Median Income
$54,375
28% lower than US avg
Home Value
$307,100
9% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
66/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.9%
11% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.9%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.7%
253% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Tenakee Springs Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population172
Median Age65.3 yrs
Density13/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans12.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$54,375
Per Capita$49,509
Unemployment12.7%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$735M
Commute8 min
Housing
B
Home Value$307,100
Ownership92.8%
Zillow$472,854
Housing Units222
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
F
Violent66/100K
Property2,641/100K
Health
Obesity34.9%
Uninsured10.3%
Smoking18.3%
Depression21.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
AQI21 (Good)
Rain65.8 in/yr
Sunny Days166/yr
Elevation1,092 ft (333 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.9%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+15.0%
School Score5.84
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute8 min
Broadband98.0%
Libraries1
Is Tenakee Springs a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Tenakee Springs receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Tenakee Springs has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Tenakee Springs is $54,375, 28% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 8 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Tenakee Springs is $307,100, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. The price-to-income ratio of 5.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Tenakee Springs is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,641 per 100,000, 35% above the national average.
Education
29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Tenakee Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. With 166 sunny days, the area sees less sunshine than many U.S. cities. Annual precipitation totals 65.8 inches, including 90.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 21.
Tenakee Springs has a population of 172 with a density of 13 people per square mile, spread across 19.1 square miles. The median age is 65.3 years, 68% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.2% female and 55.8% male. The city is predominantly White (93%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 12.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
65.3yrs
Median Age
68% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Tenakee Springs vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Tenakee Springs vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Tenakee Springs is $54,375, which is 28% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,509 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,184, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 413 business establishments, including 40 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). 12.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Tenakee Springs vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $54,375 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,509 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,184 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,347 |
| Gini Index | 0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.7% |
| 253% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 413 |
| County GDP | $735M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 40 |
| Healthcare | 23 |
| Retail | 52 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,781 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 102.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 7.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 3.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 12.5% |
The median home value in Tenakee Springs is $307,100, 9% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $472,854, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 92.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 222 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1983. The average annual property tax is $4,781 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% 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 5.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $307,100 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $472,854 |
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 | 92.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.2% |
| Housing Units | 222 |
| Median Year Built | 1983 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,781 |
| 37% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.56% |
In Tenakee Springs, 34.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 32.2% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.9% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 10.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:467. The dentist ratio is 1:762. 99.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Tenakee Springs vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.9% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.2% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 21.3% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.5% |
| Uninsured | 10.3% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:467 |
| Dentists | 1:762 |
| Mental Health | 1:33 |
| Checkup Rate | 65.4% |
| Dental Visits | 57.8% |
| Premature Death | 7,687/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 99.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 23 |
Tenakee Springs has a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,641 per 100,000, 35% above the U.S. average. Overall, Tenakee Springs receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Tenakee Springs vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 66.3/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,640.6/100K |
| 35% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Tenakee Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 58°F in July. The area gets 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual precipitation totals 65.8 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 90.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. 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 1,092 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
58°F Jul (14°C)
| Annual Average | 43.1°F |
| 20% below US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 58°F (14°C) |
| Sunny Days | 166 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,092 ft (333 m) |
| Area | 19.1 sq mi (49.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 13/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 57.7901°N, 135.1354°W |
| Timezone | America/Anchorage |
| County | Sitka City and Borough County |
| Nearest Airport | Juneau International (JNU) 44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
65.8"
73% above US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
12.52"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 21.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 23.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 80.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
356 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.1. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 8, 2025.
| Jan 6, 2000 |
35 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M6.1 |
106 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
40 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M6.0 |
124 km |
| Jun 24, 1991 |
34 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M5.6 |
119 km |
| Jun 7, 2009 |
66 km NNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M5.0 |
141 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
43 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
127 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
41 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.7 |
125 km |
| Jan 6, 2000 |
30 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
102 km |
| Dec 16, 1998 |
39 km SW of Sitka, Alaska |
M4.6 |
119 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
44 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.6 |
126 km |
| Jan 16, 2017 |
30 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
109 km |
| Feb 24, 1997 |
45 km NNW of Gustavus, Alaska |
M4.5 |
124 km |
| Feb 18, 2015 |
43 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.5 |
127 km |
| Jan 14, 2022 |
56 km SSW of Pelican, Alaska |
M4.5 |
87 km |
| Jul 25, 2014 |
39 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.4 |
123 km |
| Jun 24, 1991 |
37 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.3 |
122 km |
| Nov 4, 1991 |
42 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.2 |
125 km |
| Oct 19, 1999 |
42 km WSW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.2 |
110 km |
| May 11, 2008 |
65 km NW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.2 |
149 km |
| Oct 3, 2013 |
64 km WNW of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Jan 16, 2017 |
28 km W of Elfin Cove, Alaska |
M4.1 |
109 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tsunami History
8 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 524.6 m (1,721 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1958 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
524.6 m |
5 |
111 km |
| 2025 |
TRACY ARM, AK |
Meteorological |
470.0 m |
— |
123 km |
| 1936 |
LITUYA BAY, AK |
Meteorological |
149.4 m |
— |
146 km |
| 1917 |
TAKU INLET, JUNEAU, AK |
Meteorological |
2.4 m |
1 |
74 km |
| 1880 |
SITKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
102 km |
| 1972 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
113 km |
| 2014 |
PALMA BAY, AK |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
124 km |
| 1927 |
SE. ALASKA, AK |
Eruption + Earthquake |
— |
— |
57 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
1 volcano within 200 km.
Closest: Edgecumbe (90 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Edgecumbe |
Stratovolcano(es) |
970 m (3,182 ft) |
-2220 |
90 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
7.6 in |
|
| February |
32°F (-0°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
5.5 in |
|
| April |
39°F (4°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
45°F (7°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
52°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
Driest |
| July |
58°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
55°F (13°C) |
6.5 in |
|
| September |
49°F (10°C) |
10.2 in |
|
| October |
42°F (5°C) |
12.5 in |
Wettest |
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
8.9 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-1°C) |
8.2 in |
Coldest |
Tenakee Springs has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 31°F in December to 58°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 82.8 inches, with October being the wettest month (12.5") and June the driest (3.9").
Average costs for common services in Tenakee Springs. 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 | $2,033 |
| Toddler | $1,762 |
| Preschool | $1,559 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tenakee Springs
What is the population of Tenakee Springs?
Tenakee Springs has a population of 172 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 13 people per square mile, spread across 19.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 65.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.2% female and 55.8% male.
Is Tenakee Springs expensive to live in?
Tenakee Springs 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 $54,375, 28% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $307,100 (9% above the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 5.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Tenakee Springs safe?
Tenakee Springs is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,641 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Tenakee Springs receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Tenakee Springs?
Tenakee Springs has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 58°F in July. The area receives 166 sunny days per year, below the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 65.8 inches, with 90.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 21.
How is the job market in Tenakee Springs?
The job market in Tenakee Springs faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,184. There are 413 business establishments in the area, including 40 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 8 minutes, and 12.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Tenakee Springs?
The median home value in Tenakee Springs is $307,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $472,854. The homeownership rate is 92.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,781.
How are the schools in Tenakee Springs?
Schools in Tenakee Springs score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.9% of adults in Tenakee Springs hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 15.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Tenakee Springs?
The obesity rate in Tenakee Springs is 34.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 21.3% of residents report depression. 10.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 99.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:467.
What is transportation like in Tenakee Springs?
The average commute in Tenakee Springs is 8 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 3.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Tenakee Springs?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Tenakee Springs is 93% White. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 12.7% of the population are military veterans. 8.1% of residents have a disability. 98.5% have health insurance coverage.