Kake Public RecordsAlaska

As of 2022 Census estimates, Kake, Alaska (in Petersburg Borough) has a population of approximately 540 people. The median age is about 41 years. The gender split is roughly even, with 49% male and 51% female. Racially, Kake is predominantly Alaska Native (primarily Tlingit) at 63%, with about 28% White, and the remainder identifying as two or more races or other groups. Only a small percentage (about 3%) are Hispanic or Latino. The community’s small size and rich Native heritage define its demographics.

Kake, located in Petersburg Borough, Alaska, has a homeownership rate of about 60%, with the remainder renting. The median home value is roughly $140,000, and median rent is approximately $750 per month. Most homes are single-family, with some duplexes; manufactured homes are also present. Neighborhoods are generally small and close-knit. Property values have remained stable in recent years, with minimal growth due to limited demand. Property tax rates in Petersburg Borough average 8.3 mills (0.83%). The housing stock is older, with many homes built before 1980. Rental inventory is limited, and housing turnover is relatively low.

Kake city, located in Petersburg Borough, Alaska, is served by the Kake City School District, which operates just one K-12 school with about 100 students. The graduation rate is approximately 85%. There are no colleges or universities in Kake; only around 8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The school offers cultural and STEM programs and maintains small class sizes for safety and support. School safety is prioritized, with no significant safety incidents reported in recent years. For advanced education, residents pursue distance learning or attend institutions in larger cities.

Transportation in Kake and Petersburg, Alaska, is largely limited due to their remote island locations, with no road connections to other communities. Most residents commute by personal vehicle: the average household vehicle ownership rate in Petersburg is 1.6 vehicles (ACS, 2022). Public transit is minimal or non-existent, so commuting often involves short drives, walking, or occasional use of the Alaska Marine Highway ferry. Average one-way commute times are around 10-13 minutes. Major employment hubs include fishing, healthcare, and government. Due to isolation, air and marine transport play key roles for intercity travel and freight.

Kake, Alaska (population ~480), is served primarily by the SEARHC Kake Health Center, a tribally operated clinic offering primary and limited urgent care; the nearest hospital is in Petersburg, 38 miles away by boat or plane. Petersburg (population ~3,200) has Petersburg Medical Center, a 22-bed critical access hospital with emergency services and outpatient care. Kake's population is 70% Alaska Native, and common health concerns include diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Medicaid and Medicare cover the majority, with ~20% uninsured in Kake and ~13% uninsured in Petersburg. Healthcare access is challenged by remoteness and transportation barriers.