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Moving to Aniak, Alaska

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The current estimated population of Aniak is 500, with a gender distribution of 51% male and 49% female. The population has been relatively stable, though it faces the challenges typical of remote Alaskan villages, such as limited economic opportunities and outmigration of younger residents.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1914
  • County: Bethel Census Area
  • Land area: 6.5 square miles
  • Population density: 77 people per square mile
  • Area code: 907
  • Zip code: 99557

Geography and Location

Aniak is located in southwestern Alaska, along the Kuskokwim River, approximately 90 miles northeast of Bethel. The town lies in the remote wilderness of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, a vast, swampy region that is rich in wildlife. Aniak serves as a hub for the surrounding villages, providing essential services, including a small airport, which is the primary means of transport in and out of the area. The town has a subarctic climate, with long, harsh winters and short, cool summers. The Kuskokwim River plays a crucial role in the local economy, as fishing is a major subsistence activity for residents. Additionally, Aniak is part of Alaska’s regional aviation network, with regular flights connecting it to Bethel and Anchorage. The remote and rugged location, along with the cultural presence of the Yup’ik people, gives Aniak a unique character where traditional lifestyles and modern conveniences coexist in a challenging environment. The landscape around Aniak is largely undeveloped, with sprawling tundra, forests, and river systems that make it a place of natural beauty and isolation.

Demographics

Median resident age: 28.3 years
Median household income: $41,875
Median house value: $112,500

Population by Race

Races in Aniak:

  • American Indian (73.3%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (25.0%)
  • Two or more races (5.8%)
  • Hispanic (1.0%)

Ancestries: German (6.3%), Irish (3.8%), Dutch (3.7%), United States (3.5%), English (3.1%), French (2.4%).

Elevation: 84 feet

Land area: 6.5 square miles

Map of Aniak, AK

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Aniak

  • High school or higher: 78.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 6.5%
  • Unemployed: 13.1%
  • Mean travel time to work: 7.4 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Aniak city

  • Never married: 37.9%
  • Now married: 44.7%
  • Separated: 2.4%
  • Widowed: 4.6%
  • Divorced: 10.4%

1.6% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +120 (+26.5%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Aniak:

  • YUKON KUSKOKWIM DELTA REG HOSPITAL (about 171 miles; BETHEL, AK)
  • BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH CORP (about 189 miles; DILLINGHAM, AK)
  • MANILAQ HEALTH CENTER (about 422 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Aniak:

Other public-use airports nearest to Aniak:

  • ANIAK (about 2 miles; ANIAK, AK; Abbreviation: ANI)
  • CHUATHBALUK (about 22 miles; CHUATHBALUK, AK; Abbreviation: 9A3)
  • HOLY CROSS (about 45 miles; HOLY CROSS, AK; Abbreviation: HCA)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Aniak:

  • UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 674 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 842 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
  • PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 2666 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
  • WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 2711 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
  • WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2714 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)
  • EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE (about 2719 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,749)
  • SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2720 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,908)

Schools

Public high schools in Aniak:

  • ANIAK HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 59; Location: ANIAK #29; Grades: 07 – 12)
  • ANIAK MIDDLE SCHOOL (Location: ANIAK #29; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Aniak:

  • AUNTIE MARY NICOLI ELEMENTARY (Students: 75; Location: ANIAK #29; Grades: PK – 06)

Libraries

Library in Aniak:

  • ANIAK PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $12,300; Location: 270 RIVER ROAD; 4,900 books; 150 audio materials; 650 video materials; 20 serial subscriptions)

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