Metlakatla, AK
Population 1,338 · Alaska
About Metlakatla, AK
Metlakatla is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 1,338 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,107 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.5 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Metlakatla features a median home value of $160,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Metlakatla in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $742, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 481 total housing units, 74% are owner-occupied (321 units) and 26% are renter-occupied (112 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Metlakatla shows an unemployment rate of 8.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Metlakatla have an average one-way commute time of 4.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
9.0% of Metlakatla 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 3.2% White, 93.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Metlakatla Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Metlakatla, AK
Compared to national averages, Metlakatla has a median household income of $69,107 (8% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $160,500, which is 34% below the national median. Monthly rent at $742 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Metlakatla's income is 2% above the state average of $67,815, and home values are 21% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Metlakatla, AK?
Metlakatla offers affordable housing with a median home value of $160,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $742/month, and short commute times averaging just 4.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,107) that falls below the national average. However, Metlakatla’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Metlakatla has a population of 1,338 with a median age of 38.5 years. Compare Metlakatla with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Metlakatla
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Ridge | 1,338 | $80,417 | $312,200 | Compare |
| Bear Creek | 1,360 | $93,478 | $438,800 | Compare |
| Sutton-Alpine | 1,361 | $73,553 | $213,100 | Compare |
| Quinhagak | 1,302 | $48,594 | $35,000 | Compare |
| Skagway | 1,212 | $85,893 | $415,900 | Compare |
| King Cove | 1,204 | $78,125 | $110,900 | Compare |
| Lazy Mountain | 1,472 | $93,854 | $334,100 | Compare |
| Salamatof | 1,201 | $73,750 | $318,000 | 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 Metlakatla With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Metlakatla
What is the population of Metlakatla, AK?
The population of Metlakatla, AK is 1,338 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alaska.
What is the median household income in Metlakatla?
The median household income in Metlakatla, AK is $69,107 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Metlakatla?
The median home value in Metlakatla, AK is $160,500, which is 34% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Metlakatla?
The median monthly rent in Metlakatla, AK is $742, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Metlakatla?
The unemployment rate in Metlakatla, AK is 8.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Metlakatla, AK a good place to live?
Metlakatla offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,338 and a median age of 38.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Metlakatla, AK?
9.0% of residents in Metlakatla 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 Metlakatla?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Metlakatla, AK: median home value is $160,500 (34% below national), median rent is $742/month, and median household income is $69,107. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Metlakatla?
The poverty rate in Metlakatla, AK is 15.1%, 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 Metlakatla, AK?
Metlakatla's population is 3.2% White, 93.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.