Median Income
$26,912
64% lower than US avg
Home Value
$166,900
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$379
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.1%
12% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.1%
208% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
27.8%
124% higher than US avg
How Mentasta Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population94
Median Age36.3 yrs
Density0/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 18%
Veterans27.0%
Economy
F
Median Income$26,912
Per Capita$16,826
Unemployment11.1%
Poverty27.8%
County GDP$1,055M
Housing
B
Home Value$166,900
Rent$379
Ownership46.0%
Zillow$320,632
Housing Units115
Rent Burden17.5%
Health
Obesity36.1%
Uninsured34.0%
Smoking21.7%
Depression19.6%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp25°F (-4°C)
Rain10.6 in/yr
Elevation5,489 ft (1,673 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+0.0%
High School+78.6%
Graduate+9.8%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband72.0%
Libraries3
Is Mentasta Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Mentasta Lake receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Mentasta Lake has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Mentasta Lake is $26,912, 64% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.1%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 27.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Mentasta Lake is $166,900, 41% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $379 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.2x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
0.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Mentasta Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F. Winters average -12°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 10.6 inches, including 37.6 inches of snow.
Mentasta Lake has a population of 94 with a density of 0 people per square mile, spread across 301.8 square miles. The median age is 36.3 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.6% female and 57.4% male. The city is predominantly White (18.1%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.6% of residents. 27.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 34.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 66.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
94
Total Population
2023 Census
36.3yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Mentasta Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.6%
23% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Mentasta Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Mentasta Lake is $26,912, which is 64% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $16,826 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,733, 21% higher than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 27.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 257 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 12.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Mentasta Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $26,912 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $16,826 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,733 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,227 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.1% |
| 208% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 27.8% |
| 124% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 257 |
| County GDP | $1,055M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 12 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 45.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
The median home value in Mentasta Lake is $166,900, 41% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $379 (67% 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. 46.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 115 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. 17.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,900 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $320,632 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $379 |
| 67% 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 | 46.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 54.0% |
| Housing Units | 115 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
In Mentasta Lake, 36.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 34.4% have high blood pressure. 21.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.5% report binge drinking. 23.4% are physically inactive. 19.6% report depression. 17.8% experience frequent mental distress. 34.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,742. The dentist ratio is 1:1,755. 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Mentasta Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.1% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.4% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.4% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.7% |
| 55% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.4% |
| Depression | 19.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 66.0% |
| Uninsured | 34.0% |
| 295% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,742 |
| Dentists | 1:1,755 |
| Mental Health | 1:416 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.7% |
| Dental Visits | 52.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,720/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 12 |
Mentasta Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winters average -12°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 71°F. Annual precipitation totals 10.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 37.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 5,489 feet, a high-altitude location.
Temperature
-12°F Jan (-25°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 25.0°F |
| 54% below US avg |
| January Average | -12°F (-25°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 5,489 ft (1,673 m) |
| Area | 301.8 sq mi (781.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 0/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 63.0117°N, 143.5615°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Southeast Fairbanks Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
180 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
10.6"
72% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
2.37"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 88.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 5.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,490 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 12, 2025.
| Oct 22, 1996 |
31 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.7 |
98 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km NNW of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
112 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
23 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.6 |
111 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
36 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
84 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
45 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.4 |
53 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
19 km NNE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.4 |
102 km |
| Feb 13, 2017 |
20 km NE of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
69 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
41 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.2 |
65 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
32 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M5.2 |
87 km |
| Jan 24, 2003 |
31 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
84 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
17 km ESE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
18 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
3 km ENE of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.1 |
12 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
44 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.1 |
64 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
60 km SW of Alcan Border, Alaska |
M5.0 |
124 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
28 km NE of Paxson, Alaska |
M5.0 |
88 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
21 km N of Nabesna, Alaska |
M5.0 |
59 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
16 km WNW of Mentasta Lake, Alaska |
M5.0 |
25 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
27 km SW of Dry Creek, Alaska |
M4.9 |
93 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
43 km ENE of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
67 km |
| Nov 5, 2002 |
Central Alaska |
M4.9 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (114 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
114 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (BILLY CREEK) (460,537 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (BILLY CREEK) |
460,537 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
TAYLOR HIGHWAY COMPLEX (PORCUPINE) |
267,726 |
72 km |
| 1990 |
TOK RIVER |
95,688 |
48 km |
| 1999 |
UPPERWESTFORK |
32,987 |
78 km |
| 2021 |
BLACK HILLS |
28,360 |
88 km |
| 2018 |
TAIXTSALDA HILL |
28,055 |
68 km |
| 2013 |
MOON LAKE |
27,819 |
49 km |
| 2015 |
LONG LAKE |
27,670 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
EAGLE TRAIL |
20,203 |
46 km |
| 2013 |
TETLIN JCT RIDGE |
18,530 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
BILLY CREEK |
16,385 |
95 km |
| 2019 |
BOUNDARY RIVER |
13,773 |
70 km |
| 1990 |
PORCUPINE |
11,458 |
68 km |
| 1986 |
PORCUPINE |
11,049 |
61 km |
| 1994 |
LICK CREEK |
8,846 |
83 km |
| 2015 |
DENNISON FORK |
7,222 |
100 km |
| 1999 |
DENNISON-TAYLOR |
6,722 |
86 km |
| 2013 |
EXCELSIOR |
6,230 |
88 km |
| 1998 |
WEST FORK |
5,877 |
96 km |
| 2003 |
TOK RIVER |
5,570 |
39 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-12°F (-25°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| March |
10°F (-12°C) |
0.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.2 in |
|
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| September |
43°F (6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| October |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| November |
0°F (-18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| December |
-10°F (-24°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Mentasta Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 72°F / from -12°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 10.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (2.4") and March the driest (0.2").
Average costs for common services in Mentasta 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Mentasta Lake
What is the population of Mentasta Lake?
Mentasta Lake has a population of 94 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 0 people per square mile, spread across 301.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.6% female and 57.4% male.
Is Mentasta Lake expensive to live in?
Mentasta Lake 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 $26,912, 64% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $166,900 (41% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $379 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Mentasta Lake?
Mentasta Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 25°F (-4°C). Winter temperatures average -12°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 10.6 inches, with 37.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Mentasta Lake?
The job market in Mentasta Lake faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.1% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,733. There are 257 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Mentasta Lake?
The median home value in Mentasta Lake is $166,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $320,632. For renters, the median monthly rent is $379. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.0%.
How are the schools in Mentasta Lake?
Schools in Mentasta Lake have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 0.0% of adults in Mentasta Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. 9.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Mentasta Lake?
The obesity rate in Mentasta Lake is 36.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.7% of adults are smokers. 23.4% are physically inactive. 19.6% of residents report depression. 34.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,742.
What are the demographics of Mentasta Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Mentasta Lake is 18.1% White. 96.6% of residents speak only English at home. 27.0% of the population are military veterans. 34.0% of residents have a disability. 66.0% have health insurance coverage.