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Hughes, AK Utility & Living Guide

Hughes is a city in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska, United States. The population was 85 at the 2020 census, up from 77 in 2010.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$360/mo

1BR Rent$1000/mo

COL Index110 (+10% above national average)

Family Score7/10

Median Home$250,000

🌤️ Live Weather — Hughes

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Hughes

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$200/mo

Aurora Energy

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Hughes Water Utility

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Hughes Garbage Collection

📶 Internet

$80/mo

Combined Average Overhead$360/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1000/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2000/mo
Median Home Price	$250,000
Property Tax Rate	1.5%
Avg Childcare/mo	$800

The housing market in Hughes is limited, with few homes available for sale or rent. Many residents live in traditional cabins or modern homes with scenic views. The cost of living is relatively high due to the remote location.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

120

Transportation

150

Healthcare

120

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate	1.5%
<p>No state sales tax, no county sales tax, no city sales tax</p>

Alaska has no state income tax

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

7/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Red

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including tourism, hunting and fishing guides, and government services

Top Local Concerns

High cost of living, limited job opportunities, access to healthcare

🚌 Transit for Families

Hughes has limited public transportation, but the village is small and walkable, with some dirt roads and sidewalks suitable for strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Hughes River
🎯
Koyukuk National Wildlife Refuge
🎯
Gates of the Arctic National Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The village of Hughes is small and tight-knit, with most residents living in close proximity to the school, store, and other amenities. The area around the Hughes River is particularly popular for its scenic views and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Hughes based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must follow guidelines for hunting, fishing, and subsistence activities, as well as regulations for building and zoning.

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
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📊 Hughes — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Hughes fluctuate significantly by season, with high electricity costs in the winter due to heating needs, and lower costs in the summer when temperatures are milder. Additionally, the cost of fuel for generators and snowmachines can be high during the winter months.