What to know when moving to Kodiak, AK
Kodiak at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 29.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 40.5% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- Median household income is $86,371, providing a solid economic foundation.
- The Reality Check:
- High property crime rate at 1,918.5 per 100,000 residents, which is 24% above the national average.
- Commute:
- Only 0.2% use public transit, making it a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median gross rent of $1,699.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Kodiak offers a mix of educational backgrounds and housing options. With 40.5% of residents renting, the housing market caters to both owners and renters. The median home value stands at $400,700, which may require a solid income to afford. The community's median household income of $86,371 reflects a relatively stable economic environment. Kodiak experiences significant rainfall, with about 149 rainy days each year, making it important to prepare for wet weather.
Probably not your spot if: you prefer a robust public transit system, as only 0.2% of residents commute via public transport.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,699, indicating a need for a reasonable budget if renting.
- Median owner-occupied home value is $400,700, which may be a stretch for many buyers.
- Poverty rate is low at 6.7%, reflecting a stable community.
- 40.5% of residents are renters, suggesting a balanced housing market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
Crime rates in Alaska indicate some challenges, particularly with property crime. The state's property crime rate stands at 1,918.5 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national rate of 1,546.9. However, violent crime has seen a decrease of 6.4% from 2022 to 2025, with a rate of 730 per 100,000, still well above the national average.
- Violent crime: 730 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 325.3, reflecting a 124.4% higher rate.
- Property crime: 1,918.5 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 1,546.9, which is 24% higher.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 37.4% since 2022, now at 6.1 per 100,000.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Alaska).
Weather & Getting Outside
Kodiak experiences an average annual high of 51°F and an average low of 41°F, with only 5 days of snow each year. Rain is frequent, amounting to 45.8 inches annually, so be prepared for wet conditions.
Source: NOAA Climate Data Online.
Jobs & the Local Economy
The job market in Kodiak Island Borough has an unemployment rate of 7.6% as of December 2025. The total labor force consists of 5,184 individuals, with 4,788 currently employed.
- Unemployment rate: 7.6% (December 2025).
- Employed: 4,788 individuals.
- Labor force: 5,184 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.