Utqiaġvik, AK?
Utqiaġvik offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $89,038, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 11.3 minutes.
Utqiaġvik has a population of 4,850 with a median age of 30.7 years. Compare Utqiaġvik with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Utqiaġvik
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers Loop | 4,887 | $103,635 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Nikiski | 4,656 | $63,023 | $309,200 | Compare |
| Soldotna | 4,448 | $62,984 | $277,300 | Compare |
| Unalaska | 4,430 | $114,286 | $448,700 | Compare |
| Fishhook | 5,461 | $101,518 | $361,900 | Compare |
| Kodiak | 5,497 | $71,373 | $314,800 | Compare |
| Homer | 5,750 | $73,723 | $363,700 | Compare |
| Valdez | 3,911 | $97,067 | $312,400 | 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 Utqiaġvik With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Utqiaġvik
What is the population of Utqiaġvik, AK?
The population of Utqiaġvik, AK is 4,850 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Utqiaġvik?
The median household income in Utqiaġvik, AK is $89,038 per year, which is 18% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Utqiaġvik?
The median home value in Utqiaġvik, AK is $282,400, which is 15% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Utqiaġvik?
The median monthly rent in Utqiaġvik, AK is $1,190, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Utqiaġvik?
The unemployment rate in Utqiaġvik, AK is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Utqiaġvik, AK a good place to live?
Utqiaġvik offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,850 and a median age of 30.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Utqiaġvik, AK?
13.8% of residents in Utqiaġvik 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 Utqiaġvik?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Utqiaġvik, AK: median home value is $282,400 (15% above national), median rent is $1,190/month, and median household income is $89,038. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Utqiaġvik?
The poverty rate in Utqiaġvik, AK is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Utqiaġvik, AK?
Utqiaġvik's population is 2.0% White, 63.4% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 1.6% two or more races. 9.2% of residents are foreign-born.