Violent Crime
471/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.6%
69% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.7%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Nelchina Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population106
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density2/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 39%
Veterans66.0%
Economy
Per Capita$31,790
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,473M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$342,998
Housing Units40
Rent Burden26.7%
Crime
F
Violent471/100K
Property2,331/100K
Health
Obesity37.7%
Smoking19.0%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp26°F (-3°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain11.8 in/yr
Sunny Days274/yr
Elevation3,372 ft (1,028 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.6%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband42.0%
Libraries2
Is Nelchina a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nelchina receives an overall livability score of 1.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Nelchina 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%.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,331 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
10.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Nelchina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F. Winters average -5°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 274 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 11.8 inches, including 54.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Nelchina has a population of 106 with a density of 2 people per square mile, spread across 47.5 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 62.3% female and 37.7% male. The city is predominantly White (38.7%), with 7.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 66.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $31,790 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,442. 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 399 business establishments, including 53 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
| |
| Per Capita Income | $31,790 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,442 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,832 |
| Gini Index | 0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 399 |
| County GDP | $1,473M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 53 |
| Healthcare | 24 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 19 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,227 |
| 49% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $342,998. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 40 total housing units in the city. The average annual property tax is $5,227 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
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 | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 40 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,227 |
| 49% above US avg |
In Nelchina, 37.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 19.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.0% report binge drinking. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 17.3% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631. The dentist ratio is 1:2,291. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
Health Metrics: Nelchina vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.7% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.0% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.1% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.6% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:631 |
| Dentists | 1:2,291 |
| Mental Health | 1:451 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.7% |
Food & Exercise
| Exercise Access | 66.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 24 |
Nelchina has a violent crime rate of 471 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,331 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. Overall, Nelchina receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nelchina vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 471.2/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,331.4/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Nelchina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winters average -5°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 63°F. 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 11.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 54.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. 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 3,372 feet.
Temperature
-5°F Jan (-21°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 26.3°F |
| 51% below US avg |
| January Average | -5°F (-21°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 274 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 3,372 ft (1,028 m) |
| Area | 47.5 sq mi (123.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.0104°N, 146.8299°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Chugach Census Area County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
119 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
11.8"
69% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
2.44"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 24.1 / 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 Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,806 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 |
88 km |
| Dec 28, 1990 |
49 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.3 |
146 km |
| Feb 6, 2022 |
72 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.2 |
127 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska |
M5.1 |
15 km |
| Aug 25, 2004 |
48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M5.1 |
52 km |
| Feb 17, 1995 |
4 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M5.0 |
88 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
14 km N of Paxson, Alaska |
M4.9 |
150 km |
| Nov 26, 1990 |
21 km SE of Susitna North, Alaska |
M4.9 |
140 km |
| Jun 20, 2010 |
11 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska |
M4.8 |
137 km |
| Apr 6, 2005 |
37 km NNW of Valdez, Alaska |
M4.8 |
64 km |
| Sep 24, 2022 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.8 |
87 km |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.8 |
63 km |
| Feb 12, 1993 |
27 km ESE of Susitna North, Alaska |
M4.7 |
134 km |
| Oct 18, 1996 |
47 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska |
M4.7 |
50 km |
| Feb 17, 1997 |
20 km WNW of Fishhook, Alaska |
M4.7 |
147 km |
| Aug 18, 1998 |
35 km E of Knik River, Alaska |
M4.7 |
94 km |
| Dec 25, 2012 |
Southern Alaska |
M4.7 |
85 km |
| Jan 10, 1998 |
55 km S of Glacier View, Alaska |
M4.7 |
90 km |
| Sep 2, 1998 |
36 km WNW of Valdez, Alaska |
M4.6 |
81 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
75 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M4.6 |
91 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
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 |
126 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Wrangell (147 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Wrangell |
Shield |
4,278 m (14,035 ft) |
1912 |
147 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALPHABET HILLS (34,657 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
ALPHABET HILLS |
34,657 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
TOKAINA 2 |
14,741 |
29 km |
| 2013 |
TABERT LAKE |
1,525 |
34 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-5°F (-21°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
2°F (-16°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| May |
38°F (4°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
49°F (10°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
51°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| September |
41°F (5°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| October |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Nelchina has a seasonal temperature swing of 63°F / from -5°F in January to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (2.4") and April the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Nelchina. 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 Nelchina
What is the population of Nelchina?
Nelchina has a population of 106 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 2 people per square mile, spread across 47.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 62.3% female and 37.7% male.
Is Nelchina expensive to live in?
Nelchina has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100).
Is Nelchina safe?
The violent crime rate in Nelchina is 471 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 2,331 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nelchina receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nelchina?
Nelchina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 26°F (-3°C). Winter temperatures average -5°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 274 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 11.8 inches, with 54.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Nelchina?
The job market in Nelchina is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,442. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Nelchina?
Schools in Nelchina have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 10.6% of adults in Nelchina hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nelchina?
The obesity rate in Nelchina is 37.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.0% of adults are smokers. 24.1% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631.
What are the demographics of Nelchina?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelchina is 38.7% White, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 66.0% of the population are military veterans. 12.6% of residents have a disability. 95.6% have health insurance coverage.
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