Nikiski, AK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,773
2.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,863/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,897
0.2% year-over-year change

Nikiski population

How many people live in Nikiski

Nikiski is home to 4,773 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 54.9% of Nikiski locals are male, and 45.1% are female.

Total population
4,773
2.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
54.9%
2,619
Female
45.1%
2,154
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,619 54.9% 5.7%
Female 2,154 45.1% -1.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Nikiski is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 26.8% are children under 15, then 7.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.4% of the population, while another 20.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
26.8%
15 to 24
7.7%
25 to 44
25.4%
45 to 64
20.5%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,277 26.8% 16.8%
15 to 24 369 7.7% -8.9%
25 to 44 1,212 25.4% -5.6%
45 to 64 978 20.5% 9.9%
Over 65 937 19.6% -4.8%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Nikiski, 96% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 71.7% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 3.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,581 96% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 189 4% 68.8%
Non-citizens 3 0.1% -93.6%
Racial breakdown
White
71.7%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
7.4%
Asian
3.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.1%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 3,421 71.7%
Black or African American 46 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 355 7.4%
Asian 170 3.6%
Two or more races 675 14.1%
Other 106 2.2%

Households in Nikiski

A peek inside Nikiski households

Nikiski has 1,577 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.4% are families, while the remaining 32.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,577
-1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
514
Family households
1,063
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 514 32.6% -11.4%
Family households 1,063 67.4% 4.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Nikiski

The housing landscape of Nikiski

Nikiski's housing consists of 1,897 units, with 75.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 4.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 13.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,897
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,430 75.4%
1 unit, attached 80 4.2%
2 units 49 2.6%
3 or 4 units 85 4.5%
Mobile home 253 13.3%
Homes built since 2020
41
-4.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Nikiski

In Nikiski, the median construction year is 1985. About 1% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 19 1% N/A
Built between 1940 and 1949 39 2.1% 0.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 149 7.8% 17.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 501 26.4% 6.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 531 28% 1.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 193 10.2% -27.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 200 10.5% -24.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 224 11.8% 37.4%
Built in 2020 or later 41 2.2% -4.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Nikiski occupancy rates

Out of the 1,577 occupied housing units in Nikiski, 78.8% are owner-occupied, while 21.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,577
-1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
335
Owner occupied
1,242
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 335 21.2% 2.5%
Owner occupied 1,242 78.8% -2.3%
Unoccupied housing units
16.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Nikiski housing costs

Housing costs in Nikiski come to a median of $969 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $996.

Median housing costs per month
$969/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Nikiski
$996/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Nikiski

Nikiski education at a glance

About 42.4% of the population in Nikiski went to high school, while 30.3% pursued college studies. Another 11.5% earned an associate degree and 10.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 64 1.9% 10.3%
High school diploma 1,412 42.4% -0.4%
College diploma 1,011 30.3% 11.5%
Associate degree 384 11.5% -18.8%
Bachelor's degree 360 10.8% -6.7%
Graduate degree 102 3.1% -29.7%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Nikiski

How much people earn in Nikiski

The average annual household income in Nikiski was $94,185 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,863, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Nikiski
$94,185/year
5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Nikiski
$65,863/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Nikiski income by age

In Nikiski, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $110,282. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $112,400 overall. Overall, 83.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $110,282 13.4%
45 - 64 $112,400 44.5%
Over 65 $46,549 -3.8%
Above poverty level
3,897
Below poverty level
758
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,897 83.7% -1.6%
Below poverty level 758 16.3% 17.5%

Average renter income in Nikiski

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Nikiski, their median household income was $56,964 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$56,964
Rent-to-income ratio
21%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Nikiski

Workforce and job types in Nikiski

The job market in Nikiski is powered by 1,564 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.8% run their own businesses, 63.9% are employed by private companies, and 17% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,564
-0.3% year-over-year change
White collar
960
Blue collar
604
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 960 61.4% -2.3%
Blue collar 604 38.6% 3.2%
Employer type
Self employees
8.8%
Private companies
63.9%
Governmental workers
17%
Not for profit companies
10.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 137 8.8% -18.9%
Private companies 1,000 63.9% 17.9%
Governmental workers 266 17% -12.2%
Not for profit companies 161 10.3% -35.1%
Unemployment rate
6.1%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Nikiski stands at 6.1%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Nikiski

How people get around in Nikiski

In Nikiski, the average commute time is 28 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 91.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.6% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
28 min
-8.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,351 91.3% -2.0%
Walk 38 2.6% 8.6%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

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FAQs about Nikiski demographics 

What is the total population of Nikiski?

Nikiski has a total population of 4,773 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Nikiski?

The gender ratio in Nikiski is as follows:
  • 54.9% males (2,619 residents)
  • 45.1% females (2,154 residents)

What is the median age in Nikiski?

The median age in Nikiski is 36.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Nikiski?

The age distribution in Nikiski is as follows:
  • Under 15: 26.8% (1,277 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.7% (369 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.4% (1,212 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 20.5% (978 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (937 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Nikiski?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Nikiski is as follows:
  • White: 71.7% (3,421 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (46 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 7.4% (355 residents)
  • Asian: 3.6% (170 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.1% (675 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (106 residents)

What percentage of the population in Nikiski are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 96% of the population in Nikiski.

How many housing units are there in Nikiski?

There are 1,897 housing units in Nikiski, reflecting a +0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Nikiski and what is the average household size?

Nikiski has a total of 1,577 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Nikiski?

Nikiski has a median household income of $65,863, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Nikiski?

The employment rate is 93.9% in Nikiski, with a workforce of 1,564 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.4% (960 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.6% (604 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.8% (137 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.9% (1,000 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 17% (266 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.3% (161 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025