Median Income
$63,023
16% lower than US avg
Home Value
$309,200
10% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
518/100K
36% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.6%
54% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$970
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.5%
4% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.9%
19% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.4%
24% lower than US avg
How Nikiski Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,656
Median Age37.1 yrs
Density67/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans16.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$63,023
Per Capita$31,462
Unemployment2.9%
Poverty9.4%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute30 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$309,200
Rent$970
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$313,253
Housing Units1,867
Rent Burden25.8%
Crime
F
Violent518/100K
Property4,898/100K
Health
Obesity33.5%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking19.1%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp36°F (2°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation133 ft (41 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.6%
High School+92.5%
Graduate+4.3%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute30 min
Broadband86.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Nikiski a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nikiski receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Nikiski has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nikiski is $63,023, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.9%. 9.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nikiski is $309,200, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $970 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 518 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,898 per 100,000, 150% above the national average.
Education
15.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Nikiski has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. With 200 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Nikiski has a population of 4,656 with a density of 67 people per square mile, spread across 75.9 square miles. The median age is 37.1 years, 5% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.8% female and 53.2% male. The city is predominantly White (75%), with 13.9% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.5% of residents, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 16.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.1yrs
Median Age
5% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.5%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.5%
37% below US avg
The median household income in Nikiski is $63,023, which is 16% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,462 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 9.4% 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 30 minutes. 0.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,023 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,462 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.9% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.4% |
| 24% 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 | 1.62% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 30.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.1% |
The median home value in Nikiski is $309,200, 10% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $313,253. Monthly rent averages $970 (17% below 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. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,867 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1986. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $309,200 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $313,253 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $970 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.8% |
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
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,867 |
| Median Year Built | 1986 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.62% |
In Nikiski, 33.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.5% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% report depression. 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% 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: Nikiski vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.5% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.7% |
| Dental Visits | 50.8% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Nikiski has a violent crime rate of 518 per 100,000 residents, 36% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,898 per 100,000, 150% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Nikiski receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nikiski vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 517.7/100K |
| 36% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,898.5/100K |
| 150% 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 |
Nikiski has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. The area gets 200 sunny days per year. 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 133 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-9°C)
56°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 35.6°F |
| 34% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (13°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 133 ft (41 m) |
| Area | 75.9 sq mi (196.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 67/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.7250°N, 151.2253°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
52 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.41"
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
10,370 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jul 29, 2015 |
52 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M6.4 |
143 km |
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
95 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
126 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
94 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
62 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
112 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
150 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
87 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
67 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
90 km |
| Oct 17, 1996 |
70 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
117 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
113 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
15 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
127 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
107 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
138 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
130 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
44 km NW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.3 |
74 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
96 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
124 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
1 tornado (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF0.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 2024 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
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 |
— |
123 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
— |
120 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
— |
121 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (84 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
84 km |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
128 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
195 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
15 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FUNNY RIVER (193,798 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
FUNNY RIVER |
193,798 |
51 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN LAKE |
164,801 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
45 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
51 km |
| 1991 |
POTHOLE |
8,769 |
74 km |
| 2015 |
CARD STREET |
7,366 |
45 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
74 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
SKILAK 2 |
2,365 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
57 km |
| 2014 |
TYONEK |
1,668 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
1,104 |
42 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
68 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-9°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
35°F (2°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| July |
56°F (13°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| October |
36°F (2°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
22°F (-5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-9°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Nikiski has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 15°F in January to 56°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.4") and April the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Nikiski. 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 Nikiski
What is the population of Nikiski?
Nikiski has a population of 4,656 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 67 people per square mile, spread across 75.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.1 years. The population is 46.8% female and 53.2% male.
Is Nikiski expensive to live in?
Nikiski 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 $63,023, 16% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $309,200 (10% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $970 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Nikiski safe?
The violent crime rate in Nikiski is 518 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 4,898 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nikiski receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nikiski?
Nikiski has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. The area receives 200 sunny days per year. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Nikiski?
The job market in Nikiski is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.9% / well below the national rate 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 30 minutes, and 0.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nikiski?
The median home value in Nikiski is $309,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $313,253. For renters, the median monthly rent is $970. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Nikiski?
Schools in Nikiski score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.6% of adults in Nikiski hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.5% have completed high school. 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nikiski?
The obesity rate in Nikiski is 33.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 11.6% 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 Nikiski?
The average commute in Nikiski is 30 minutes. 74.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nikiski?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nikiski is 75% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 13.9% Hispanic or Latino. 91.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.5% speak Spanish. 16.2% of the population are military veterans. 24.3% of residents have a disability. 81.5% have health insurance coverage.
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