Median Income
$36,250
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$101,300
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
647/100K
70% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.0%
73% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.8%
61% lower than US avg
How Nikolai Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population89
Median Age49.8 yrs
Density20/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 2%
Veterans79.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$36,250
Per Capita$33,173
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute5 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$101,300
Ownership73.2%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units64
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent647/100K
Property4,157/100K
Health
Obesity35.7%
Uninsured14.7%
Smoking28.9%
Depression20.4%
Heart Disease8.2%
Climate
Avg Temp30°F (-1°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Sunny Days200/yr
Elevation425 ft (130 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.0%
High School+88.5%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute5 min
Broadband56.0%
Libraries11
Is Nikolai a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Nikolai receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Nikolai has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Nikolai is $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 5 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Nikolai is $101,300, 64% 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 647 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 4,157 per 100,000, 112% above the national average.
Education
9.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Nikolai has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 59°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.
Nikolai has a population of 89 with a density of 20 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 49.8 years, 28% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly Hispanic (87.6%), with 2.2% White, 2.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 87.8% of residents, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 79.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 39.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 46.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.8yrs
Median Age
28% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
87.8%
12% above US avg
Spanish
12.2%
9% below US avg
The median household income in Nikolai is $36,250, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,173 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% 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 5 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,250 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,173 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.8% |
| 61% 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 | 4.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 4.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 0.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Nikolai is $101,300, 64% 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. 73.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 64 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% 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 | $101,300 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
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 | 73.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.8% |
| Housing Units | 64 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.94% |
In Nikolai, 35.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 8.2% of residents, above the national average. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 28.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.7% report binge drinking. 29.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.4% report depression. 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 14.7% 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: Nikolai vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.2% |
| Heart Disease | 8.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 12.7% |
| COPD | 9.3% |
| Cancer | 5.2% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 28.9% |
| 106% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.0% |
| Depression | 20.4% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 46.0% |
| Uninsured | 14.7% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 61.9% |
| Dental Visits | 36.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Nikolai has a violent crime rate of 647 per 100,000 residents, 70% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,157 per 100,000, 112% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Nikolai receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Nikolai vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 646.7/100K |
| 70% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,157.0/100K |
| 112% 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 |
Nikolai has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F (-1°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 59°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. 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 425 feet.
Temperature
-2°F Jan (-19°C)
59°F Jul (15°C)
| Annual Average | 29.8°F |
| 45% below US avg |
| January Average | -2°F (-19°C) |
| July Average | 59°F (15°C) |
| Sunny Days | 200 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 425 ft (130 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 20/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.9991°N, 154.3749°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
190 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.27"
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
705 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 16, 2025.
| Jan 30, 2025 |
13 km WSW of Takotna, Alaska |
M5.2 |
99 km |
| Mar 9, 1990 |
18 km SSW of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M4.8 |
125 km |
| Apr 27, 1992 |
80 km NE of Lime Village, Alaska |
M4.7 |
128 km |
| Mar 2, 2023 |
44 km W of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M4.7 |
112 km |
| May 21, 2016 |
69 km NW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M4.5 |
121 km |
| Apr 10, 2009 |
5 km S of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 26, 2008 |
58 km S of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.4 |
142 km |
| Oct 5, 2002 |
95 km N of McGrath, Alaska |
M4.4 |
103 km |
| Jun 8, 2024 |
49 km SSE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.4 |
147 km |
| Feb 25, 1993 |
21 km SE of Lake Minchumina, Alaska |
M4.3 |
145 km |
| Apr 15, 2016 |
45 km SSE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.3 |
149 km |
| Jun 5, 2012 |
81 km NW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M4.2 |
109 km |
| Jan 30, 2006 |
51 km S of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.2 |
140 km |
| Jul 19, 2020 |
92 km NNE of Lime Village, Alaska |
M4.2 |
99 km |
| Sep 10, 2014 |
67 km W of Petersville, Alaska |
M4.2 |
126 km |
| Aug 3, 2004 |
49 km W of Petersville, Alaska |
M4.1 |
146 km |
| May 10, 2012 |
84 km SSW of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.1 |
93 km |
| Jun 23, 2025 |
32 km S of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.1 |
130 km |
| Feb 11, 1992 |
80 km S of Nikolai, Alaska |
M4.0 |
79 km |
| Sep 24, 2011 |
51 km SW of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M4.0 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TATLAWIKSUK (262,349 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
TATLAWIKSUK |
262,349 |
87 km |
| 2022 |
HOG BUTTE |
206,154 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
VINASALE |
175,486 |
67 km |
| 2009 |
TONCLONUKNA CREEK |
159,040 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
MOOSE LAKE |
118,933 |
99 km |
| 2010 |
TURQUOISE LAKE |
86,915 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
WASHINGTON CR. |
68,914 |
69 km |
| 2002 |
WINDY |
67,318 |
39 km |
| 2015 |
RUNGUN CREEK |
62,564 |
72 km |
| 2019 |
PAGE MOUNTAIN |
52,271 |
72 km |
| 1994 |
KATLITNA |
45,200 |
51 km |
| 2010 |
LONE MOUNTAIN |
38,181 |
63 km |
| 2022 |
SUBMARINE CREEK |
36,145 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
DEEPBANK CREEK |
33,076 |
45 km |
| 2009 |
BIG RIVER |
30,326 |
83 km |
| 2002 |
NORTH FORK |
30,221 |
21 km |
| 2018 |
WHITE MOUNTAIN CREEK |
30,001 |
85 km |
| 2005 |
LONE MOUNTAIN |
29,138 |
62 km |
| 2002 |
SULUKNA |
28,825 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
UPPER TATLAWIKSUK |
27,863 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
-2°F (-19°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
5°F (-15°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
13°F (-11°C) |
0.5 in |
Driest |
| April |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| June |
56°F (13°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| July |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
46°F (8°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| October |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| November |
6°F (-15°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
1°F (-17°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Nikolai has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from -2°F in January to 59°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.3 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.3") and March the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Nikolai. 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 Nikolai
What is the population of Nikolai?
Nikolai has a population of 89 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 20 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Nikolai expensive to live in?
Nikolai 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 $36,250, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $101,300 (64% 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 Nikolai safe?
Public safety is a concern in Nikolai, with a violent crime rate of 647 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 4,157 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Nikolai receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Nikolai?
Nikolai has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 30°F (-1°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 59°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 Nikolai?
The job market in Nikolai is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / 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 5 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Nikolai?
The median home value in Nikolai is $101,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 73.2%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Nikolai?
Schools in Nikolai score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.0% of adults in Nikolai hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.5% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Nikolai?
The obesity rate in Nikolai is 35.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 28.9% of adults are smokers. 29.0% are physically inactive. 20.4% of residents report depression. 14.7% 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 Nikolai?
The average commute in Nikolai is 5 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 0% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Nikolai?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Nikolai is 2.2% White, 2.2% Black or African American, 87.6% Hispanic or Latino. 87.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 12.2% speak Spanish. 79.0% of the population are military veterans. 39.1% of residents have a disability. 46.0% have health insurance coverage.
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