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Chignik Lake, AK

Alaska · Lake and Peninsula Borough

Chignik Lake is a small town in Alaska with a population of 31.

Data updated April 2026

1.8 /5.0
D Poor
31 Population 2/sq mi density
$187,500 Home Value $435,931 Zillow
40°F Avg Temperature 233 sunny days/yr
1,821 Violent Crime/100K 1,945 property/100K
D
Overall
1.8 / 5.0
Poor overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
1,821 violent crimes/100K (379% above avg)
C+
Education
2.6 / 5.0
0.0% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Chignik Lake, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Home Value $187,500
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 1,821/100K
379% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+ 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 36.4%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Chignik Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population31
Median Age35.8 yrs
Density2/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 3%
Veterans22.0%

Economy

Per Capita$19,842
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$142M

Housing

Home Value$187,500
Ownership75.0%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units30
Rent Burden9.0%

Crime

F
Violent1,821/100K
Property1,945/100K

Health

Obesity36.4%
Smoking23.8%
Depression19.9%
Heart Disease5.2%

Climate

Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain48.9 in/yr
Sunny Days233/yr
Elevation723 ft (220 m)

Education

C+
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+38.9%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.77

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband12.0%
Libraries3

Is Chignik Lake a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Chignik Lake receives an overall livability score of 1.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Chignik Lake faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.

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%.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Chignik Lake is $187,500, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.

Safety & Crime

With 1,821 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 1,945 per 100,000, near the national average.

Education

0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 38.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.

Climate & Weather

Chignik Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 48.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.

Chignik Lake has a population of 31 with a density of 2 people per square mile, spread across 12.4 square miles. The median age is 35.8 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 45.2% female and 54.8% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (96.8%), with 3.2% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 22.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.3% have health insurance coverage.

Population

31
Total Population
2
People / sq mi
35.8yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
12.4mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 54.8%
Female 45.2%

Race & Ethnicity

Chignik Lake vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Chignik Lake vs U.S. Average

Per capita income is $19,842 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $985, 31% lower than the U.S. average. 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 111 business establishments, including 14 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Chignik Lake vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Per Capita Income$19,842
Avg Weekly Wage$985
IRS Avg AGI$54,515
Gini Index0.394 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)111
County GDP$142M

Business (County)

Restaurants14
Healthcare3
Retail6

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone60.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

The median home value in Chignik Lake is $187,500, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 30 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$187,500
33% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$435,931

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden9.0%

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

Homeownership75.0%
Owner-Occupied75.0%
Renter-Occupied25.0%
Housing Units30
Median Year Built1983

Property Tax

In Chignik Lake, 36.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 23.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 25.0% are physically inactive. 19.9% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 27.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 3.8 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Chignik Lake vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity36.4%
13% above US avg
Diabetes10.5%
Heart Disease5.2%
High Blood Pressure29.3%
Asthma11.8%
COPD6.9%
Cancer4.4%
Stroke3.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking23.8%
70% above US avg
Binge Drinking17.1%
Physical Inactivity25.0%
Depression19.9%
Mental Distress18.7%
Physical Distress15.4%
Short Sleep37.6%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate93.3%
Mental Health1:444
Checkup Rate58.3%
Dental Visits46.2%
Premature Death20,073/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment3.8/10
Exercise Access27.5%
Healthcare Facilities3
Chignik Lake has a violent crime rate of 1,821 per 100,000 residents, 379% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,945 per 100,000, 1% below the U.S. average. Overall, Chignik Lake receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Chignik Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent1,821.2/100K
379% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property1,945.4/100K
1% below US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
Chignik Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 51°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 48.9 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 723 feet.

Temperature

31°F Jan (-1°C) 51°F Jul (11°C)
Annual Average40.0°F
26% below US avg
January Average31°F (-1°C)
July Average51°F (11°C)
Sunny Days233 days/yr

Geography

Elevation723 ft (220 m)
Area12.4 sq mi (32.2 km²)
Population Density2/sq mi
Coordinates56.2732°N, 158.7934°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyLake and Peninsula Borough County
Nearest AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
462 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 48.9"
29% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct) 3.19"
Driest Month (Feb) 1.22"

Air Quality

AQI Median21.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score6.3 / 100
Social Vulnerability96.7 / 100
Community Resilience11.7 / 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 Low
Coastal Flood No Rating
Tsunami Relatively Low
Volcano Relatively Low
Avalanche Relatively Low
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

2,425 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M8.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 29, 2025.

Jul 29, 2021 2021 Chignik, Alaska Earthquake M8.2 116 km
Jul 22, 2020 2020 Perryville, Alaska Earthquake M7.8 134 km
Aug 14, 2021 125 km SE of Perryville, Alaska M6.9 142 km
May 29, 2015 117 km SSE of Ugashik, Alaska M6.8 150 km
Apr 2, 2016 42 km E of Port Heiden, Alaska M6.2 97 km
Jul 22, 2020 101 km ESE of Sand Point, Alaska M6.1 146 km
Jul 29, 2021 127 km SE of Chignik, Alaska M5.9 141 km
Jul 29, 2021 99 km ESE of Chignik, Alaska M5.7 120 km
May 31, 2016 75 km SE of Perryville, Alaska M5.7 104 km
Jul 22, 2020 76 km ESE of Sand Point, Alaska M5.7 123 km
Jul 22, 2020 73 km S of Ivanof Bay, Alaska M5.5 119 km
Jun 23, 2001 83 km ESE of Sand Point, Alaska M5.5 144 km
Dec 22, 2000 33 km NE of Chignik, Alaska M5.5 52 km
Jul 29, 2021 106 km SSE of Perryville, Alaska M5.5 135 km
Jan 27, 2004 113 km SSE of Ugashik, Alaska M5.4 147 km
Apr 28, 2022 119 km E of Chignik, Alaska M5.4 143 km
Jul 29, 2021 128 km SE of Perryville, Alaska M5.3 145 km
Feb 20, 2022 110 km SE of Perryville, Alaska M5.3 127 km
Jun 13, 2015 121 km E of Chignik, Alaska M5.2 145 km
Jul 4, 2011 121 km SE of Perryville, Alaska M5.2 142 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)

Tsunami History

4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 0.4 m (1 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
2021 KODIAK ISLAND, AK Earthquake 0.4 m 121 km
1938 SHUMAGIN ISLANDS, AK Earthquake 0.3 m 92 km
2020 SHUMAGIN ISLANDS, AK Earthquake 0.2 m 134 km
1989 SEMIDI ISLANDS, AK Earthquake 0.1 m 147 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

2 volcanoes within 200 km. Closest: Aniakchak (78 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Aniakchak Caldera 1,341 m (4,400 ft) 1931 78 km
Chiginagak Stratovolcano 2,221 m (7,287 ft) 1998 146 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: OFFAL BEACH (2,890 ac, 2019).

Year Name Acres Distance
2019 OFFAL BEACH 2,890 97 km
2006 MESHIK RIVER 1,520 74 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 31°F (-1°C) 1.4 in
February 25°F (-4°C) 1.2 in Coldest, Driest
March 26°F (-3°C) 1.5 in
April 31°F (-1°C) 1.5 in
May 38°F (3°C) 1.5 in
June 45°F (7°C) 1.7 in
July 51°F (11°C) 2.1 in Warmest
August 51°F (11°C) 2.6 in
September 46°F (8°C) 3.0 in
October 37°F (3°C) 3.2 in Wettest
November 31°F (-0°C) 2.3 in
December 28°F (-2°C) 2.1 in

Chignik Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 26°F / from 25°F in February to 51°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.0 inches, with October being the wettest month (3.2") and February the driest (1.2").

View full weather details →
Chignik Lake is located in Lake and Peninsula Borough County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 0.0% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 100% below the national average of 33.7%. 38.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 12.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 3 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+0.0%
100% below US avg
High School+38.9%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score4.77
C+ Education Grade (2.6/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density2/sq mi
Total Area12.4 sq mi
CountyLake and Peninsula Borough County

Services

Broadband Access12.0%
Avg Download Speed15.4 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed1.9 Mbps
Max Download Speed25 Mbps
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities3
Restaurants14
Retail Stores6

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone60.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Chignik Lake. 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

Top Industries in Lake and Peninsula Borough

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Transportation & Warehousing 116 5 $52,883 3.16

Schools in Chignik Lake

1 public schools (NCES 2022-23 data).

School Level Enrollment Teachers Student/Teacher
Chignik Lake School Other 18 3 6.0:1
View full schools details →

Radio Stations near Chignik Lake

0 stations within ~55 km.

Station Genre Quality

Airports Near Chignik Lake

7 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Port Heiden AirportPTHMedium Airport
Chignik AirportKCGSmall Airport
Chignik Lagoon AirportKCLSmall Airport
Chignik Lake AirportKCQSmall Airport
Ivanof Bay AirportSmall Airport
Perryville AirportKPVSmall Airport
Scottys Island AirstripSmall Airport

Grocery Stores in Chignik Lake

1 grocery stores.

StoreTypeAddress
Sugar & Spice Express LLCConvenience Store711 Hillside View Drive

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chignik Lake

What is the population of Chignik Lake?

Chignik Lake has a population of 31 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 2 people per square mile, spread across 12.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 45.2% female and 54.8% male.

Is Chignik Lake expensive to live in?

Chignik Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median home value is $187,500 (33% below the U.S. median).

Is Chignik Lake safe?

Public safety is a concern in Chignik Lake, with a violent crime rate of 1,821 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 1,945 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Chignik Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

What is the weather like in Chignik Lake?

Chignik Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 51°F in July. The area receives 233 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 48.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.

How is the job market in Chignik Lake?

The job market in Chignik Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $985. There are 111 business establishments in the area, including 14 restaurants and food service locations.

How much does housing cost in Chignik Lake?

The median home value in Chignik Lake is $187,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 75.0%.

How are the schools in Chignik Lake?

Schools in Chignik Lake have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Chignik Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 38.9% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Chignik Lake?

The obesity rate in Chignik Lake is 36.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.8% of adults are smokers. 25.0% are physically inactive. 19.9% of residents report depression. 27.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

What are the demographics of Chignik Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Chignik Lake is 3.2% White, 96.8% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 22.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.7% of residents have a disability. 93.3% have health insurance coverage.

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