Median Income
$100,417
34% higher than US avg
Home Value
$266,800
5% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
182/100K
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.2%
28% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,250
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.9%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Knik River Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population858
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density11/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans8.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$100,417
Per Capita$42,916
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$32,113M
Commute36 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$266,800
Rent$1,250
Ownership86.9%
Zillow$420,936
Housing Units372
Rent Burden16.7%
Crime
F
Violent182/100K
Property2,522/100K
Health
Obesity35.9%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking15.9%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain16.6 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation4,312 ft (1,314 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.2%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+5.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 56%
Commute36 min
Broadband94.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Knik River a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Knik River receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include long commute times. Knik River offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Knik River is $100,417, which is significantly higher than the national average / 34% above $75,149. This places Knik River among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Knik River is $266,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Knik River is below the national average at 182 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,522 per 100,000, 29% above the national average.
Education
24.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Knik River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 16.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Knik River has a population of 858 with a density of 11 people per square mile, spread across 91.7 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 40.6% female and 59.4% male. The city is predominantly White (85.9%), with 7% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.2% of residents, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 19.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Knik River vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.2%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.8%
57% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Knik River vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Knik River is $100,417, which is 34% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,916. The average weekly wage is $1,436. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,829 business establishments, including 785 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 36 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Knik River vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $100,417 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,916 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,436 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $94,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,829 |
| County GDP | $32,113M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 785 |
| Healthcare | 1,392 |
| Retail | 819 |
| Manufacturing | 180 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 35.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 71.1% |
| Public Transit | 2.8% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Knik River is $266,800, 5% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $420,936, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,250 (7% above 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. 86.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 372 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $8,419 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 16.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $266,800 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $420,936 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,250 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.7% |
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 | 86.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.1% |
| Housing Units | 372 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,419 |
| 141% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Knik River, 35.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 7.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 15.9% are current smokers. 17.5% report binge drinking. 20.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.0% report depression. 16.2% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860. The dentist ratio is 1:750. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Knik River vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.9% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.9% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.4% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.2% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 31.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:860 |
| Dentists | 1:750 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.7% |
| Dental Visits | 62.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,853/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 1,392 |
Knik River has a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 residents, 52% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,522 per 100,000, 29% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 20 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Knik River receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Knik River vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 182.3/100K |
| 52% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,521.7/100K |
| 29% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 20 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Knik River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. The area gets 274 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 16.6 inches (drier 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 4,312 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 37.0°F |
| 31% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 4,312 ft (1,314 m) |
| Area | 91.7 sq mi (237.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 11/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 61.4619°N, 149.0075°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Anchorage Municipality County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
16.6"
56% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.50"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.36 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 97.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 11.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 34.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6,976 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
117 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
97 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
78 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
105 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
130 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
104 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
108 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
52 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
25 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
39 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
52 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
137 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
144 km |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
14 km WNW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.2 |
65 km |
| Sep 17, 2019 |
28 km NW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
104 km |
| Dec 7, 1991 |
19 km E of Point Possession, Alaska |
M5.2 |
91 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska |
M5.1 |
117 km |
| May 18, 1993 |
16 km WNW of Hope, Alaska |
M5.1 |
73 km |
| Jun 16, 2011 |
14 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.1 |
136 km |
| Feb 6, 2002 |
7 km SSW of Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska |
M5.1 |
47 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami 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 |
109 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (174 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
174 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SU RIVER |
7,050 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
69 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
80 km |
| 2010 |
EKLUTNA |
1,941 |
15 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
67 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| March |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| April |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| May |
39°F (4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
48°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
50°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
42°F (5°C) |
3.5 in |
Wettest |
| October |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Knik River has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 14°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.3 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.5") and April the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Knik River. 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
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,567 |
| Toddler | $1,460 |
| Preschool | $1,255 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,124 |
| Toddler | $1,013 |
| Preschool | $992 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Knik River
What is the population of Knik River?
Knik River has a population of 858 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 11 people per square mile, spread across 91.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 40.6% female and 59.4% male.
Is Knik River expensive to live in?
Knik River 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 $100,417, 34% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $266,800 (5% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Knik River safe?
Knik River is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 182 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,522 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Knik River receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Knik River?
Knik River has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 16.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Knik River?
The job market in Knik River is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,436. There are 8,829 business establishments in the area, including 785 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 36 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Knik River?
The median home value in Knik River is $266,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $420,936. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,250. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.9%. The average annual property tax is $8,419.
How are the schools in Knik River?
Schools in Knik River have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 24.2% of adults in Knik River hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 5.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Knik River?
The obesity rate in Knik River is 35.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.9% of adults are smokers. 20.4% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 93.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:860.
What is transportation like in Knik River?
The average commute in Knik River is 36 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 71.1% of workers drive alone to work, 2.8% use public transit, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Knik River?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Knik River is 85.9% White, 7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.2% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.8% speak Spanish. 8.0% of the population are military veterans. 19.1% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
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