Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Meadow Lake, AK
Considering a move to Meadow Lake, AK? This small Alaskan community of about 7,200 residents features affordable homes with a median price of $265,000 and average rent of $1,150. While the cost of living is above the national average, residents enjoy spacious living, low state taxes, and a friendly, rural atmosphere. Commute times average 33 minutes, crime rates are moderate for the region, and local schools offer a solid educational foundation. Prepare for cold winters and a tight-knit community with great access to Alaska’s beautiful outdoors.
Demographics - Meadow Lake, AK
Demographics - Meadow Lake, AK
Meadow Lake, AK is home to around 7,200 residents, with a population density of 120 per square mile and a median age of 37.4 years. The community is predominantly White (78%), with notable Native American representation and a small but diverse mix of other groups, creating a friendly small-town environment with a slight male majority and a modest percentage of non-English speakers.
Population:
7,200
Density:
120 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.4
Gender Ratio:
106 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
78.0%
Black:
1.0%
Asian:
1.5%
Others:
9.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Meadow Lake, AK?
The cost of living in Meadow Lake is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 124.1, primarily due to elevated utility and grocery expenses. Housing remains relatively affordable for Alaska, with a median home value of $265,000 and average rent at $1,150, and residents benefit from the state's zero income tax.
Median House Value:
$265,000
Gross Rent:
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$1,400
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,700
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$550
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
124.1
Grocery:
134.0
Housing:
108.0
Utilities:
145.0
Transportation:
120.0
Health Care:
128.0
Miscellaneous:
118.0
Crime
Is Meadow Lake, AK a safe place to live?
Meadow Lake experiences moderate crime levels for the region, with a violent crime rate of 370 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 2,600 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 270 chance of encountering violent crime and a 1 in 38 chance of property crime, making it important to stay vigilant while enjoying the area’s close-knit atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
370
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,600
Crime Index:
2,970
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 270
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 38
Weather
What is the weather like in Meadow Lake, AK year-round?
The climate in Meadow Lake is marked by cold winters with lows near 0°F and mild summers peaking at 68°F, offering a true taste of Alaskan seasons. The area receives about 16.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 45% of the time, making it ideal for those who appreciate distinct seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
0°F
Max:
23°F
Spring
Min:
21°F
Max:
48°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
68°F
Fall
Min:
24°F
Max:
50°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
16.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
45%
Neighbors
Residents of Meadow Lake enjoy a median household income of $82,000 and a per capita income of $32,500, with a local poverty rate of 9.5%. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, commute an average of 33 minutes, and benefit from a strong sense of community in this rural setting.
Median Income:
$41,000
Household Income:
$82,000
Family Income:
$91,000
Per Capita Income:
$32,500
Income Male:
$50,000
Income Female:
$40,000
Poverty Rate:
9.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,150
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.8%
Commute Time:
32.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.5%
Education
How are the schools in Meadow Lake, AK?
Families in Meadow Lake have access to local public schools such as Meadow Lakes Elementary and Houston Middle School, which offer reasonable student-teacher ratios and supportive learning environments. Higher education is available nearby at the University of Alaska Anchorage's Mat-Su College, just 14 miles away, making continuing education accessible for residents.
Public Schools
Name:
Meadow Lakes Elementary School
Street:
1741 N Pittman Rd
Phone:
907-352-6100
Students:
410
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5
Name:
Houston Middle School
Street:
12801 W Hawk Ln
Phone:
907-892-9500
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.3
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Anchorage - Matanuska-Susitna College
City:
Palmer
State:
AK
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Meadow Lake offers access to quality healthcare, anchored by the nearby Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, which provides comprehensive emergency and surgical services. The community has an average of 2 physicians per 1,000 residents and 87% health insurance coverage, supporting overall well-being for locals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Mat-Su Regional Medical Center
Address:
2500 S Woodworth Loop, Palmer, AK 99645
Phone:
(907) 861-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.0%
Health Care Index:
70.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Meadow Lake, AK?
The housing market in Meadow Lake is stable, with a median home price of $265,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 82%. Home values have appreciated by 4.3% in the past year, and the area offers a mix of affordable rentals and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate:
82.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Meadow Lake residents are served by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the main office located in Anchorage for licensing and registration needs. Services and information can be accessed online or by phone, providing convenient support for local drivers.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Hwy, Suite 101, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
1-855-269-5551
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.