Tonsina, AK

Alaska · Chugach Census Area

Tonsina is a small town in Alaska with a population of 41.

Sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-year estimates, FBI Crime Data Explorer 2024, NOAA, EPA. Updated August 2026

3.8 /5.0
B+ Good
41 Population 0/sq mi density
28°F Avg Temperature
B+
Overall
3.8 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Education
3.8 / 5.0
34.5% bachelor's degree or higher

Discover Tonsina, AK

Explore over 40 sections covering people, economy, housing, health, crime, climate, community, costs, trends, schools, colleges, hospitals, treatment centers, industries, museums, libraries, breweries, farmers markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, campgrounds, parks, trails, stadiums, ski resorts, daycare centers, nursing homes, churches, fire stations, cell towers, bridges, power plants, EV stations, prisons, radio stations, airports, police stations, post offices, Amtrak stations, superfund sites, UNESCO sites, and more.
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Full City Profile
Bachelor's+ 34.5%
2% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate 26.6%
17% lower than US avg
Unemployment 0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 0.0%
100% lower than US avg

How Tonsina Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population41
Median Age32.4 yrs
Density0/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans0.0%

Economy

Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$1,473M

Housing

Ownership100.0%
Zillow$363,734
Housing Units54
Rent Burden26.7%

Health

Obesity26.6%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking13.2%
Depression18.4%
Heart Disease4.5%

Climate

Avg Temp28°F (-2°C)
Rain13.2 in/yr
Elevation3,664 ft (1,117 m)

Education

B+
Bachelor's+34.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.86

Community

2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Broadband100.0%
Libraries2

Is Tonsina a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Tonsina receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage, strong internet connectivity. Tonsina offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.

Education

Educational attainment is solid, with 34.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Tonsina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F. Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches, including 71.8 inches of snow.

Tonsina has a population of 41 with a density of 0 people per square mile, spread across 159.0 square miles. The median age is 32.4 years, 17% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.7% female and 46.3% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

Population

41
Total Population
2023 Census
0
People / sq mi
32.4yrs
Median Age
17% below US avg
159.0mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.3%
Female 53.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Tonsina vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only 100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish 0.0%
100% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Tonsina vs U.S. Average

The average weekly wage is $1,442. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below 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 399 business establishments, including 53 restaurants. The cost of living index is 102.4, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Tonsina vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Avg Weekly Wage$1,442
IRS Avg AGI$81,832
Gini Index0.372 (0=equal, 1=unequal)

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment0.0%
100% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.0%
100% below US avg
Establishments (County)399
County GDP$1,473M

Business (County)

Restaurants53
Healthcare24
Retail36
Manufacturing19

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$5,227
49% above US avg
Cost of Living102.40 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%

Walkability

Zillow estimates the typical home value at $363,734. Fair market rent ranges from $1,194 for a one-bedroom to $1,467 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 54 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $5,227 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Zillow ZHVI$363,734

Rental Costs

Rent Burden26.7%

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

Homeownership100.0%
Owner-Occupied100.0%
Renter-Occupied0.0%
Housing Units54
Median Year Built1985

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$5,227
49% above US avg
In Tonsina, 26.6% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.5% of residents, below the national average. 24.6% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 17.9% report binge drinking. 17.2% are physically inactive, below the national average. 18.4% report depression. 13.9% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:631. The dentist ratio is 1:2,291. 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.

Health Metrics: Tonsina vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity26.6%
17% below US avg
Diabetes6.4%
Heart Disease4.5%
High Blood Pressure24.6%
Asthma8.6%
COPD4.6%
Cancer5.3%
Stroke2.3%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking13.2%
6% below US avg
Binge Drinking17.9%
Physical Inactivity17.2%
Depression18.4%
Mental Distress13.9%
Physical Distress10.4%
Short Sleep28.7%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate100.0%
Uninsured0.0%
100% below US avg
Primary Care1:631
Dentists1:2,291
Mental Health1:451
Checkup Rate54.1%
Dental Visits44.5%

Food & Exercise

Exercise Access66.2%
Healthcare Facilities24
Tonsina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winters average -2°F in January while summers reach 57°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 13.2 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 71.8 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 3,664 feet.

Temperature

-2°F Jan (-19°C) 57°F Jul (14°C)
Annual Average27.6°F
49% below US avg
January Average-2°F (-19°C)
July Average57°F (14°C)

Geography

Elevation3,664 ft (1,117 m)
Area159.0 sq mi (411.8 km²)
Population Density0/sq mi
Coordinates61.5303°N, 145.1101°W
TimezoneAmerica/Anchorage
CountyChugach Census Area County
Nearest AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International (ANC)
164 miles away

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall 13.2"
65% below US avg
Snowfall 71.8"
Wettest Month (Jul) 1.79"
Driest Month (Apr) 0.17"

Air Quality

Natural Hazard Risk

Overall RiskVery Low
Risk Score19.6 / 100
Social Vulnerability10.6 / 100
Community Resilience24.1 / 100

Hazard Breakdown

Tornado Very Low
Earthquake Relatively Low
Wildfire Very Low
Flood Very Low
Hail Very Low
Strong Wind No Rating
Winter Weather Relatively Low
Lightning Very Low
Ice Storm Very Low
Drought No Rating
Cold Wave Relatively Low
Landslide Relatively Moderate
Coastal Flood Very Low
Tsunami Very Low
Volcano No Rating
Avalanche Very High
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)

Earthquake History

1,435 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990. Strongest: M5.1. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 30, 2025.

May 13, 1993 9 km ESE of Eureka Roadhouse, Alaska M5.1 108 km
Aug 25, 2004 48 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska M5.1 70 km
Jun 20, 2010 11 km SW of Tatitlek, Alaska M4.8 124 km
Apr 6, 2005 37 km NNW of Valdez, Alaska M4.8 75 km
Sep 24, 2022 Southern Alaska M4.8 26 km
Jul 27, 1995 Southern Alaska M4.8 82 km
Dec 25, 2012 Southern Alaska M4.7 126 km
Jan 10, 1998 55 km S of Glacier View, Alaska M4.7 139 km
Oct 18, 1996 47 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska M4.7 68 km
Oct 25, 1993 49 km WNW of Tatitlek, Alaska M4.6 141 km
Jun 25, 2010 10 km NNW of Glacier View, Alaska M4.6 144 km
Sep 2, 1998 36 km WNW of Valdez, Alaska M4.6 101 km
May 2, 2000 34 km NNW of Valdez, Alaska M4.6 83 km
Apr 29, 1998 32 km NNE of Chitina, Alaska M4.5 55 km
Feb 15, 2009 49 km SSE of Nelchina, Alaska M4.5 65 km
Apr 10, 2010 Southern Alaska M4.5 86 km
Feb 15, 1990 35 km NE of Valdez, Alaska M4.5 47 km
Jun 20, 2013 15 km NNW of Glennallen, Alaska M4.5 84 km
Jul 9, 2022 9 km W of Tatitlek, Alaska M4.4 119 km
Jan 8, 2012 14 km WSW of Gulkana, Alaska M4.4 84 km
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)

Tsunami History

1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 51.8 m (170 ft).

Year Location Cause Max Wave Deaths Distance
1964 PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND, AK Eruption + Earthquake 51.8 m 139 138 km
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.

Nearby Volcanoes

1 volcano within 200 km. Closest: Wrangell (78 km).

Name Type Elevation Last Eruption Distance
Wrangell Shield 4,278 m (14,035 ft) 1912 78 km
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.

Wildfire History

3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km. Largest: TOKAINA 2 (14,741 ac, 2019).

Year Name Acres Distance
2019 TOKAINA 2 14,741 76 km
2019 CHETASLINA 1,909 44 km
2011 GILAHINA 1,244 86 km
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January -2°F (-19°C) 1.1 in Coldest
February 6°F (-14°C) 1.0 in
March 14°F (-10°C) 0.5 in
April 32°F (-0°C) 0.2 in Driest
May 44°F (7°C) 0.5 in
June 53°F (12°C) 1.4 in
July 57°F (14°C) 1.8 in Warmest, Wettest
August 52°F (11°C) 1.8 in
September 42°F (6°C) 1.5 in
October 27°F (-3°C) 1.0 in
November 7°F (-14°C) 1.3 in
December -1°F (-18°C) 1.3 in

Tonsina has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from -2°F in January to 57°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 13.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (1.8") and April the driest (0.2").

View full weather details →
Tonsina is located in Chugach Census Area County. It is classified as Nonmetro / Rural, a rural community. 34.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 2% above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 55.8% of the vote, a 11.6-point margin. 100.0% of households have broadband internet access (above the 90.0% national rate). There are 2 public libraries serving the community. 24 healthcare facilities operate in the area.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 55.8%
D 44.2%

Winner: Republican by 11.6 points

Safety & Disasters

Avg Accident Severity0.0 / 4.0

Education

Bachelor's Degree+34.5%
2% above US avg
High School+100.0%
Graduate Degree+0.0%
School Test Score4.86
B+ Education Grade (3.8/5.0)

Area & Infrastructure

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro / Rural
Population Density0/sq mi
Total Area159.0 sq mi
CountyChugach Census Area County

Services

Broadband Access100.0%
Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities24
Restaurants53
Retail Stores36

Commute & Transportation

Drive Alone100.0%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home0.0%
Average costs for common services in Tonsina. 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

Top Industries in Chugach Census Area

Largest private-sector industries by employment (BLS QCEW 2024 data, county level).

Industry Jobs Establishments Avg Annual Pay Location Quotient
Transportation & Warehousing 524 50 $132,870 3.44
Manufacturing 494 21 $63,278 1.67
Accommodation & Food Services 301 50 $31,575 0.92
Retail Trade 289 29 $38,303 0.81
Health Care & Social Assistance 221 22 $58,405 0.43
Administrative & Waste Services 119 36 $98,319 0.56
Construction 91 21 $123,472 0.48
Information & Technology 82 10 $80,715 1.22
Arts & Entertainment 70 20 $40,323 1.16
Other Services 66 25 $40,368 0.61
Management of Companies 65 3 $144,076 1.07
Professional & Technical Services 58 11 $59,250 0.23
Real Estate 37 13 $50,000 0.66
Finance & Insurance 29 6 $66,579 0.20
Educational Services 10 4 $19,278 0.13

Trails Near Tonsina

2 trails found near Tonsina.

TrailMilesSurfaceHikeBikeHorse
JACKSON CREEK TRAIL 7.8 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes - -
CLEAVE CREEK TRAIL 1.8 NATIVE MATERIAL Yes - -

Cell Towers in Tonsina

AddressStructure TypeHeight (ft)
18 Mi. S of Copper Center (94052)LTOWER31
18 Mi. S of Copper Center (94052)LTOWER31

Bridges in Tonsina

LocationTypeKindYear BuiltLength (ft)Daily TrafficCondition
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete1984210440F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel198182440F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete1977124440F
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete1978321440G
CulvertSteel197421440G
CulvertSteel196423400F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel continuous1957254290F
Stringer/Multi-beamSteel197352290G
Tee BeamPrestressed concrete202310350G

Airports Near Tonsina

5 airports within the area.

AirportIATAType
Gulkana AirportGKNMedium Airport
Chitina AirportCXCSmall Airport
Copper Center 2 AirportCZCSmall Airport
Jacobus Field-Small Airport
Thompson Pass Airport-Small Airport

Explore Near Tonsina

Haunted Places
1
Locations with documented reports of paranormal activity and sightings
View all →
Waterfalls
1
Natural waterfalls documented by USGS and OpenStreetMap contributors
View all →

Haunted Places Near Tonsina

1 reported haunted locations found near Tonsina.

Name Description
Tonseno Lodge A man was killed in the hotel, and now he's haunting it. His ghost has been sited several times by many people. The hotel has since been closed down.

Waterfalls Near Tonsina

1 waterfalls from OpenStreetMap and USGS geographic data found near Tonsina.

Name Description
Whiting Falls

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tonsina

What is the population of Tonsina?

Tonsina has a population of 41 residents and is located in Alaska. The population density is 0 people per square mile, spread across 159.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.7% female and 46.3% male.

Is Tonsina expensive to live in?

Tonsina has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 102.4 (baseline: 100).

What is the weather like in Tonsina?

Tonsina has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Winter temperatures average -2°F in January, while summers reach an average of 57°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 13.2 inches, with 71.8 inches of snow.

How is the job market in Tonsina?

The job market in Tonsina is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,442. There are 399 business establishments in the area, including 53 restaurants and food service locations.

How are the schools in Tonsina?

Schools in Tonsina have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 34.5% of adults in Tonsina hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Tonsina?

The obesity rate in Tonsina is 26.6% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 17.2% are physically inactive. 18.4% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 66.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:631.

What are the demographics of Tonsina?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Tonsina is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.

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