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Nelson Lagoon, AK

Alaska · Aleutians East Borough

Nelson Lagoon is a small town in Alaska with a population of 83. Residents earn $51,250 per year, which is 32% below the national average.

Data updated April 2026

2.8 /5.0
C+ Fair
83 Population 0/sq mi density
$51,250 Median Income $34,406 per capita
$141,700 Home Value $435,931 Zillow
39°F Avg Temperature 233 sunny days/yr
871 Violent Crime/100K 2,348 property/100K
C+
Overall
2.8 / 5.0
Fair overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.7 / 5.0
$51,250 median income, 0.0% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$141,700 home value
F
Safety
1.0 / 5.0
871 violent crimes/100K (129% above avg)
F
Education
1.4 / 5.0
4.7% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Nelson Lagoon, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
Use the tabs and dropdown menus below to navigate every data point we track for this city.

Full City Profile
Median Income $51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value $141,700
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime 871/100K
129% higher 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%
Veterans83.0%

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%

Crime

F
Violent871/100K
Property2,348/100K

Health

Obesity34.3%
Smoking20.6%
Depression17.7%
Heart Disease6.8%

Climate

Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain42.7 in/yr
Sunny Days233/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
Broadband36.0%
Libraries1

Is Nelson Lagoon a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Nelson Lagoon receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Nelson Lagoon has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.

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.

Safety & Crime

With 871 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000, near the national average.

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. The area gets 233 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 42.7 inches, including 67.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.

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 Hispanic (78.3%), with 21.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 83.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 37.2% have health insurance coverage.

Population

83
Total Population
0
People / sq mi
52.5yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
247.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 59%
Female 41%

Race & Ethnicity

Nelson Lagoon vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 97.9%
25% 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.

Commute Mode

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 Index0.373 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate11.5%
7% below US avg
Establishments (County)97
County GDP$289M

Business (County)

Restaurants7
Healthcare10
Retail5
Manufacturing6

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time7.9 min
Drive Alone30.6%
Public Transit12.2%
Work from Home16.3%

Walkability

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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$141,700
50% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$435,931

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Rent Burden20.8%

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

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units45
Median Year Built1983

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. 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

Obesity34.3%
7% above US avg
Diabetes12.1%
Heart Disease6.8%
High Blood Pressure34.0%
Asthma10.6%
COPD6.8%
Cancer5.7%
Stroke3.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking20.6%
47% above US avg
Binge Drinking18.3%
Physical Inactivity26.2%
Depression17.7%
Mental Distress16.8%
Physical Distress14.9%
Short Sleep41.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate37.2%
Dentists1:3,398
Mental Health1:1,154
Checkup Rate64.1%
Dental Visits46.9%
Premature Death4,200/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.3/10
Exercise Access27.4%
Healthcare Facilities10
Nelson Lagoon has a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 residents, 129% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,348 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. Overall, Nelson Lagoon receives a safety grade of F.

Crime Rates: Nelson Lagoon vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Total Violent870.8/100K
129% above US avg

Property Crime

Total Property2,348.0/100K
20% above US avg

Traffic Safety

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Safety Score

Safety GradeF
Safety Score1.0 / 5.0
View full crime details →
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. The area gets 233 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 42.7 inches. The area receives 67.3 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 81 feet.

Temperature

28°F Jan (-2°C) 52°F Jul (11°C)
Annual Average39.3°F
27% below US avg
January Average28°F (-2°C)
July Average52°F (11°C)
Sunny Days233 days/yr

Geography

Elevation81 ft (25 m)
Area247.0 sq mi (639.7 km²)
Population Density0/sq mi
Coordinates55.8366°N, 161.6358°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyAleutians East Borough County
Nearest AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
558 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 42.7"
12% above US avg
Snowfall 67.3"
Wettest Month (Sep) 4.29"
Driest Month (Apr) 1.77"

Air Quality

AQI Median21.0
RatingGood

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score21.3 / 100
Social Vulnerability99.9 / 100
Community Resilience0.7 / 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").

View full weather details →
Nelson Lagoon is located in Aleutians East Borough County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 4.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 86% below the national average of 33.7%. 70.3% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Democrat with 50.6% of the vote, a 1.3-point margin. 36.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 1 public libraries serving the community. 10 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 30.6% of workers drive alone to work, while 12.2% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 49.4%
D 50.6%

Winner: Democrat by 1.3 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0
F Safety Grade (1.0/5.0)

Education

Bachelor's Degree+4.7%
86% below US avg
High School+70.3%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score4.96
F Education Grade (1.4/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density0/sq mi
Total Area247.0 sq mi
CountyAleutians East Borough County

Services

Broadband Access36.0%
Avg Download Speed1.8 Mbps
Avg Upload Speed0.2 Mbps
Max Download Speed4 Mbps
Public Libraries1
Healthcare Facilities10
Restaurants7
Retail Stores5

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute7.9 min
Drive Alone30.6%
Public Transit12.2%
Work from Home16.3%
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

Top Industries in Aleutians East Borough

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Retail Trade 41 6 $32,478 0.24

Fire Stations in Nelson Lagoon

NameAddressTypeActive FirefightersVolunteersPhone
Nelson Lagoon Fire and Rescue901 S Main STVolunteer907-989-2232

Airports Near Nelson Lagoon

4 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Canoe Bay Airport—Small Airport
Herendeen Bay AirportHEDSmall Airport
King Cove AirportKVCSmall Airport
Nelson Lagoon AirportNLGSmall Airport

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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.

Is Nelson Lagoon safe?

Public safety is a concern in Nelson Lagoon, with a violent crime rate of 871 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,348 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nelson Lagoon receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.

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. The area receives 233 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 42.7 inches, with 67.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.

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. 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, 78.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home. 83.0% of the population are military veterans. 26.6% of residents have a disability. 37.2% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Sand Point, AK 1,146 pop · 57.7 mi King Cove, AK 1,204 pop · 58.4 mi
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