Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Nikolai, AK
Considering a move to Nikolai, AK? With a population of just 89, this small rural community offers a quiet lifestyle, affordable housing at a median price of $75,000, and low rents. Residents enjoy short commutes and a strong sense of local culture, though grocery costs and utilities are higher than average. While education and healthcare options are limited within town, the surrounding wilderness and Alaska Native culture make Nikolai a unique place for those seeking remote living and close-knit community.
Demographics - Nikolai, AK
Demographics - Nikolai, AK
Nikolai is a small, rural Alaskan community with just 89 residents and a low population density, offering a quiet and close-knit atmosphere. The population is predominantly Alaska Native, and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home. The median age is 39, and there are slightly more men than women in the area.
Population:
89
Density:
2.3 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.0
Gender Ratio:
115 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
18.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
10.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
90.0% (primarily Alaska Native)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Nikolai, AK?
Nikolai offers affordable housing, with median home values around $75,000 and average rents at $650, but everyday expenses like groceries and utilities are significantly higher than the national average. Residents benefit from no state income or sales tax, though the overall cost of living index is 20% above the U.S. average. Utility and transportation costs are especially high due to the town's remote location.
Median House Value:
$75,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$220
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
120.0
Grocery:
140.0
Housing:
85.0
Utilities:
180.0
Transportation:
160.0
Health Care:
120.0
Miscellaneous:
100.0
Crime
Is Nikolai, AK a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Nikolai are moderate compared to national averages, with residents facing a 1 in 250 chance of violent crime and a 1 in 125 chance of property crime each year. The overall crime index is relatively low for a small, rural community. Residents typically enjoy a sense of safety but should remain mindful of basic precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
400
Property Crimes Per 100k:
800
Crime Index:
1,200
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 250
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 125
Weather
What is the weather like in Nikolai, AK year-round?
Nikolai experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures often dipping to -20°F, while summers are cool and mild, reaching up to 70°F. The town receives about 15 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine about a third of the year. Residents should be prepared for significant seasonal variations and limited daylight during winter months.
Winter
Min:
-20°F
Max:
5°F
Spring
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
70°F
Fall
Min:
10°F
Max:
40°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
15 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
36%
Neighbors
Local households in Nikolai have a median income of $36,500, with a high poverty rate of 35% and an unemployment rate of 12%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is just five minutes. The community is tight-knit, with little use of public transportation and a significant portion of the population speaking languages other than English.
Median Income:
$25,000
Household Income:
$36,500
Family Income:
$38,000
Per Capita Income:
$15,200
Income Male:
$28,000
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
35.0%
Non English Speakers:
18.0%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
12.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
5 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
70.0%
Bachelors or More:
5.0%
Education
How are the schools in Nikolai, AK?
Nikolai is served by a single public school, Top of the Kuskokwim School, which offers small class sizes and a close student-teacher ratio. There are no private schools, but distance learning opportunities are available through the University of Alaska Fairbanks, approximately 280 miles away. Educational attainment is moderate, with a majority of adults having completed high school.
Public Schools
Name:
Top of the Kuskokwim School
Street:
School Rd, Nikolai, AK 99691
Phone:
(907) 293-2312
Students:
26
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.0
Colleges
Name:
University of Alaska Fairbanks (Distance Learning available)
City:
Fairbanks
State:
AK
Distance:
280 miles
Students:
8,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Nikolai is served primarily by a local clinic offering basic care, while emergency and specialized services require travel to larger regional facilities. Physician availability is limited, but about 85% of residents have health insurance coverage. Those with ongoing medical needs should consider the logistics of accessing more comprehensive care.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Nikolai Health Clinic
Address:
1 Main St, Nikolai, AK 99691
Phone:
(907) 293-2311
Type:
Primary Care Clinic
Emergency Services:
No
Name:
Yukon-Koyukuk Subregional Clinic
Address:
Galena, AK (Air transport required)
Phone:
(907) 656-1366
Type:
General Clinic
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
0.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.0%
Health Care Index:
65.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Nikolai, AK?
Nikolai's housing market features highly affordable homes, with a median price of $75,000 and about 80% owner occupancy. Rental options are limited but accessible, with average rents at $650 and a 10% vacancy rate. Home appreciation is modest, reflecting the area's stable but slow-growing market.
Median Home Price:
$75,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
80.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.2%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing services for Nikolai are provided by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Anchorage. Residents can access DMV resources online or by phone for convenience. Given Nikolai's small size, local DMV services are not available within the community.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
3901 Old Seward Highway, 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.