Mentasta Lake, AK
Population 94 · Alaska
About Mentasta Lake, AK
Mentasta Lake is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 94 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $26,912 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Mentasta Lake features a median home value of $166,900, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Mentasta Lake in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $379, 67% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 98 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (23 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (27 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Mentasta Lake shows an unemployment rate of 11.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Mentasta Lake have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
0.0% of Mentasta Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 81.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Mentasta Lake Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Mentasta Lake, AK
Compared to national averages, Mentasta Lake has a median household income of $26,912 (64% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $166,900, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $379 is 67% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Mentasta Lake's income is 60% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 18% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Mentasta Lake, AK?
Mentasta Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $166,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $379/month, and short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($26,912) that falls below the national average. However, Mentasta Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Mentasta Lake has a population of 94 with a median age of 36.3 years. Compare Mentasta Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Mentasta Lake
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle | 94 | $48,750 | $62,900 | Compare |
| Central | 93 | $19,539 | $80,800 | Compare |
| False Pass | 95 | $64,167 | $0 | Compare |
| Perryville | 95 | $44,167 | $93,300 | Compare |
| Kokhanok | 91 | $43,000 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Naukati Bay | 97 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Ouzinkie | 97 | $27,813 | $112,500 | Compare |
| Chuathbaluk | 89 | $30,833 | $191,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alaska
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Mentasta Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Mentasta Lake
What is the population of Mentasta Lake, AK?
The population of Mentasta Lake, AK is 94 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Mentasta Lake?
The median household income in Mentasta Lake, AK is $26,912 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Mentasta Lake?
The median home value in Mentasta Lake, AK is $166,900, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Mentasta Lake?
The median monthly rent in Mentasta Lake, AK is $379, which is 67% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Mentasta Lake?
The unemployment rate in Mentasta Lake, AK is 11.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Mentasta Lake, AK a good place to live?
Mentasta Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 94 and a median age of 36.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Mentasta Lake, AK?
0.0% of residents in Mentasta Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Mentasta Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Mentasta Lake, AK: median home value is $166,900 (32% below national), median rent is $379/month, and median household income is $26,912. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Mentasta Lake?
The poverty rate in Mentasta Lake, AK is 26.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Mentasta Lake, AK?
Mentasta Lake's population is 0.0% White, 81.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.