Median Income
$51,250
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$88,600
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.6%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,280
10% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.8%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
23.1%
86% higher than US avg
How Nenana Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population527
Median Age31.5 yrs
Density88/mi²
Male / Female42% / 58%
Largest GroupWhite 50%
Veterans11.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,250
Per Capita$31,107
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty23.1%
County GDP$413M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$88,600
Rent$1,280
Ownership53.5%
Zillow$290,656
Housing Units274
Rent Burden21.1%
Health
Obesity33.8%
Uninsured20.7%
Smoking22.8%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp30°F (-1°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain12.4 in/yr
Elevation363 ft (111 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.6%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute18 min
Broadband89.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Nenana a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nenana 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 an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Nenana offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nenana is $51,250, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. The poverty rate of 23.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nenana is $88,600, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,280 per month. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
11.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Nenana has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F. Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 12.4 inches, including 77.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Nenana has a population of 527 with a density of 88 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 31.5 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.7% female and 42.3% male. The city is predominantly White (49.7%), with 4.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.7% of residents, while 13.6% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 79.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
527
Total Population
2023 Census
31.5yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.7%
7% above US avg
Spanish
13.6%
1% above US avg
The median household income in Nenana is $51,250, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,107 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,289. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 23.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,250 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,107 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,289 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $78,914 |
| Gini Index | 0.381 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 23.1% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $413M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 38 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Nenana is $88,600, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,280 (10% above 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. 53.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 274 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. 21.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $88,600 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $290,656 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,280 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.1% |
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 | 53.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 53.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.5% |
| Housing Units | 274 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
In Nenana, 33.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 22.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 20.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,593. 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 5.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Nenana vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.8% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 22.8% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.3% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.0% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 79.3% |
| Uninsured | 20.7% |
| 141% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,593 |
| Checkup Rate | 67.0% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 5.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Nenana has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F (-1°C). Winters average -3°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 66°F. Annual precipitation totals 12.4 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 77.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. 99% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 363 feet.
Temperature
-3°F Jan (-20°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 30.1°F |
| 44% below US avg |
| January Average | -3°F (-20°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 363 ft (111 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 88/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 64.5361°N, 149.0836°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Denali Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Fairbanks International (FAI)
41 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
12.4"
67% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
2.34"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 98.6% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 26.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2,938 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 29, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
2002 Denali Fault, Alaska Earthquake |
M7.9 |
139 km |
| Oct 23, 2002 |
53 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M6.6 |
127 km |
| Oct 6, 1995 |
36 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M6.0 |
75 km |
| Nov 29, 2000 |
52 km WSW of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.8 |
92 km |
| Jan 19, 2024 |
4 km SW of Salcha, Alaska |
M5.3 |
102 km |
| Jan 23, 2011 |
42 km E of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.2 |
141 km |
| Aug 31, 2014 |
14 km E of Minto, Alaska |
M5.2 |
69 km |
| Nov 8, 2002 |
36 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
125 km |
| Jul 5, 2002 |
77 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.1 |
139 km |
| Nov 4, 2002 |
78 km ESE of McKinley Park, Alaska |
M5.1 |
140 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
57 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.0 |
132 km |
| Nov 1, 1992 |
30 km W of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
65 km |
| Dec 6, 2000 |
59 km WSW of Ferry, Alaska |
M5.0 |
93 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
72 km E of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
140 km |
| Feb 26, 2013 |
13 km NW of Ferry, Alaska |
M4.9 |
50 km |
| Nov 3, 2002 |
56 km ENE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.9 |
129 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
16 km SE of Minto, Alaska |
M4.9 |
58 km |
| Jan 7, 1990 |
22 km NNE of Four Mile Road, Alaska |
M4.9 |
29 km |
| Nov 18, 1995 |
59 km SW of Harding-Birch Lakes, Alaska |
M4.8 |
90 km |
| Oct 2, 1991 |
32 km SW of Cantwell, Alaska |
M4.8 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RAILBELT COMPLEX (MINTO FLATS SOUTH) (523,527 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (MINTO FLATS SOUTH) |
523,527 |
29 km |
| 2002 |
GESKAKMINA LAKE |
260,205 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
ZITZIANA |
167,771 |
89 km |
| 2010 |
TOKLAT 2 |
146,447 |
75 km |
| 2006 |
PARKS HWY |
125,276 |
15 km |
| 2009 |
ZITZIANA |
120,372 |
99 km |
| 2009 |
WOOD RIVER 1 |
120,133 |
58 km |
| 2002 |
MILEPOST 78 |
107,420 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
RAILBELT COMPLEX (REX CREEK) |
87,861 |
38 km |
| 2001 |
FISH CREEK |
83,362 |
31 km |
| 2022 |
CLEAR |
72,998 |
35 km |
| 2018 |
ZITZIANA RIVER |
70,350 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
SANDLESS LAKE |
56,931 |
84 km |
| 2018 |
MOOSEHEART |
54,693 |
96 km |
| 2023 |
CLEAR CREEK |
54,404 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
DRY CREEK |
53,286 |
89 km |
| 2012 |
DRY CREEK |
49,047 |
83 km |
| 2000 |
BEARPAW MT |
39,542 |
94 km |
| 2015 |
BLAIR |
37,977 |
96 km |
| 2022 |
MINTO LAKES |
37,628 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-3°F (-20°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| March |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| April |
34°F (1°C) |
0.3 in |
Driest |
| May |
51°F (10°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| October |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| November |
8°F (-13°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
-0°F (-18°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Nenana has a seasonal temperature swing of 66°F / from -3°F in January to 63°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 12.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (2.3") and April the driest (0.3").
Average costs for common services in Nenana. 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 Nenana
What is the population of Nenana?
Nenana has a population of 527 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 88 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.7% female and 42.3% male.
Is Nenana expensive to live in?
Nenana 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 $88,600 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,280 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Nenana?
Nenana has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F (-1°C). Winter temperatures average -3°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 12.4 inches, with 77.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Nenana?
The job market in Nenana is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,289. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nenana?
The median home value in Nenana is $88,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $290,656. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,280. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 53.5%.
How are the schools in Nenana?
Schools in Nenana score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.6% of adults in Nenana hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nenana?
The obesity rate in Nenana is 33.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 22.8% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 20.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,593.
What is transportation like in Nenana?
The average commute in Nenana is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nenana?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nenana is 49.7% White, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino. 83.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 13.6% speak Spanish. 11.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.8% of residents have a disability. 79.3% have health insurance coverage.