Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nikiski, AK
Considering a move to Nikiski, AK? With a small-town population of 4,390, Nikiski offers affordable housing with a median home price around $186,200 and average rents near $1,050. Residents enjoy a rustic Alaskan lifestyle, cold winters, and 44% sunny days annually. Commute times average 23 minutes, and crime rates are higher than national averages but similar to other rural Alaska communities. Schools are highly rated for their size, cost of living is moderate, and outdoor recreation is a local hallmark.
Demographics - Nikiski, AK
Demographics - Nikiski, AK
Nikiski is a small Alaskan community of about 4,390 residents, with a population density of 55 people per square mile and a median age of 41.6 years. The area is predominantly White (about 83%), with a notable Native American presence and a slightly higher ratio of males to females. The community is largely English-speaking, though around 6% speak other languages at home.
Population:
4,390
Density:
55 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.6
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
82.9%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
8.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nikiski, AK?
Nikiski offers a moderate cost of living, with a median home value of $186,200 and average rent at $1,050 per month. Residents benefit from no state income tax, though utilities and groceries tend to be more expensive than the national average. Overall, the cost of living index is slightly above average, reflecting typical Alaskan expenses.
Median House Value:
$186,200
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$200
Auto Insurance:
$1,250
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,230
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
0% (no state income tax)
|
High:
0% (no state income tax)
Cost Of Living Index:
110.1
Grocery:
127.8
Housing:
96.0
Utilities:
151.0
Transportation:
119.6
Health Care:
125.3
Miscellaneous:
109.2
Crime
Is Nikiski, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Nikiski are higher than the national average, with a 1 in 228 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 41 chance of property crime. While these rates are typical for many rural Alaskan communities, it's important for residents to remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
439
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,430
Crime Index:
2,869
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 228
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Nikiski, AK year-round?
Nikiski experiences cold, snowy winters with temperatures ranging from 9°F to 28°F, and cool summers with highs around 64°F. The area gets about 21 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 44% of the year, offering a true Alaskan climate with distinct seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
9°F
Max:
28°F
Spring
Min:
22°F
Max:
48°F
Summer
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Fall
Min:
26°F
Max:
48°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
20.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
44%
Neighbors
Nikiski's households have a median income of $82,400, with a family income near $92,500 and a poverty rate of 10%. Most residents commute about 23 minutes to work, and public transportation usage is minimal, reflecting the community's rural character. Education levels are solid, with over 92% having at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$56,700
Household Income:
$82,400
Family Income:
$92,500
Per Capita Income:
$31,200
Income Male:
$61,400
Income Female:
$41,800
Poverty Rate:
10.1%
Non English Speakers:
6.3%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.1%
Bachelors or More:
17.7%
Education
How are the schools in Nikiski, AK?
Nikiski offers quality public education through Nikiski North Star Elementary and Nikiski Middle/High School, both known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. For higher education, residents are just 13 miles from Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna, providing convenient local opportunities for continued learning.
Public Schools
Name:
Nikiski North Star Elementary
Street:
45600 Holt Lamplight Rd
Phone:
907-776-2600
Students:
340
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.3
Name:
Nikiski Middle/High School
Street:
55300 Nikiski North Star Rd
Phone:
907-776-9400
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.1
Colleges
Name:
Kenai Peninsula College (KPC)
City:
Soldotna
State:
AK
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
2,200
Healthcare
Nikiski residents have access to Central Peninsula Hospital in nearby Soldotna, which offers emergency and general medical services. With 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and about 84% health insurance coverage, basic healthcare needs are reasonably met in the region.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Central Peninsula Hospital
Address:
250 Hospital Place, Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone:
(907) 714-4404
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.7%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nikiski, AK?
The housing market in Nikiski is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $186,200 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,050. High owner-occupancy rates (over 83%) and low foreclosure rates underscore the area’s steady real estate environment, making it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$186,200
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
83.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can access DMV services at the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles office in nearby Soldotna. The DMV provides standard vehicle registration, licensing, and other motor vehicle services needed for Alaskan residents.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
43335 Kalifornsky Beach Rd., Suite 36, Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone:
907-262-4427
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.