Median Income
$53,125
29% lower than US avg
Home Value
$251,600
11% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.7%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$922
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.1%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.3%
17% lower than US avg
How Ninilchik Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,009
Median Age52.7 yrs
Density5/mi²
Male / Female54% / 46%
Largest GroupWhite 76%
Veterans14.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$53,125
Per Capita$33,004
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty10.3%
County GDP$3,590M
Commute26 min
Housing
A
Home Value$251,600
Rent$922
Ownership85.5%
Zillow$214,711
Housing Units949
Rent Burden42.2%
Health
Obesity34.1%
Uninsured9.4%
Smoking19.8%
Depression22.2%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp37°F (3°C)
Rain29.7 in/yr
Elevation514 ft (157 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.7%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+6.6%
School Score6.01
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute26 min
Broadband82.8%
EV Stations3
Libraries11
Is Ninilchik a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ninilchik receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Ninilchik offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ninilchik is $53,125, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. 10.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ninilchik is $251,600, 11% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $922 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
28.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Ninilchik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.7 inches, including 100.6 inches of snow.
Ninilchik has a population of 1,009 with a density of 5 people per square mile, spread across 207.2 square miles. The median age is 52.7 years, 35% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.3% female and 53.7% male. The city is predominantly White (76.1%), with 2.8% Hispanic, 1.7% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.5% of residents. 14.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 29.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,009
Total Population
2023 Census
52.7yrs
Median Age
35% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ninilchik vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.5%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ninilchik vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ninilchik is $53,125, which is 29% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,004 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,200, 16% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.3% 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 26 minutes. 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ninilchik vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $53,125 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,004 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,200 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,064 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.3% |
| 17% 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 | 1.99% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Ninilchik is $251,600, 11% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,711, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $922 (21% 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. 85.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 949 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1995. The average annual property tax is $5,008 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 42.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $251,600 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $214,711 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $922 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.2% |
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 | 85.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 85.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 14.5% |
| Housing Units | 949 |
| Median Year Built | 1995 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,008 |
| 43% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.99% |
In Ninilchik, 34.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 19.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.0% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% report depression. 18.1% experience frequent mental distress. 9.4% of residents lack health insurance. 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: Ninilchik vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.8% |
| 41% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 22.2% |
| Mental Distress | 18.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 33.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 9.4% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,245 |
| Dentists | 1:1,349 |
| Mental Health | 1:245 |
| Checkup Rate | 62.3% |
| Dental Visits | 52.3% |
| Premature Death | 8,874/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 271 |
Ninilchik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 54°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 29.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 100.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 514 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
54°F Jul (12°C)
| Annual Average | 37.2°F |
| 31% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 54°F (12°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 514 ft (157 m) |
| Area | 207.2 sq mi (536.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 5/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 60.0613°N, 151.4042°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kenai Peninsula Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
90 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.7"
22% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
4.56"
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
10,301 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 30, 2025.
| Jan 24, 2016 |
47 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M7.1 |
119 km |
| Jul 29, 2015 |
52 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M6.4 |
101 km |
| Jul 9, 1998 |
73 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M6.1 |
86 km |
| Jan 24, 2009 |
Southern Alaska |
M5.9 |
109 km |
| Nov 20, 1993 |
66 km ENE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.9 |
90 km |
| May 19, 2000 |
63 km WSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
138 km |
| May 10, 2014 |
23 km WNW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.8 |
41 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
136 km |
| May 27, 2019 |
61 km SSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
144 km |
| May 5, 1999 |
30 km ESE of Port Graham, Alaska |
M5.7 |
92 km |
| Mar 2, 2017 |
48 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.6 |
88 km |
| Feb 12, 1995 |
67 km SE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.6 |
119 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
126 km |
| Jan 25, 2001 |
39 km WNW of Ninilchik, Alaska |
M5.5 |
54 km |
| Feb 10, 2004 |
6 km WNW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.5 |
84 km |
| Aug 13, 1990 |
13 km NW of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.5 |
29 km |
| May 12, 1992 |
37 km ESE of Pedro Bay, Alaska |
M5.5 |
122 km |
| Mar 19, 2023 |
19 km SSW of Anchor Point, Alaska |
M5.4 |
58 km |
| Apr 25, 1994 |
19 km NE of Nikiski, Alaska |
M5.4 |
86 km |
| May 19, 2005 |
54 km W of Happy Valley, Alaska |
M5.4 |
72 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tsunami History
4 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 |
- |
52 km |
| 2024 |
PEDERSEN LAGOON, AK |
Meteorological |
17.0 m |
- |
90 km |
| 1883 |
COOK INLET, AK |
Explosion |
9.1 m |
8 |
134 km |
| 2022 |
RESURRECTION BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
0.1 m |
- |
109 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
3 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Iliamna (94 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Iliamna |
Stratovolcano |
3,053 m (10,016 ft) |
1876 |
94 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
138 km |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
145 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 |
42 km |
| 2019 |
SWAN LAKE |
164,801 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
CARIBOU HILLS |
46,686 |
12 km |
| 2005 |
FOX CREEK WFU |
25,577 |
26 km |
| 2009 |
SHANTA CREEK |
14,474 |
48 km |
| 2005 |
KING COUNTY CREEK |
10,124 |
62 km |
| 1991 |
POTHOLE |
8,769 |
86 km |
| 2015 |
CARD STREET |
7,366 |
67 km |
| 2005 |
TRACY AVE |
5,416 |
34 km |
| 2004 |
GLACIER CREEK |
5,230 |
44 km |
| 1994 |
WINDY POINT |
2,689 |
34 km |
| 1987 |
SKILAK 2 |
2,365 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
SWAN LAKE |
1,986 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
EAST FORK |
1,104 |
78 km |
| 2005 |
IRISH CHANNEL |
1,067 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| May |
44°F (6°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| June |
50°F (10°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| July |
54°F (12°C) |
2.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
53°F (12°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
47°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
Wettest |
| October |
37°F (3°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Ninilchik has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 23°F in January to 54°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.6") and March the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Ninilchik. 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 Ninilchik
What is the population of Ninilchik?
Ninilchik has a population of 1,009 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 5 people per square mile, spread across 207.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 46.3% female and 53.7% male.
Is Ninilchik expensive to live in?
Ninilchik 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 $53,125, 29% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $251,600 (11% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $922 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Ninilchik?
Ninilchik has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 37°F (3°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 54°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 29.7 inches, with 100.6 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ninilchik?
The unemployment rate in Ninilchik is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. 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 26 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ninilchik?
The median home value in Ninilchik is $251,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $214,711. For renters, the median monthly rent is $922. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 85.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,008.
How are the schools in Ninilchik?
Schools in Ninilchik score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.7% of adults in Ninilchik hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ninilchik?
The obesity rate in Ninilchik is 34.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.8% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 22.2% of residents report depression. 9.4% lack health insurance. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,245.
What is transportation like in Ninilchik?
The average commute in Ninilchik is 26 minutes. 83.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ninilchik?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ninilchik is 76.1% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Asian. 95.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 14.3% of the population are military veterans. 29.3% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.