Moving to Nunapitchuk, Alaska

Nunapitchuk is a small city located in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta on the western coast of Alaska. The city is surrounded by tundra and wetlands, and there are numerous lakes and rivers in the area. The climate in Nunapitchuk is generally mild, with cool summers and cold winters.

The history of Nunapitchuk dates back to the early 1800s when Yup’ik people first settled in the area. Since then, it has been home to a variety of Native Alaskan tribes, including Kuskokwim Eskimos and Aleuts. The population of Nunapitchuk today is mostly comprised of Yup’ik Eskimos.

In terms of politics, Nunapitchuk operates under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) which was passed by Congress in 1971. This act gave Alaska Natives ownership over 44 million acres of land across Alaska as well as rights to self-governance. As a result, Nunapitchuk has its own tribal government that makes decisions on issues such as education, health care, and economic development for its citizens.

The economy of Nunapitchuk is primarily based on subsistence fishing and hunting activities as well as tourism from visitors who come to experience traditional Yup’ik culture and take part in activities such as fishing or kayaking trips around town.

Nunapitchuk offers several educational opportunities for its citizens including an elementary school, middle school, high school, vocational school, adult basic education programs, and post-secondary options at nearby universities such as University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Some notable landmarks in Nunapitchuk include St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church which was built in 1895 and serves as a reminder of Russian influence on Alaskan culture; Chief David Salmon Hatchery which provides fish eggs to local fishermen; Kalsinga Cultural Center which offers educational programs about traditional Yup’ik culture; and King Island Traditional Council which works to protect King Island’s cultural heritage through language preservation programs.

Population: 466. Estimated population in July 2024: 474 (+1.7% change)
Males: 244 (52.4%), Females: 222 (47.6%)

Zip code: 99641

Demographics

Median resident age: 22.8 years
Median household income: $29,286
Median house value: $38,400

Population by Race

Races in Nunapitchuk:

• American Indian (95.9%)
• White Non-Hispanic (3.4%)

Ancestries: English (1.5%), German (1.1%).

Land area: 7.9 square miles

Population by Education

Nunapitchuk is a small city in Alaska with a population of just over 500 people. It is located on the south shore of the Nunivak Island in the Bering Sea, about 250 miles southwest of Anchorage. The majority of the population are Alaska Natives, primarily Yup’ik Eskimos. The Yup’ik language is spoken by more than 90 percent of the population and is an important part of their culture. Most residents live off subsistence fishing and hunting, using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. They harvest fish from the Bering Sea and hunt ducks, geese, seals, and caribou for food. In addition to subsistence activities, many residents also work in local businesses or at nearby Bethel Regional High School. Recently there has been an influx of outsiders who are looking to take advantage of the town’s natural beauty and seclusion, creating a diverse and vibrant community that blends different cultures together. In recent years there has been an effort to preserve traditional Yup’ik culture while also recognizing the importance of modern technology in helping people interact with one another across cultural boundaries. There are now numerous programs aimed at teaching Yup’ik language, culture, and history to both locals and visitors alike.

For population 25 years and over in Nunapitchuk

• High school or higher: 63.5%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.5%
• Graduate or professional degree: 2.0%
• Unemployed: 17.2%
• Mean travel time to work: 3.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Nunapitchuk city

• Never married: 34.0%
• Now married: 56.6%
• Separated: 2.4%
• Widowed: 4.2%
• Divorced: 2.8%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +86 (+22.6%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Nunapitchuk:

• YUKON KUSKOKWIM DELTA REG HOSPITAL (about 41 miles; BETHEL, AK)
• BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH CORP (about 305 miles; DILLINGHAM, AK)
• NORTON SOUND REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 311 miles; NOME, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Nunapitchuk:

• BETHEL (about 44 miles; BETHEL, AK; Abbreviation: BET)
• DILLINGHAM (about 302 miles; DILLINGHAM, AK; Abbreviation: DLG)
• NOME (about 323 miles; NOME, AK; Abbreviation: OME)

Other public-use airports nearest to Nunapitchuk:

• NUNAPITCHUK (about 2 miles; NUNAPITCHUK, AK; Abbreviation: 16A)
• KASIGLUK (about 5 miles; KASIGLUK, AK; Abbreviation: Z09)
• ATMAUTLUAK (about 14 miles; ATMAUTLUAK, AK; Abbreviation: 4A2)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Nunapitchuk:

• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 875 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 1048 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
• BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 2715 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)
• LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2731 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
• HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2737 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
• HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 2739 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)
• UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (about 2739 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 14,113)

Public primary/middle school in Nunapitchuk:

• ANNA TOBELUK MEMORIAL SCHOOL (Students: 158; Location: 114 VILLAGE ROAD; Grades: PK – 12)