Gustavus City Demographics

Gustavus, a city in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska, had a population of 655 as of the 2020 Census. The median age is approximately 48 years, with about 52% male and 48% female residents. The racial and ethnic makeup is primarily White (85.5%), followed by Native American (6.6%), two or more races (6.7%), and other groups. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprise around 2.6% of the population, illustrating a predominantly White and relatively older community.

Gustavus City Housing

Gustavus, located in Hoonah-Angoon, AK, has a homeownership rate of approximately 70%, with median home values around $310,000 in 2023. Rental vacancy is high, with average monthly rents near $1,500. The housing stock consists mainly of single-family homes and cabins, with limited multi-family options. Neighborhoods are rural, surrounded by forest and near Glacier Bay National Park. Property values have risen modestly, about 3% annually over the past five years. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 1.1% of assessed value, reflecting the community’s small size and remote location.

Education in Gustavus City

Gustavus, located in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, AK, has one primary school: Gustavus School (K-12) with around 75 students and a student-teacher ratio of 8:1. There are no dedicated high schools, colleges, or universities in the city; most residents seeking bachelor degrees attend Alaskan or online institutions. About 32% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school is rated 6/10 for safety and academics, offering small class sizes, individualized instruction, and programs in science and the arts. Adult education options are limited locally, with most continuing education accessed remotely.

Transportation in Gustavus City

Gustavus, in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska, relies primarily on personal vehicles, with about 77% of workers driving alone and around 11% carpooling (U.S. Census ACS 2017–2021). Public transit options are extremely limited or absent. The average one-way commute time is approximately 7 minutes, substantially shorter than the national average. Transportation infrastructure centers on the Gustavus Airport, state ferry service, and local roads. Vehicle ownership is high, with the vast majority of households owning at least one vehicle. Major employment is in tourism and park services, clustered near Bartlett Cove and the city center.

Gustavus City Healthcare

Gustavus, in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, AK, is a remote community with limited healthcare access. The Gustavus Community Clinic serves as the primary healthcare facility; the nearest hospital is Bartlett Regional Hospital in Juneau, requiring air or ferry travel. Approximately 60–70% of residents have health insurance, with Medicaid/Medicare common among seniors (median age ~40 years). Common health issues include chronic disease management, behavioral health, and injuries related to outdoor activities. The clinic is mainly staffed by one or two primary care providers. Specialist care requires referral to Juneau or Anchorage.

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