Special Interest
Housing in Northwest Arctic Borough
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Northwest Arctic Borough averages $1,254/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Alaska median of $1,419 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 16% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Northwest Arctic Borough FMR Area are $1,406 for a studio, $1,554 for 1‑bedroom, $2,039 for 2‑bedroom, $2,691 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,700 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $785 increase for a 2-bedroom in Northwest Arctic Borough shows a 63% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Northwest Arctic Borough was 9.2% in 2024, compared to Alaska at 4.6% and the national rate of 4.0%.
