Median Income
$90,313
20% higher than US avg
Home Value
$322,700
14% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.8%
0% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$710
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
22.5%
525% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.9%
28% lower than US avg
How Gakona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population200
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density3/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 57%
Veterans10.1%
Economy
B
Median Income$90,313
Per Capita$42,247
Unemployment22.5%
Poverty8.9%
County GDP$169M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$322,700
Rent$710
Ownership80.8%
Zillow$342,998
Housing Units149
Rent Burden17.5%
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking18.3%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Elevation1,878 ft (572 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.8%
High School+96.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute21 min
Broadband100.0%
Libraries2
Is Gakona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gakona receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Gakona offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gakona is $90,313, 20% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 22.5%, unemployment is notably high. 8.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gakona is $322,700, 14% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $710 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Gakona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches.
Gakona has a population of 200 with a density of 3 people per square mile, spread across 60.7 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (56.5%), with 1.5% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 10.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
200
Total Population
2023 Census
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Gakona is $90,313, which is 20% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,247. The average weekly wage is $1,093, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 22.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 144 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 35.4% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $90,313 |
| 20% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,247 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,093 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,513 |
| Gini Index | 0.413 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 22.5% |
| 525% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.9% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 144 |
| County GDP | $169M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 7 |
| Retail | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 46.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 35.4% |
The median home value in Gakona is $322,700, 14% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998. Monthly rent averages $710 (39% 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. 80.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 149 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $322,700 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $342,998 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $710 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 17.5% |
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 | 80.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.2% |
| Housing Units | 149 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
In Gakona, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.1% report binge drinking. 21.7% are physically inactive. 19.5% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630. The dentist ratio is 1:1,295. 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Gakona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.7% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,630 |
| Dentists | 1:1,295 |
| Mental Health | 1:297 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.7% |
| Dental Visits | 55.2% |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 52.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 7 |
Gakona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 1,878 feet.
Temperature
-3°F Jan (-20°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 28.2°F |
| 48% below US avg |
| January Average | -3°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,878 ft (572 m) |
| Area | 60.7 sq mi (157.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 3/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.3680°N, 145.3052°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Copper River Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
174 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
1.91"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 40.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 41.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively 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 |
No Rating |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,528 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Oct 22, 1996 |
31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.7 |
109 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
105 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
105 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.4 |
84 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
99 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
106 km |
| Feb 13, 2017 |
20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
133 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
32 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M5.2 |
117 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
41 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.2 |
93 km |
| Jan 24, 2003 |
31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
100 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska |
M5.1 |
102 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
44 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
97 km |
| Aug 25, 2004 |
48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M5.1 |
104 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
103 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
109 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.0 |
94 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.0 |
123 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
28 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.0 |
100 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
13 km SSE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M4.9 |
96 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
43 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (78 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
78 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
7 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALPHABET HILLS (34,657 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
ALPHABET HILLS |
34,657 |
86 km |
| 2019 |
TOKAINA 2 |
14,741 |
78 km |
| 2013 |
EXCELSIOR |
6,230 |
38 km |
| 2016 |
YOKNEDA LAKE |
2,866 |
36 km |
| 2019 |
CHETASLINA |
1,909 |
72 km |
| 1995 |
BILLY LAKE |
1,583 |
35 km |
| 2013 |
TABERT LAKE |
1,525 |
79 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-3°F (-20°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
15°F (-10°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| April |
33°F (0°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
55°F (13°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
1.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
44°F (6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
7°F (-14°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
-0°F (-18°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Gakona has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from -3°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 11.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (1.9") and April the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Gakona. 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 Gakona
What is the population of Gakona?
Gakona has a population of 200 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 3 people per square mile, spread across 60.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Gakona expensive to live in?
Gakona has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $90,313, 20% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $322,700 (14% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $710 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Gakona?
Gakona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -3°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches.
How is the job market in Gakona?
The job market in Gakona faces challenges, with unemployment at 22.5% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,093. There are 144 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 35.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gakona?
The median home value in Gakona is $322,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998. For renters, the median monthly rent is $710. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.8%.
How are the schools in Gakona?
Schools in Gakona have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 33.8% of adults in Gakona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gakona?
The obesity rate in Gakona is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 21.7% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 52.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,630.
What is transportation like in Gakona?
The average commute in Gakona is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 46.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 35.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gakona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gakona is 56.5% White, 1.5% Asian. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 10.1% of the population are military veterans. 17.9% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.