Kusilvak Census Area, located in the western part of Alaska, is a remote and sparsely populated region. It is home to around 8,300 people, predominantly Native Alaskans of the Yup’ik ethnic group. This area is classified as part of the Unorganized Borough and does not have an official administrative center. The largest settlement is Hooper Bay, a coastal village along the Bering Sea.
Kusilvak Census Area faces significant economic challenges, with a median household income of just $36,000 and a poverty rate of 38%. It grapples with high rates of smoking, obesity, and mental distress, while experiencing low levels of health insurance coverage, education, and internet accessibility. The average lifespan in this area is only 67 years, which is ten years lower than the national average.
Despite these difficulties, there are certain neighborhoods within Kusilvak Census Area that provide a secure and tranquil living environment for their residents. These areas have lower crime rates, an enhanced quality of life, and stronger community bonds compared to other parts of the census area.
Based on information obtained from BestNeighborhood.org, which evaluates neighborhoods based on their median home value and desirability, here are the five safest neighborhoods in Kusilvak Census Area:
Emmonak
Emmonak, situated where the Yukon River meets the Bering Sea, is a small village with around 800 residents, primarily Yup’ik Eskimos. They mainly sustain themselves through fishing and hunting for their basic needs.
The typical home value in Emmonak is $87,500, the highest in its census area. It is considered relatively desirable, surpassing 62% of other neighborhoods in Alaska. Emmonak stands out for its low crime rate, tight-knit community, and vibrant cultural heritage.
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Alakanuk
Alakanuk, situated close to the Yukon River’s mouth and approximately 15 miles from Emmonak, is a village with around 700 residents. Most of its population consists of Yup’ik Eskimos who engage in fishing and subsistence hunting.
In terms of housing, the median value for homes in Alakanuk is $82,500, ranking as the second highest in the census area. The desirability index stands at 0.58, signifying that it is considered more desirable than 58% of other neighborhoods in Alaska. Alakanuk boasts a low crime rate, a well-regarded school system, and a thriving local economy.
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Mountain Village
Mountain Village is a small community situated alongside the Yukon River, roughly 20 miles to the south of St. Mary’s. It’s home to around 800 residents, predominantly Yup’ik Eskimos who rely on fishing and hunting for their sustenance.
The village boasts a median home value of $80,000, ranking as the third highest in the surrounding area. It also has a desirability index of 0.56, indicating that it’s considered more appealing than 56% of other neighborhoods in Alaska.
Furthermore, Mountain Village enjoys a low crime rate, features a modern health clinic, and benefits from its picturesque location by the river.
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Pilot Station
Pilot Station is a small village situated along the Yukon River, approximately 30 miles to the south of Mountain Village. Its population is around 600, mostly consisting of Yup’ik Eskimos who rely on fishing and hunting for their sustenance.
In terms of housing, the median value of homes in Pilot Station is $77,500, ranking it fourth highest in the census area. It also boasts a desirability index of 0.54, indicating it’s more attractive than 54% of other neighborhoods in Alaska. The village enjoys a low crime rate, an active tribal council, and a tight-knit community.
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Nunam Iqua
Nunam Iqua is a small village situated along the southern edge of the Yukon River delta, approximately 25 miles west of Alakanuk. It’s home to around 200 residents, mostly Yup’ik Eskimos who rely on fishing and hunting for their livelihoods.
The median value of homes in Nunam Iqua is $75,000, making it the fifth highest in the census area. It also has a desirability index of 0.52, indicating that it is considered more appealing than 52% of other neighborhoods in Alaska. The village boasts a low crime rate, a recently constructed water treatment facility, and a stunning natural environment.
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Final Words
These neighborhoods in Kusilvak Census Area are among the safest, providing a higher quality of life compared to other parts of the region. Yet, they grapple with issues like poverty, joblessness, isolation, and limited infrastructure and services.
Hence, they require increased assistance and funding from both state and federal authorities, along with contributions from non-governmental groups and private benefactors, to enhance living standards and prospects.
