Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Port Lions, AK
Curious about life in Port Lions, AK? This small coastal community of just 191 residents offers affordable housing with a median home price near $130,000 and rents around $950. The cost of living is higher than the national average due to groceries and utilities, but property crime is moderate and violent crime remains low. Commutes are a breeze at just 6 minutes, and the area features a strong Alaska Native heritage, a tight-knit rural lifestyle, and cool, maritime weather. Education is community-based, and essential healthcare is available via Kodiak. If you seek peaceful island living and natural beauty, Port Lions could be a unique fit.
Demographics - Port Lions, AK
Demographics - Port Lions, AK
Port Lions is a small, close-knit community with a population of 191, where the majority of residents identify as Alaska Native or American Indian. The median age is about 41, and over a third of households speak a language other than English, creating a culturally rich environment.
Population:
191
Density:
13 per sq mi
Median Age:
40.8
Gender Ratio:
103 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
36%

Ethnic Composition
White:
11%
Black:
0%
Asian:
0%
Others:
89% (Predominantly Alaska Native/American Indian)
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Port Lions, AK?
Living in Port Lions comes with a higher-than-average cost of living index of 128, mainly due to elevated grocery and utility expenses. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $130,000 and typical rents around $950, while Alaska's lack of state income and sales taxes can help offset some costs.
Median House Value:
$130,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$210
Auto Insurance:
$1,220
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
0%
Cost Of Living Index:
128
Grocery:
140
Housing:
75
Utilities:
180
Transportation:
160
Health Care:
130
Miscellaneous:
125
Crime
Is Port Lions, AK a safe place to live?
Port Lions experiences low violent crime, with a rate of 220 per 100,000 residents, making it a generally safe place to live. However, property crime occurs at a moderate rate, so residents should remain mindful of basic security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,370
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Port Lions, AK year-round?
Port Lions has a cool, maritime climate with mild summers reaching up to 62°F and winters that rarely dip below 20°F. The area sees frequent rainfall, averaging 35 inches annually, and enjoys about 30% sunny days, making it ideal for those who appreciate a rugged coastal environment.

Winter
Min:
20°F
Max:
33°F

Spring
Min:
28°F
Max:
45°F

Summer
Min:
45°F
Max:
62°F

Fall
Min:
30°F
Max:
48°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
30%
Neighbors
Residents of Port Lions benefit from a strong sense of community and short average commutes of just 6 minutes. While the median household income is $38,500 and the poverty rate is slightly above the national average, the majority of adults have at least a high school education and the town retains a rural, self-reliant spirit.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$38,500
Family Income:
$45,000
Per Capita Income:
$16,200
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$26,000
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
36%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
9.5%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
81%
Bachelors or More:
9%
Education
How are the schools in Port Lions, AK?
Port Lions School offers a personalized education experience with small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, serving the community's youth. For higher education, Kodiak College is available within a short trip, providing broader academic opportunities.

Public Schools
Name:
Port Lions School
Street:
251 Ole Johnson Ave
Phone:
907-454-2238
Students:
22
Student Teacher Ratio:
7:1

Colleges
Name:
Kodiak College (University of Alaska Anchorage)
City:
Kodiak
State:
AK
Distance:
46 miles (by air and ferry)
Students:
1,000
Healthcare
Essential healthcare needs are served by the Kodiak Island Medical Center, located in nearby Kodiak and offering general and emergency services. With 85% of residents having health insurance and a moderate healthcare index, basic medical care is accessible, though more specialized services may require travel.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Kodiak Island Medical Center
Address:
1915 E Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615
Phone:
(907) 486-3281
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
85%
Health Care Index:
67
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Port Lions, AK?
The housing market in Port Lions is modest and stable, with a median home price of $130,000 and high owner-occupancy rates at 80%. Rental options are limited but affordable, and home values have seen slight appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$130,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
80%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
1.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration and licensing for Port Lions residents are handled by the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles in Kodiak, accessible via ferry or air. The DMV provides comprehensive services and information online or by phone for convenience.
State:
Alaska
Department:
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
2935 E Rezanof Dr, Kodiak, AK 99615
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.