Nenana, AK
Population 527 · Alaska
About Nenana, AK
Nenana is a small community located in Alaska with a population of 527 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,250 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Nenana features a median home value of $88,600, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Nenana one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,280, 10% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 315 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (136 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (118 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Nenana shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Nenana have an average one-way commute time of 18 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.6% of Nenana 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 0.6% White, 50.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Nenana Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Nenana, AK
Compared to national averages, Nenana has a median household income of $51,250 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,600, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,280 is 10% above the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Nenana's income is 24% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 57% below the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Nenana, AK?
Nenana offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,600, below the US average of $244,900, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%, and short commute times averaging just 18 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,250) that falls below the national average. However, Nenana’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Nenana has a population of 527 with a median age of 31.5 years. Compare Nenana with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Nenana
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuiqsut | 529 | $62,083 | $131,700 | Compare |
| Chefornak | 530 | $46,250 | $0 | Compare |
| Trapper Creek | 514 | $70,048 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Valley | 507 | $211,071 | $0 | Compare |
| Yakutat | 506 | $80,625 | $185,000 | Compare |
| Pilot Station | 558 | $43,125 | $24,000 | Compare |
| Napaskiak | 563 | $42,813 | $37,300 | Compare |
| Scammon Bay | 491 | $38,750 | $0 | 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 Nenana With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Nenana
What is the population of Nenana, AK?
The population of Nenana, AK is 527 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 Nenana?
The median household income in Nenana, AK is $51,250 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Nenana?
The median home value in Nenana, AK is $88,600, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Nenana?
The median monthly rent in Nenana, AK is $1,280, which is 10% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Nenana?
The unemployment rate in Nenana, AK is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Nenana, AK a good place to live?
Nenana offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 527 and a median age of 31.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Nenana, AK?
11.6% of residents in Nenana 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 Nenana?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Nenana, AK: median home value is $88,600 (64% below national), median rent is $1,280/month, and median household income is $51,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Nenana?
The poverty rate in Nenana, AK is 24.9%, 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 Nenana, AK?
Nenana's population is 0.6% White, 50.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.