Median Income
$51,111
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,100
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
0.9%
97% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.5%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.9%
119% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.9%
44% higher than US avg
How Port Lions Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population151
Median Age56.4 yrs
Density30/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 29%
Veterans8.2%
Economy
C+
Median Income$51,111
Per Capita$39,464
Unemployment7.9%
Poverty17.9%
County GDP$989M
Commute8 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,100
Ownership88.8%
Zillow$435,931
Housing Units122
Rent Burden25.5%
Health
Obesity39.5%
Uninsured16.6%
Smoking23.2%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
Rain78.3 in/yr
Elevation132 ft (40 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+0.9%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+6.1%
School Score5.30
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute8 min
Broadband81.3%
Libraries4
Is Port Lions a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Port Lions receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Port Lions has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Port Lions is $51,111, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 7.9% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Port Lions is $189,100, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
0.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Port Lions has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 78.3 inches, including 70.3 inches of snow.
Port Lions has a population of 151 with a density of 30 people per square mile, spread across 10.1 square miles. The median age is 56.4 years, 45% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly White (29.1%), with 7.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.6% of residents, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 83.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
151
Total Population
2023 Census
56.4yrs
Median Age
45% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Port Lions vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.6%
18% above US avg
Spanish
8.2%
39% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Port Lions vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Port Lions is $51,111, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,464. The average weekly wage is $1,170, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 475 business establishments, including 49 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). 4.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Port Lions vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,111 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,464 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,170 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $76,879 |
| Gini Index | 0.401 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.9% |
| 119% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.9% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 475 |
| County GDP | $989M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 49 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 36 |
| Manufacturing | 18 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,383 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.85% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 8.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 47.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.3% |
The median home value in Port Lions is $189,100, 33% 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. 88.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 122 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $5,383 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,100 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $435,931 |
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 | 88.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 88.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 11.3% |
| Housing Units | 122 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,383 |
| 54% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.85% |
In Port Lions, 39.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 34.1% have high blood pressure. 23.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 25.5% are physically inactive. 20.5% report depression. 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 16.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:710. The dentist ratio is 1:1,817. 99.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Port Lions vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.5% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.1% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.2% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.5% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.3% |
| Short Sleep | 41.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.4% |
| Uninsured | 16.6% |
| 93% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:710 |
| Dentists | 1:1,817 |
| Mental Health | 1:233 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 51.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,976/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Port Lions has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 56°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 78.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 70.3 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 132 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-0°C)
56°F Jul (13°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 56°F (13°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 132 ft (40 m) |
| Area | 10.1 sq mi (26.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 30/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 57.8670°N, 152.8562°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Kodiak Island Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
249 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
78.3"
106% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
8.85"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 33.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 18.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
No Rating |
| Strong Wind |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Moderate |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3,019 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.0. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 27, 2025.
| Dec 6, 1999 |
26 km SSE of Karluk, Alaska |
M7.0 |
106 km |
| Jan 10, 2001 |
47 km S of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M6.9 |
124 km |
| Jul 28, 2001 |
74 km S of Kokhanok, Alaska |
M6.6 |
148 km |
| Jul 11, 2000 |
24 km SSW of Larsen Bay, Alaska |
M6.5 |
98 km |
| Dec 7, 1999 |
29 km N of Akhiok, Alaska |
M6.4 |
112 km |
| May 27, 2019 |
61 km SSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
114 km |
| May 19, 2000 |
63 km WSW of Nanwalek, Alaska |
M5.8 |
134 km |
| Aug 31, 2017 |
61 km NW of Aleneva, Alaska |
M5.6 |
80 km |
| Mar 8, 1990 |
35 km N of Aleneva, Alaska |
M5.6 |
57 km |
| Jul 11, 2000 |
23 km SSE of Karluk, Alaska |
M5.5 |
100 km |
| Jan 20, 2004 |
82 km ENE of Ouzinkie, Alaska |
M5.5 |
104 km |
| Aug 26, 1999 |
68 km NNW of Karluk, Alaska |
M5.5 |
121 km |
| May 11, 2017 |
69 km SE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.4 |
126 km |
| Dec 1, 2012 |
81 km WNW of Aleneva, Alaska |
M5.4 |
96 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
27 km SW of Larsen Bay, Alaska |
M5.4 |
102 km |
| Feb 21, 2023 |
43 km SSE of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.4 |
115 km |
| Dec 6, 1999 |
33 km N of Akhiok, Alaska |
M5.3 |
104 km |
| Jan 10, 2001 |
55 km S of Old Harbor, Alaska |
M5.3 |
133 km |
| Sep 12, 1992 |
50 km WNW of Akhiok, Alaska |
M5.3 |
146 km |
| Jan 2, 2009 |
62 km NNE of Ouzinkie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
79 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tsunami History
3 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 30.0 m (98 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1788 |
ALASKA PENINSULA, AK |
Earthquake |
30.0 m |
- |
97 km |
| 1854 |
KODIAK ISLAND, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
2.4 m |
- |
109 km |
| 1970 |
ANDREANOF ISLANDS, AK |
Earthquake |
0.0 m |
- |
74 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Katmai (132 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Katmai |
Stratovolcano |
2,047 m (6,716 ft) |
1912 |
132 km |
| Trident |
Stratovolcano |
1,864 m (6,115 ft) |
1974 |
138 km |
| Martin |
Stratovolcano |
1,863 m (6,112 ft) |
1953 |
151 km |
| Augustine |
Lava dome(s) |
1,252 m (4,108 ft) |
2006 |
170 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: TWIN CREEKS (3,418 ac, 2015).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2015 |
TWIN CREEKS |
3,418 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-0°C) |
8.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
6.3 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| May |
46°F (8°C) |
5.9 in |
|
| June |
51°F (11°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
56°F (13°C) |
4.5 in |
Driest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
4.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
51°F (10°C) |
7.6 in |
|
| October |
42°F (6°C) |
8.9 in |
Wettest |
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
7.1 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
8.8 in |
|
Port Lions has a seasonal temperature swing of 25°F / from 31°F in January to 57°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 78.3 inches, with October being the wettest month (8.9") and July the driest (4.5").
Average costs for common services in Port Lions. 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 | $1,216 |
| Toddler | $1,054 |
| Preschool | $1,013 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,180 |
| Toddler | $1,071 |
| Preschool | $1,003 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Lions
What is the population of Port Lions?
Port Lions has a population of 151 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 30 people per square mile, spread across 10.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 56.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Port Lions expensive to live in?
Port Lions 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 $51,111, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,100 (33% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Port Lions?
Port Lions has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 56°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 78.3 inches, with 70.3 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Port Lions?
The unemployment rate in Port Lions is 7.9%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,170. There are 475 business establishments in the area, including 49 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 4.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Port Lions?
The median home value in Port Lions is $189,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $435,931. The homeownership rate is 88.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,383.
How are the schools in Port Lions?
Schools in Port Lions score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 0.9% of adults in Port Lions hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 6.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Port Lions?
The obesity rate in Port Lions is 39.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.2% of adults are smokers. 25.5% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 16.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 99.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:710.
What is transportation like in Port Lions?
The average commute in Port Lions is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 47.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Port Lions?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Port Lions is 29.1% White, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino. 92.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.2% speak Spanish. 8.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 83.4% have health insurance coverage.