Nikiski 56 Below average
Nikiski Livability #131 ranked city in Alaska#22,928 ranked city in the USARanks better than 21% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Nikiski

PROS
  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute Commute

    A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.

  • Crime Crime

    This area reports elevated crime rates per 100,000 individuals, potentially pointing some areas being unsafe for its residents. Stats are based on both property and violent crimes.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score could result from issues like below-average graduation rates, inadequate reading and math scores, and the unavailability of local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Nikiski?

Located in the state of Alaska, Nikiski is a small-sized city with a population of 4,480 inhabitants. In Nikiski, there are 65 people per square mile, which is about average when compared to the national population density average. According to the most recent Census, 82% of Nikiski residents are White, 9% American Indian and Alaskan and 1% Black. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Nikiski, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 28 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Nikiski, Alaska. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Nikiski and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Alaska and national averages.

The livability score in Nikiski is 53 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 17th percentile of all cities across America. This is not a favorable rating; as this score ranks among some of the lowest in America. Living in Nikiski may not be a pleasant experience. For each of the livability categories, we see that Nikiski ranks very well for housing (A+). On a less positive note, Nikiski does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F), crime (F), cost of living (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Nikiski has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Nikiski is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Nikiski come in at $429,379, which is 7.1% lower than the Alaska average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Nikiski, the home price to income ratio is 5, which is 22% higher than the Alaska average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Nikiski

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Nikiski?

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Compare Nikiski, AK Livability

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      Nikiski transportation information

      Statistic Nikiski Alaska National
      Average one way commute28min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work82.5%68.1%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.2%12.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%1.0%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.8%7.9%2.8%
      Working from home4.2%4.6%4.6%
      Source: The Nikiski, AK data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.