Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Mentasta Lake, AK
Considering a move to Mentasta Lake, AK? This small, close-knit community of about 112 residents offers affordable housing, with median home prices around $92,000 and rents near $700. While the cost of living is higher than average due to remote location and utilities, you'll find a peaceful lifestyle, low population density, and short commute times. Crime rates are higher than the national average, and local education is provided by a small K-12 school, with higher education options about an hour away. Winters are cold and long, but summers are mild and beautiful—perfect for those seeking true Alaskan living.
Demographics - Mentasta Lake, AK
Demographics - Mentasta Lake, AK
Mentasta Lake is a small, close-knit community with a population of 112, predominantly Alaska Native or Native American residents. The median age is 48, indicating an older population, and the area has a low population density, offering plenty of open space.
Population:
112
Density:
2 per sq mi
Median Age:
48.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
18.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
4.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Mentasta Lake, AK?
The cost of living in Mentasta Lake is higher than the national average, especially for groceries and utilities, but housing remains affordable with median home values around $92,000 and average rents near $700. State taxes are absent, helping offset some higher local expenses.
Median House Value:
$92,000
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$245
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
0.0%
|
High:
0.0%
Cost Of Living Index:
115.0
Grocery:
140.0
Housing:
80.0
Utilities:
160.0
Transportation:
140.0
Health Care:
130.0
Miscellaneous:
110.0
Crime
Is Mentasta Lake, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Mentasta Lake are above the national average, with a property crime rate of 2,100 per 100,000 and a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of property crime. Residents should be aware and take precautions to ensure safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
360
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Mentasta Lake, AK year-round?
Mentasta Lake features long, cold winters with temperatures dropping as low as -25°F, and short, mild summers reaching up to 70°F. The area receives about 11.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly half the year.
Winter
Min:
-25°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
15°F
Max:
38°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
11.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
50%
Neighbors
Local households have a median income of $31,000, with a high poverty rate of 37% and an unemployment rate of 13.5%. Most residents commute short distances, and the community places a strong emphasis on high school education, although college attainment is low.
Median Income:
$29,000
Household Income:
$31,000
Family Income:
$34,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,500
Income Male:
$21,000
Income Female:
$18,000
Poverty Rate:
37.0%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
13.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
13 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
83.0%
Bachelors or More:
4.0%
Education
How are the schools in Mentasta Lake, AK?
Education in Mentasta Lake is centered around a small K-12 public school with low student-to-teacher ratios and approximately 15 students. Nearby higher education options include the University of Alaska Fairbanks – Tok Center, about 67 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Mentasta Lake Katie John School
Street:
Mile 81.5 Tok Cutoff, Mentasta Lake, AK 99780
Phone:
907-291-2327
Students:
15
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.5
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks – Tok Center
City:
Tok
State:
AK
Distance:
67 miles
Students:
80
Healthcare
Healthcare services are available through clinics and a critical access hospital within driving distance, with about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents. Most people have health insurance, but specialized care may require travel to larger towns.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Tok Community Clinic
Address:
Tok, AK 99780
Phone:
(907) 883-5855
Type:
Clinic & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Cross Road Medical Center
Address:
Mile 186.5 Glenn Hwy, Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone:
(907) 822-3203
Type:
Critical Access Hospital
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
82.0%
Health Care Index:
59.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Mentasta Lake, AK?
The housing market in Mentasta Lake is affordable, with a median home price of $92,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 78%. Rental options are limited but reasonably priced, and home appreciation remains modest.
Median Home Price:
$92,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Vehicle services for Mentasta Lake residents are provided by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest full-service office located in Anchorage and online services available for added convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4400 Business Park Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone:
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.