Median Income
$72,250
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$243,100
14% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.7%
15% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$879
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.8%
27% higher than US avg
How Talkeetna Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population997
Median Age41.3 yrs
Density11/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,250
Per Capita$31,214
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty15.8%
County GDP$4,465M
Commute32 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$243,100
Rent$879
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$271,055
Housing Units834
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity38.7%
Uninsured16.1%
Smoking19.1%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp36°F (2°C)
AQI15 (Good)
Rain26.5 in/yr
Elevation675 ft (206 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.7%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute32 min
Broadband81.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries7
Is Talkeetna a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Talkeetna receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include a highly educated population, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Talkeetna stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Talkeetna is $72,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Talkeetna is $243,100, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $879 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Talkeetna has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15.
Talkeetna has a population of 997 with a density of 11 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 41.3 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.7%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.7% of residents, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 1.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 83.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
997
Total Population
2023 Census
41.3yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Talkeetna vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.7%
17% above US avg
Spanish
8.3%
38% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Talkeetna vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Talkeetna is $72,250, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,214 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,122, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.8% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,824 business establishments, including 272 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 32 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 28.7% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Talkeetna vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,250 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,214 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,122 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,507 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,824 |
| County GDP | $4,465M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 272 |
| Healthcare | 399 |
| Retail | 270 |
| Manufacturing | 66 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,017 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 61.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 28.7% |
The median home value in Talkeetna is $243,100, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,055, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $879 (24% 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. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 834 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1997. The average annual property tax is $6,017 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% 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 3.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $243,100 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,055 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $879 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
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 | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 834 |
| Median Year Built | 1997 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,017 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.48% |
In Talkeetna, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.8% report binge drinking. 24.6% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.7% experience frequent mental distress. 16.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050. The dentist ratio is 1:1,954. 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Talkeetna vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.6% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.7% |
| Physical Distress | 14.4% |
| Short Sleep | 32.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.1% |
| 87% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,050 |
| Dentists | 1:1,954 |
| Mental Health | 1:271 |
| Checkup Rate | 70.1% |
| Dental Visits | 57.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,750/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 399 |
Talkeetna has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 60°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 26.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 15 / among the cleanest air in the country. 92% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 675 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
60°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 35.9°F |
| 34% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 60°F (16°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 675 ft (206 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 11/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 62.3095°N, 149.9239°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Matanuska-Susitna Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
78 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.5"
30% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 15.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 92.2% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 4.0 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 93.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 3.7 / 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 |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
| Coastal Flood |
No Rating |
| Tsunami |
Very Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9,769 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.3. Most recent: M2.9 on Aug 29, 2025.
| May 1, 1991 |
Central Alaska |
M6.3 |
79 km |
| May 31, 2021 |
73 km N of Chickaloon, Alaska |
M6.1 |
88 km |
| Jun 24, 2015 |
46 km SW of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.8 |
128 km |
| Dec 4, 2012 |
20 km ENE of Beluga, Alaska |
M5.8 |
127 km |
| Dec 30, 1995 |
66 km ESE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.7 |
106 km |
| Apr 8, 2021 |
28 km SE of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.5 |
120 km |
| May 24, 1995 |
26 km SSW of Anchorage, Alaska |
M5.5 |
145 km |
| Jul 4, 1996 |
33 km ESE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
70 km |
| Jun 22, 2009 |
36 km E of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
58 km |
| Mar 8, 2000 |
33 km N of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
75 km |
| Dec 2, 1992 |
29 km WNW of Susitna, Alaska |
M5.4 |
89 km |
| Sep 25, 2010 |
54 km NE of Chase, Alaska |
M5.4 |
64 km |
| May 15, 2016 |
64 km SE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.3 |
100 km |
| Jul 22, 1999 |
13 km ESE of Eagle River, Alaska |
M5.3 |
118 km |
| Dec 28, 1990 |
49 km S of Cantwell, Alaska |
M5.3 |
92 km |
| Jul 28, 2011 |
8 km NE of Skwentna, Alaska |
M5.3 |
77 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
110 km |
| May 6, 1997 |
8 km NW of Knik-Fairview, Alaska |
M5.3 |
84 km |
| Feb 27, 2021 |
5 km SSE of Point MacKenzie, Alaska |
M5.3 |
110 km |
| Sep 1, 2000 |
71 km SE of Denali National Park, Alaska |
M5.3 |
103 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Spurr (166 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Spurr |
Stratovolcano |
3,374 m (11,070 ft) |
1992 |
166 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SU RIVER (7,050 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
SU RIVER |
7,050 |
43 km |
| 2015 |
SOCKEYE |
6,538 |
58 km |
| 2019 |
MCKINLEY |
3,436 |
37 km |
| 2019 |
DESHKA LANDING |
1,285 |
71 km |
| 2002 |
THURSDAY CREEK |
1,046 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| March |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| April |
36°F (2°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| May |
48°F (9°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| June |
57°F (14°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| July |
60°F (16°C) |
2.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
57°F (14°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| October |
34°F (1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Talkeetna has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 14°F in January to 60°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 26.5 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.7") and March the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Talkeetna. 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 | $1,079 |
| Toddler | $1,036 |
| Preschool | $1,001 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $934 |
| Toddler | $919 |
| Preschool | $912 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Talkeetna
What is the population of Talkeetna?
Talkeetna has a population of 997 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 11 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Talkeetna expensive to live in?
Talkeetna 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 $72,250, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $243,100 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $879 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Talkeetna?
Talkeetna has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 36°F (2°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 60°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 26.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 15.
How is the job market in Talkeetna?
Talkeetna has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,122. There are 2,824 business establishments in the area, including 272 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 32 minutes, and 28.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Talkeetna?
The median home value in Talkeetna is $243,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,055. For renters, the median monthly rent is $879. Fair market rent is $1,194 for a 1-bedroom and $1,467 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,017.
How are the schools in Talkeetna?
Schools in Talkeetna score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 38.7% of adults in Talkeetna hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Talkeetna?
The obesity rate in Talkeetna is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 24.6% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 16.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 65.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,050.
What is transportation like in Talkeetna?
The average commute in Talkeetna is 32 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 61.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 28.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Talkeetna?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Talkeetna is 98.7% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 91.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.3% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 1.8% of residents have a disability. 83.9% have health insurance coverage.