Whale Pass, AK
Population 64 · Alaska
About Whale Pass, AK
Whale Pass is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 64 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,500 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 61 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 Whale Pass features a median home value of $241,700, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Whale Pass in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 77 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (16 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (8 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Whale Pass shows an unemployment rate of 20.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Whale Pass have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
42.0% of Whale Pass 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 7.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Whale Pass Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Whale Pass, AK
Compared to national averages, Whale Pass has a median household income of $32,500 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $241,700, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Whale Pass's income is 52% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 19% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Whale Pass, AK?
Whale Pass offers affordable housing with a median home value of $241,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 42.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,500) that falls below the national average. However, Whale Pass’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Whale Pass has a population of 64 with a median age of 61 years. Compare Whale Pass with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Whale Pass
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Village | 64 | $35,938 | $231,300 | Compare |
| Excursion Inlet | 66 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Silver Springs | 66 | $130,208 | $269,600 | Compare |
| South Naknek | 66 | $51,250 | $104,200 | Compare |
| Nightmute | 67 | $61,071 | $9,999 | Compare |
| Sleetmute | 61 | $27,917 | $115,600 | Compare |
| Takotna | 67 | $62,875 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Igiugig | 68 | $81,250 | $345,500 | 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 Whale Pass With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Whale Pass
What is the population of Whale Pass, AK?
The population of Whale Pass, AK is 64 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 Whale Pass?
The median household income in Whale Pass, AK is $32,500 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Whale Pass?
The median home value in Whale Pass, AK is $241,700, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Whale Pass?
The median monthly rent in Whale Pass, AK is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Whale Pass?
The unemployment rate in Whale Pass, AK is 20.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Whale Pass, AK a good place to live?
Whale Pass offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 64 and a median age of 61, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Whale Pass, AK?
42.0% of residents in Whale Pass 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 Whale Pass?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Whale Pass, AK: median home value is $241,700 (1% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $32,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Whale Pass?
The poverty rate in Whale Pass, AK is 34.4%, 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 Whale Pass, AK?
Whale Pass's population is 7.8% White, 0.0% 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.