Moving to Koyuk, Alaska

Koyuk is a small city in Alaska with a population of 473 people as of the 2010 census. It is located on an island in Norton Sound, and is part of the Bering Strait Region. The climate in Koyuk is typically cold and dry, with temperatures ranging from -20°F to 80°F throughout the year. Snowfall can be heavy during the winter months, making it difficult to travel.

Koyuk’s history dates back to 1867 when it was settled by Russian fur traders. In 1895, the first post office was opened and Koyuk was officially recognized as a city in 1959. During World War II, Koyuk served as an air base for U.S forces stationed there to defend Alaska from attack by Japanese forces.

The economy of Koyuk is based primarily on fishing and subsistence hunting and gathering activities. There are also some commercial businesses such as stores, restaurants, and lodging facilities that serve visitors who come to fish or hunt in the area.

Education in Koyuk is provided by the Alaska Department of Education’s Northwest Arctic Borough School District which operates two schools: Koyuk Elementary School (K-8) and Koyuk High School (9-12). Both schools offer a variety of academic programs including language arts, math, science, social studies, music and art classes as well as physical education courses.

Koyuk has several landmarks that are popular among visitors such as “The Rock”, which is an ancient volcanic rock formation located at the edge of town; The Totem Pole Park which features hand-carved wooden totem poles; The Bering Sea Lion Monument which commemorates local sea lions; and The Whalebone Arch which marks the entrance to town from the sea side. Visitors can also take part in activities such as fishing trips around Norton Sound or whale watching tours on nearby St Lawrence Island.

Population: 297. Estimated population in July 2024: 299 (+0.7% change)
Males: 163 (54.9%), Females: 134 (45.1%)

Zip code: 99753

Demographics

Median resident age: 24.7 years
Median household income: $30,417
Median house value: $28,800

Population by Race

Races in Koyuk:

• American Indian (94.3%)
• White Non-Hispanic (4.7%)
• Two or more races (2.7%)
• Korean (0.7%)

Ancestries: Irish (1.0%), United States (1.0%).

Land area: 4.7 square miles

Population by Education

Koyuk, Alaska is a small town located on the western coast of Alaska. It has a population of around 400 people, most of whom are Native Alaskans. The majority of the population is Alaska Native, with about 60% identifying as such. The remaining 40% are a mix of other ethnicities, including African American, Asian and Hispanic. Most residents are employed in either fishing or subsistence hunting and trapping. This provides the primary source of income for many families in Koyuk. In addition to fishing and hunting, many residents also work in construction or service industries.

Koyuk is a small community but its local economy is strong and growing steadily due to its proximity to larger towns and cities such as Nome and Anchorage. Koyuk also serves as an important hub for transportation between these larger centers, providing access to goods and services that might otherwise be unavailable in more remote areas of Alaska. In addition to its commercial activity, Koyuk also has several cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, theaters and events that bring people from all over the state together to celebrate their shared heritage.

Koyuk’s population is growing slowly but steadily with new families moving into the area every year due to its desirable location close to larger towns yet far enough away to enjoy a peaceful lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of urban living. The town’s diverse population makes it an interesting place to live with something for everyone from adventure seekers looking for outdoor activities like fishing or hiking to those who prefer quieter pursuits such as reading or birdwatching. Koyuk enjoys a strong sense of community spirit which makes it a great place for anyone looking for an authentic Alaskan experience with friendly locals who are always willing help out newcomers who may need assistance adapting to their new home.

For population 25 years and over in Koyuk

• High school or higher: 70.7%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 1.4%
• Graduate or professional degree: 1.4%
• Unemployed: 34.6%
• Mean travel time to work: 4.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Koyuk city

• Never married: 62.0%
• Now married: 23.5%
• Separated: 0.0%
• Widowed: 3.7%
• Divorced: 10.7%

0.7% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +65 (+28.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Koyuk:

• MANILAQ HEALTH CENTER (about 168 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK)
• NORTON SOUND REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 275 miles; NOME, AK)
• YUKON KUSKOKWIM DELTA REG HOSPITAL (about 291 miles; BETHEL, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Koyuk:

• RALPH WIEN MEMORIAL (about 167 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK; Abbreviation: OTZ)
• RED DOG (about 244 miles; RED DOG, AK; Abbreviation: AED)
• BETHEL (about 290 miles; BETHEL, AK; Abbreviation: BET)

Other public-use airports nearest to Koyuk:

• KOYUK (about 1 miles; KOYUK, AK; Abbreviation: KKA)
• HAYCOCK (about 19 miles; HAYCOCK, AK; Abbreviation: HAY)
• SHAKTOOLIK (about 39 miles; SHAKTOOLIK, AK; Abbreviation: 2C7)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Koyuk:

• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 826 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 923 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
• PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 2856 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
• WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 2897 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
• WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2900 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)
• EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE (about 2913 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,749)
• SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2914 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,908)

Public primary/middle school in Koyuk:

• KOYUK-MALEMUTE SCHOOL (Students: 121; Location: 09 MAIN STREET; Grades: PK – 12)