Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$141,700
50% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.7%
86% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.5%
7% lower than US avg
How Nelson Lagoon Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population83
Median Age52.5 yrs
Density0/mi²
Male / Female59% / 41%
Largest GroupWhite 22%
Veterans4.8%
Economy
B+
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$34,406
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.5%
County GDP$289M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$141,700
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units45
Rent Burden20.8%
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured59.0%
Smoking20.6%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
Rain42.7 in/yr
Elevation81 ft (25 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.7%
High School+70.3%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.96
Community
2024 VoteR 49% / D 51%
Commute8 min
Broadband69.4%
Libraries1
Is Nelson Lagoon a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nelson Lagoon receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Nelson Lagoon offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nelson Lagoon is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nelson Lagoon is $141,700, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
4.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Nelson Lagoon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.7 inches, including 67.3 inches of snow.
Nelson Lagoon has a population of 83 with a density of 0 people per square mile, spread across 247.0 square miles. The median age is 52.5 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 41% female and 59% male. The city is predominantly White (21.7%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 4.8% of the population are veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 41.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
83
Total Population
2023 Census
52.5yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Nelson Lagoon vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.1%
84% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Nelson Lagoon vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Nelson Lagoon is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,406 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,373. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 97 business establishments, including 7 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.3% of workers work from home.
Income: Nelson Lagoon vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,406 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,373 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,310 |
| Gini Index | 0.373 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.5% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 97 |
| County GDP | $289M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 7 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 5 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 30.6% |
| Public Transit | 12.2% |
| Work from Home | 16.3% |
The median home value in Nelson Lagoon is $141,700, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931, higher than the Census estimate. 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 45 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $141,700 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
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 | 45 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
In Nelson Lagoon, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 34.0% have high blood pressure. 20.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.3% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 17.7% report depression. 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 59.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:3,398. 27.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nelson Lagoon vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.0% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.8% |
| Cancer | 5.7% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 17.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.9% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 41.0% |
| Uninsured | 59.0% |
| 586% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:3,398 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,154 |
| Checkup Rate | 64.1% |
| Dental Visits | 46.9% |
| Premature Death | 4,200/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 27.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Nelson Lagoon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 52°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.7 inches. The area receives 67.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 81 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
52°F Jul (11°C)
| Annual Average | 39.3°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 52°F (11°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 81 ft (25 m) |
| Area | 247.0 sq mi (639.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 0/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 55.8366°N, 161.6358°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Aleutians East Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
558 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
42.7"
12% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.29"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 99.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 0.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
No Rating |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively High |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,572 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M3.2 on Aug 30, 2025.
| May 30, 1991 |
71 km SE of King Cove, Alaska |
M7.0 |
141 km |
| May 13, 1993 |
17 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M6.9 |
104 km |
| Oct 13, 1999 |
85 km ESE of King Cove, Alaska |
M6.4 |
134 km |
| May 25, 1993 |
35 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M6.2 |
115 km |
| Mar 14, 1995 |
70 km ESE of King Cove, Alaska |
M6.2 |
119 km |
| Jul 16, 2011 |
72 km ESE of King Cove, Alaska |
M6.1 |
119 km |
| Jul 28, 2020 |
75 km SW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M6.1 |
120 km |
| Feb 2, 2011 |
40 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.9 |
121 km |
| Jul 20, 1991 |
69 km SE of King Cove, Alaska |
M5.9 |
141 km |
| Jul 16, 2023 |
81 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.8 |
144 km |
| May 5, 2011 |
37 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.8 |
109 km |
| Jan 20, 2000 |
80 km NNW of Nelson Lagoon, Alaska |
M5.8 |
88 km |
| Jul 23, 2011 |
82 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.7 |
131 km |
| May 5, 2011 |
27 km S of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.7 |
108 km |
| May 17, 1993 |
49 km SE of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.7 |
139 km |
| Aug 3, 2023 |
85 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.6 |
138 km |
| May 2, 2009 |
78 km SE of King Cove, Alaska |
M5.6 |
145 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
62 km SSE of King Cove, Alaska |
M5.6 |
141 km |
| Dec 22, 1997 |
64 km SSW of Sand Point, Alaska |
M5.5 |
127 km |
| Mar 26, 1995 |
65 km ESE of King Cove, Alaska |
M5.5 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 25, 2005 |
EF0 |
89 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 88.0 m (289 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1788 |
SHUMAGIN ISLANDS, AK |
Earthquake |
88.0 m |
- |
101 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
5 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Pavlof (49 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Pavlof |
Stratovolcano |
2,493 m (8,179 ft) |
2016 |
49 km |
| Emmons Lake |
Caldera |
1,436 m (4,711 ft) |
Unknown |
62 km |
| Amak |
Stratovolcano |
488 m (1,601 ft) |
1796 |
106 km |
| Frosty |
Stratovolcano(es) |
1,728 m (5,669 ft) |
Unknown |
114 km |
| Shishaldin |
Stratovolcano |
2,857 m (9,373 ft) |
2020 |
190 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
33°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| May |
41°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| June |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| July |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| August |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| October |
39°F (4°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Nelson Lagoon has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 26°F in February to 52°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.3") and April the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Nelson Lagoon. 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 Nelson Lagoon
What is the population of Nelson Lagoon?
Nelson Lagoon has a population of 83 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 0 people per square mile, spread across 247.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 41% female and 59% male.
Is Nelson Lagoon expensive to live in?
Nelson Lagoon 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 $51,250, 32% 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 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Nelson Lagoon?
Nelson Lagoon has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 52°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 42.7 inches, with 67.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Nelson Lagoon?
The job market in Nelson Lagoon is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,373. There are 97 business establishments in the area, including 7 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 16.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nelson Lagoon?
The median home value in Nelson Lagoon is $141,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 100.0%.
How are the schools in Nelson Lagoon?
Schools in Nelson Lagoon score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 4.7% of adults in Nelson Lagoon hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nelson Lagoon?
The obesity rate in Nelson Lagoon is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.6% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 17.7% of residents report depression. 59.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 27.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Nelson Lagoon?
The average commute in Nelson Lagoon is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 30.6% of workers drive alone to work, 12.2% use public transit, and 16.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nelson Lagoon?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nelson Lagoon is 21.7% White. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.8% of the population are military veterans. 19.3% of residents have a disability. 41.0% have health insurance coverage.