Median Income
$68,250
9% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,700
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
595/100K
57% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.5%
54% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.4%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.7%
31% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.1%
35% lower than US avg
How Nanwalek Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population208
Median Age19.0 yrs
Density25/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans1.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$68,250
Per Capita$18,120
Unemployment4.7%
Poverty8.1%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute7 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,700
Ownership75.7%
Zillow$253,137
Housing Units57
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent595/100K
Property4,481/100K
Health
Obesity39.4%
Uninsured13.6%
Smoking27.1%
Depression20.6%
Heart Disease8.1%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain40.4 in/yr
Sunny Days233/yr
Elevation202 ft (62 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.5%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+10.3%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute7 min
Broadband37.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries11
Is Nanwalek a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nanwalek receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Nanwalek offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nanwalek is $68,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.1% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nanwalek is $141,700, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 595 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,481 per 100,000, 129% above the national average.
Education
15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Nanwalek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Nanwalek has a population of 208 with a density of 25 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age is 19.0 years, 51% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.1% female and 38.9% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (97.6%), with 2.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 56.4% of residents, while 43.6% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 17.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
19.0yrs
Median Age
51% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
56.4%
28% below US avg
Spanish
43.6%
225% above US avg
The median household income in Nanwalek is $68,250, which is 9% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $18,120 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,368 business establishments, including 314 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 7 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 23.5% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $68,250 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $18,120 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.7% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.1% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,368 |
| County GDP | $3,590M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 314 |
| Healthcare | 271 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 71 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.53% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 6.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 19.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 23.5% |
The median home value in Nanwalek is $141,700, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,137, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 75.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 57 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,700 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $253,137 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 75.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 75.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 24.3% |
| Housing Units | 57 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.53% |
In Nanwalek, 39.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.1% of residents, above the national average. 36.6% have high blood pressure. 27.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 28.0% are physically inactive. 20.6% report depression. 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 13.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245. The dentist ratio is 1:1,349. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nanwalek vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.4% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.5% |
| Heart Disease | 8.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.6% |
| Asthma | 13.4% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 4.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.1% |
| 94% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.0% |
| Depression | 20.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 18.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 76.7% |
| Uninsured | 13.6% |
| 58% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Nanwalek has a violent crime rate of 595 per 100,000 residents, 57% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,481 per 100,000, 129% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Nanwalek receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nanwalek vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 595.0/100K |
| 57% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,481.2/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nanwalek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 55°F in July. The area gets 233 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.4 inches. 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 202 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
55°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 39.5°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 233 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 202 ft (62 m) |
| Area | 8.4 sq mi (21.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 25/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 59.3338°N, 151.9296°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
143 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.4"
6% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 47.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9,685 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jan 24, 2016 |
47 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M7.1 |
86 km |
| Jul 29, 2015 |
52 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M6.4 |
95 km |
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
126 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
99 km |
| Jan 24, 2009 |
Southern Alaska |
M5.9 |
55 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
76 km |
| May 19, 2000 |
63 km WSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
62 km |
| May 27, 2019 |
61 km SSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
58 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
35 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
49 km |
| Aug 31, 2017 |
61 km NW of Aleneva, Alaska |
M5.6 |
139 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
67 km SE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.6 |
69 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
35 km N of Aleneva, Alaska |
M5.6 |
122 km |
| May 12, 1992 |
37 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.5 |
95 km |
| Feb 10, 2004 |
6 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.5 |
7 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
77 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
92 km |
| Jan 20, 2004 |
82 km ENE of Ouzinkie, Alaska |
M5.5 |
130 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
31 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 60.0 m (197 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1967 |
GREWINGK, AK |
Meteorological |
60.0 m |
— |
56 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
134 km |
| 1883 |
COOK INLET, AK |
Explosion |
9.1 m |
8 |
84 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Augustine (85 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
85 km |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
101 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CARIBOU HILLS (46,686 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
TRACY AVE |
5,416 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
3.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| May |
43°F (6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| June |
49°F (9°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| July |
55°F (13°C) |
2.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
54°F (12°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| October |
39°F (4°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Nanwalek has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 26°F in January to 55°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.2") and June the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Nanwalek. 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 | $671 |
| Toddler | $941 |
| Preschool | $840 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,089 |
| Toddler | $1,056 |
| Preschool | $973 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Nanwalek
What is the population of Nanwalek?
Nanwalek has a population of 208 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 25 people per square mile, spread across 8.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 19.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.1% female and 38.9% male.
Is Nanwalek expensive to live in?
Nanwalek 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 $68,250, 9% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $141,700 (50% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nanwalek safe?
The violent crime rate in Nanwalek is 595 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,481 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nanwalek receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nanwalek?
Nanwalek has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 55°F in July. The area receives 233 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 40.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Nanwalek?
Nanwalek has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,200. There are 2,368 business establishments in the area, including 314 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 7 minutes, and 23.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nanwalek?
The median home value in Nanwalek is $141,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $253,137. The homeownership rate is 75.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Nanwalek?
Schools in Nanwalek score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.5% of adults in Nanwalek hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 10.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nanwalek?
The obesity rate in Nanwalek is 39.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.1% of adults are smokers. 28.0% are physically inactive. 20.6% of residents report depression. 13.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Nanwalek?
The average commute in Nanwalek is 7 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 19.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 23.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nanwalek?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nanwalek is 2.4% White, 97.6% Hispanic or Latino. 56.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 43.6% speak Spanish. 1.6% of the population are military veterans. 17.4% of residents have a disability. 76.7% have health insurance coverage.
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