Nikiski, AK
Population 4,656 · Alaska
About Nikiski, AK
Nikiski is a small town located in Alaska with a population of 4,656 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,023 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Nikiski features a median home value of $309,200, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Nikiski in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $970, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,893 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (1,271 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (327 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Nikiski shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Nikiski have an average one-way commute time of 30.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.6% of Nikiski 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 3.0% White, 13.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 2.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Nikiski Ranks in Alaska
Cost of Living in Nikiski, AK
Compared to national averages, Nikiski has a median household income of $63,023 (16% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $309,200, which is 26% above the national median. Monthly rent at $970 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alaska, Nikiski's income is 7% below the state average of $67,815, and home values are 52% above the state median of $203,729.
Why Live in Nikiski, AK?
Nikiski offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $970/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,023) that falls below the national average. However, Nikiski’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Nikiski has a population of 4,656 with a median age of 37.1 years. Compare Nikiski with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alaska.
Similar Cities Near Nikiski
Cities in Alaska with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utqiaġvik | 4,850 | $89,038 | $282,400 | Compare |
| Soldotna | 4,448 | $62,984 | $277,300 | Compare |
| Unalaska | 4,430 | $114,286 | $448,700 | Compare |
| Farmers Loop | 4,887 | $103,635 | $262,600 | Compare |
| Valdez | 3,911 | $97,067 | $312,400 | Compare |
| Butte | 3,905 | $105,625 | $320,100 | Compare |
| Fishhook | 5,461 | $101,518 | $361,900 | Compare |
| Kodiak | 5,497 | $71,373 | $314,800 | 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 Nikiski With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Nikiski
What is the population of Nikiski, AK?
The population of Nikiski, AK is 4,656 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 Nikiski?
The median household income in Nikiski, AK is $63,023 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Nikiski?
The median home value in Nikiski, AK is $309,200, which is 26% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Nikiski?
The median monthly rent in Nikiski, AK is $970, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Nikiski?
The unemployment rate in Nikiski, AK is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Nikiski, AK a good place to live?
Nikiski offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 4,656 and a median age of 37.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Nikiski, AK?
15.6% of residents in Nikiski 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 Nikiski?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Nikiski, AK: median home value is $309,200 (26% above national), median rent is $970/month, and median household income is $63,023. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Nikiski?
The poverty rate in Nikiski, AK is 13.9%, 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 Nikiski, AK?
Nikiski's population is 3.0% White, 13.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 2.7% of residents are foreign-born.