Moving to Nondalton, Alaska
Nondalton, Alaska is a small village with a population of approximately 200 people. It is located in the southwestern part of the state, on the shore of Lake Clark. The climate in Nondalton is generally cold and wet, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to near 80°F during summer months. The history of Nondalton goes back to pre-colonial times when it was inhabited by Alaska Native tribes such as the Dena’ina and Alutiiq. In recent years, Nondalton has become increasingly politically active, as its citizens have pushed for greater autonomy from state government.
The economy of Nondalton is largely based on subsistence activities such as fishing and hunting. There are also some small businesses in town that provide goods and services to the local community. There are no schools or formal education opportunities in Nondalton; however, there are several programs that offer classes on traditional subsistence activities and other topics related to living off the land.
Nondalton has a few notable landmarks including K’eyaaq’i Lake, which is held sacred by local tribes; Mount Redoubt; and Lake Clark National Park & Preserve which provides spectacular views of the Wrangell Mountains and Chigmit Mountains. There are also several trails around town that provide access to nearby lakes and rivers for recreational activities such as fishing or kayaking.
Population: 221. Estimated population in July 2024: 188 (-14.9% change)
Males: 121 (54.8%), Females: 100 (45.2%)
Zip code: 99640
Demographics
Median resident age: 28.5 years
Median household income: $19,583
Median house value: $118,800
Population by Race
Races in Nondalton:
- American Indian (90.0%)
- White Non-Hispanic (9.5%)
- Two or more races (0.9%)
Ancestries: German (1.4%), Irish (1.4%), Scotch-Irish (1.4%).
Land area: 8.4 square miles
Population by Education
Nondalton, Alaska is a tiny rural village located on the banks of Sixmile Lake in the southwestern part of the state. It has a population of about 250 people, mostly Alaska Natives and their descendants. The majority of these people are members of the Dena’ina Athabaskan tribe, which has occupied this area for centuries. The village is home to a range of wildlife species, including moose, bear, beaver, lynx, and ptarmigan. Nondalton is known for its subsistence lifestyle and traditional fishing practices. Residents rely heavily upon fishing and hunting to provide food for their families. In addition to hunting and fishing, many residents also work at local businesses or as seasonal laborers in nearby towns like Anchorage or Wasilla. The village is connected to other areas in the region by a network of small roads and trails that lead to neighboring villages such as Tyonek and Iliamna. The local economy relies heavily on tourism due to its remote location and abundance of natural beauty and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, scenic views from nearby mountains, kayaking trips down Sixmile Lake or even take a tour through some of the surrounding Native Alaskan villages.
For population 25 years and over in Nondalton
- High school or higher: 66.1%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.5%
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.4%
- Unemployed: 37.3%
- Mean travel time to work: 4.6 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Nondalton city
- Never married: 46.5%
- Now married: 36.5%
- Separated: 1.3%
- Widowed: 11.3%
- Divorced: 4.4%
2.3% Foreign born (1.4% North America, 0.9% Latin America).
Population change in the 1990s: +42 (+23.5%).
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Nondalton:
- PROVIDENCE KODIAK ISLAND MEDICAL CENTE (about 223 miles; KODIAK, AK)
- SOUTH PENINSULA HOSPITAL (about 237 miles; HOMER, AK)
- BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH CORP (about 257 miles; DILLINGHAM, AK)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Nondalton:
- ILIAMNA (about 16 miles; ILIAMNA, AK; Abbreviation: ILI)
- KING SALMON (about 153 miles; KING SALMON, AK; Abbreviation: AKN)
- KODIAK (about 225 miles; KODIAK, AK; Abbreviation: ADQ)
Other public-use airports nearest to Nondalton:
- NONDALTON (about 2 miles; NONDALTON, AK; Abbreviation: 5NN)
- KOKHANOK (about 38 miles; KOKHANOK, AK; Abbreviation: 9K2)
- PEDRO BAY (about 53 miles; PEDRO BAY, AK; Abbreviation: 4K0)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Nondalton:
- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 359 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
- UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 591 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
- PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 2323 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
- WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 2368 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
- WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2371 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)
- EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE (about 2377 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,749)
- SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2378 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,908)
Public primary/middle school in Nondalton:
- NONDALTON SCHOOL (Students: 67; Location: 100 SCHOOL ROAD; Grades: PK – 12)