Napakiak, Alaska Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Napakiak is a small city located in the southwestern part of Alaska, about 25 miles away from Bethel. It lies on the north bank of the Kuskokwim river and is surrounded by tundra. The climate of Napakiak is subarctic, with cold winters and mild summers. Snowfall is common during winter months, while temperatures range from -20 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.

The history of Napakiak dates back to the mid-1800s when Alaska was purchased by the United States. In 1880, a trading post was established in Napakiak, which became an important hub for trade and transportation along the Kuskokwim River. The town has been incorporated since 1957 and today has a population of just over 600 people.

Politically, Napakiak is part of Bethel census area, which includes numerous other small towns in Southwest Alaska. All politics are handled at the county level through Bethel’s borough government. The economy of Napakiak relies heavily on fishing and hunting, as well as subsistence living off the land. Tourism also plays an important role in generating income for local businesses and residents alike.

Education in Napakiak consists primarily of public school education provided by the Lower Kuskokwim School District (LKSD). There are two schools located within town limits: a kindergarten through 8th grade elementary school and a 9th through 12th grade high school. Both schools offer quality education to students who go on to pursue higher education or career paths after graduating from high school.

Some of notable landmarks in Napakiak include St Joseph Catholic Church (built in 1980), Chief Shakes Tribal House (built in 1960), and Chief John Henry Memorial Park (established in 2002). These landmarks provide insight into both local history as well as culture for visitors who come to explore this unique corner of Alaska’s landscape.

Population: 353. Estimated population in July 2024: 359 (+1.7% change)
Males: 200 (56.7%), Females: 153 (43.3%)

Zip code: 99634

Demographics

Median resident age: 26.2 years
Median household income: $28,750
Median house value: $26,100

Population by Race

Races in Napakiak:

• American Indian (96.6%)
• Black (1.7%)
• White Non-Hispanic (1.4%)
• Two or more races (0.8%)

Ancestries: .

Land area: 4.7 square miles

Population by Education

Napakiak, Alaska is a remote village located on the south bank of the Kuskokwim River, about 20 miles upriver from Bethel. It is home to approximately 567 people, who are predominantly Yup’ik Eskimos. The vast majority of the population speaks Yup’ik at home and in their everyday lives, and most of them practice traditional subsistence activities such as fishing and hunting. The village is made up of several small neighborhoods, each with its own cultural identity. The main occupation of the residents is commercial fishing, which provides much-needed income for many families in the area.

The school system in Napakiak serves students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Students are taught both Yup’ik culture and language as well as English language arts and mathematics to ensure they are prepared for college or technical school upon graduation. The village also has several churches that serve a variety of Christian denominations and provide spiritual guidance to many in the community.

Napakiak’s economy is largely based on subsistence activities such as fishing and hunting along with some commercial fishing ventures during certain times of year. Most residents rely on these activities for their basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and fuel. There is also a local store which sells supplies to help meet these needs as well as some other items like groceries or household items that cannot be obtained through traditional subsistence activities. In addition to this store there are some small businesses that offer services like snow removal or vehicle repair in town which helps provide additional income for locals who may not otherwise have access to employment opportunities outside Napakiak.

For population 25 years and over in Napakiak

• High school or higher: 62.2%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 3.7%
• Graduate or professional degree: 1.8%
• Unemployed: 22.3%
• Mean travel time to work: 5.9 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Napakiak city

• Never married: 44.4%
• Now married: 43.1%
• Separated: 2.2%
• Widowed: 10.2%
• Divorced: 0.0%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +33 (+10.3%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Napakiak:

• YUKON KUSKOKWIM DELTA REG HOSPITAL (about 9 miles; BETHEL, AK)
• BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH CORP (about 269 miles; DILLINGHAM, AK)
• NORTON SOUND REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 342 miles; NOME, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Napakiak:

• BETHEL (about 11 miles; BETHEL, AK; Abbreviation: BET)
• DILLINGHAM (about 266 miles; DILLINGHAM, AK; Abbreviation: DLG)
• NOME (about 355 miles; NOME, AK; Abbreviation: OME)

Other public-use airports nearest to Napakiak:

• NAPAKIAK (about 1 miles; NAPAKIAK, AK; Abbreviation: WNA)
• NAPASKIAK (about 15 miles; NAPASKIAK, AK; Abbreviation: PKA)
• BETHEL (about 18 miles; BETHEL, AK; Abbreviation: Z59)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Napakiak:

• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 842 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 1020 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
• BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 2698 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)
• LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2714 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
• HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2720 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
• HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 2721 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)
• UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (about 2721 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 14,113)

Public primary/middle school in Napakiak:

• WILLIAM MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOOL (Students: 111; Location: GENERAL DELIVERY; Grades: PK – 12)