Violent Crime
1,012/100K
166% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.1%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$506
56% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.1%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Chenega Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population54
Median Age21.5 yrs
Density2/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 44%
Veterans38.0%
Economy
Per Capita$33,441
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,473M
Commute9 min
Housing
Rent$506
Ownership18.8%
Zillow$374,592
Housing Units41
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,012/100K
Property1,012/100K
Health
Obesity30.1%
Smoking14.1%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp41°F (5°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain137.9 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation232 ft (71 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.1%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute9 min
Broadband16.0%
Libraries2
Is Chenega a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Chenega receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Chenega has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $506 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 1,012 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,012 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Chenega has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 137.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Chenega has a population of 54 with a density of 2 people per square mile, spread across 29.6 square miles. The median age is 21.5 years, 45% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (55.6%), with 44.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.2% of residents. 38.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
21.5yrs
Median Age
45% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.2%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.8%
72% below US avg
Per capita income is $33,441 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,442. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 399 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 9 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $33,441 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,442 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,832 |
| Gini Index | 0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 399 |
| County GDP | $1,473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,227 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 21.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $374,592. Monthly rent averages $506 (56% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 18.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 41 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $5,227 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $506 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 9.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,061 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,467 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,941 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,304 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 18.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 18.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 81.2% |
| Housing Units | 41 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,227 |
| 49% above US avg |
In Chenega, 30.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.1% are current smokers. 17.4% report binge drinking. 21.3% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 14.9% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631. The dentist ratio is 1:2,291. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Chenega vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.1% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.3% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 14.9% |
| Physical Distress | 12.0% |
| Short Sleep | 36.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.8% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:631 |
| Dentists | 1:2,291 |
| Mental Health | 1:451 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.2% |
| Dental Visits | 59.5% |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Chenega has a violent crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 residents, 166% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,012 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. Overall, Chenega receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Chenega vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,011.9/100K |
| 166% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,011.9/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Chenega has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 137.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21 / among the cleanest air in the country. The city sits at an elevation of 232 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
56°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 40.9°F |
| 24% below US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 232 ft (71 m) |
| Area | 29.6 sq mi (76.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.0920°N, 147.9947°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Chugach Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
101 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
137.9"
263% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
6.85"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,604 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Mar 1, 2000 |
40 km S of Cordova, Alaska |
M5.4 |
116 km |
| Jun 6, 1995 |
48 km SW of Cordova, Alaska |
M5.3 |
89 km |
| May 18, 1993 |
16 km WNW of Hope, Alaska |
M5.1 |
144 km |
| Feb 27, 2000 |
39 km SSW of Cordova, Alaska |
M5.0 |
115 km |
| Dec 5, 1997 |
5 km SSW of Girdwood, Alaska |
M4.9 |
111 km |
| Feb 25, 2002 |
42 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska |
M4.9 |
70 km |
| Jan 25, 2021 |
36 km SSW of Cordova, Alaska |
M4.9 |
114 km |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
11 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska |
M4.8 |
100 km |
| Aug 9, 2012 |
41 km NE of Chenega, Alaska |
M4.8 |
38 km |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.7 |
138 km |
| Jan 13, 2005 |
49 km NNE of Chenega, Alaska |
M4.7 |
46 km |
| Jul 27, 2006 |
11 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M4.7 |
150 km |
| Jan 10, 1998 |
55 km S of Glacier View, Alaska |
M4.7 |
137 km |
| Mar 23, 2001 |
115 km SE of Chenega, Alaska |
M4.7 |
117 km |
| Oct 25, 1993 |
49 km WNW of Tatitlek, Alaska |
M4.6 |
107 km |
| Sep 2, 1998 |
36 km WNW of Valdez, Alaska |
M4.6 |
145 km |
| Nov 29, 1997 |
19 km E of Chenega, Alaska |
M4.6 |
19 km |
| Feb 4, 2011 |
31 km SE of Point Possession, Alaska |
M4.5 |
144 km |
| Apr 17, 2005 |
14 km SSE of Sunrise, Alaska |
M4.5 |
105 km |
| May 5, 2014 |
21 km NNW of Moose Pass, Alaska |
M4.5 |
106 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 51.8 m (170 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1964 |
PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
51.8 m |
139 |
98 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
104 km |
| 1925 |
GULF OF ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.4 m |
— |
111 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
80 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: KENAI LAKE (3,319 ac, 2001).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2001 |
KENAI LAKE |
3,319 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
4.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| July |
56°F (13°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
6.6 in |
|
| October |
39°F (4°C) |
6.9 in |
Wettest |
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
4.5 in |
|
Chenega has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 30°F in January to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with October being the wettest month (6.9") and June the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Chenega. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$256 ($154–$410) |
| Specialist Visit |
$358 ($205–$563) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$205 ($102–$358) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,253 ($819–$5,120) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$133 ($77–$205) |
| Dental Filling |
$256 ($154–$410) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$46 ($26–$77) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$77 ($51–$123) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$614 ($410–$1,024) |
| Battery Replacement |
$205 ($102–$358) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$102 ($61–$154) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$92 ($51–$143) |
| HVAC Repair |
$410 ($154–$819) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,168 ($4,096–$12,288) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,024 ($410–$2,048) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,216 ($5,632–$15,360) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,536 ($512–$3,584) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,360 ($5,120–$30,720) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,120 ($2,048–$10,240) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,536 ($819–$3,072) |
| Will Preparation |
$512 ($205–$1,024) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,560 ($1,024–$5,120) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Women's Haircut |
$56 ($31–$102) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$154 ($77–$256) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($15–$46) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$82 ($51–$133) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.20 ($3.07–$5.63) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.58 ($2.56–$5.12) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.89 ($2.56–$5.63) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.61 ($3.07–$6.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.63 ($4.10–$7.68) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.02 ($0.61–$1.84) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$143 ($82–$256) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$154) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$123) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$102) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$102) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$87 ($51–$154) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$205 ($77–$512) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,048 ($1,229–$3,584) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$133) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.19–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$102 ($31–$256) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($15–$77) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,229 ($614–$2,560) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,024 ($512–$2,048) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$410 ($205–$717) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$51 ($26–$102) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,024 ($410–$2,560) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,800 ($5,120–$30,720) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$102 ($51–$205) |
| Dog Grooming |
$61 ($31–$102) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($20–$77) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$307 ($154–$512) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$205 ($102–$410) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Chenega
What is the population of Chenega?
Chenega has a population of 54 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 2 people per square mile, spread across 29.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 21.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Chenega expensive to live in?
Chenega has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). Renters pay a median of $506 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Chenega safe?
Public safety is a concern in Chenega, with a violent crime rate of 1,012 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,012 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chenega receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Chenega?
Chenega has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F (5°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 137.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Chenega?
The job market in Chenega is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,442. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 9 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Chenega?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $506. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 18.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,227.
How are the schools in Chenega?
Schools in Chenega have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 26.1% of adults in Chenega hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Chenega?
The obesity rate in Chenega is 30.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.1% of adults are smokers. 21.3% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631.
What is transportation like in Chenega?
The average commute in Chenega is 9 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 21.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Chenega?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Chenega is 44.4% White, 55.6% Hispanic or Latino. 96.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.8% speak Spanish. 38.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.0% of residents have a disability. 82.8% have health insurance coverage.
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