Old Harbor, Alaska Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Old Harbor is a small town in Alaska located on Kodiak Island. According to the 2010 census, the population of Old Harbor was 517 people. The geography of Old Harbor is characterized by its rugged terrain and mountainous landscape with views of the surrounding ocean. The climate of Old Harbor is mild and temperate, with temperatures ranging from lows in the 20s during winter months to highs in the 70s during summer months.

The history of Old Harbor dates back to 1784, when it was established as a Russian trading post. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia and Old Harbor became part of the United States. In 1937, the U.S. government relocated many Alutiiq people to Old Harbor as part of a program to settle Alaska Natives throughout Alaska’s coastal regions.

Politically, Old Harbor is represented at both state and local levels by elected officials who serve on various boards and committees within Kodiak Island Borough government and in the Alaska State Legislature. The economy in Old Harbor is largely based on fishing and tourism due to its picturesque views and rich wildlife habitat.

Old Harbor has two schools, one elementary school for grades K-6 and one high school for grades 7-12, both operated by Kodiak Island Borough School District (KIBSD). Both schools offer a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports teams, clubs, theater productions, music programs, etc., that help students stay engaged outside of their classroom studies.

In terms of landmarks, there are several places worth visiting in Old Harbor such as St Paul’s Russian Orthodox Church which dates back to 1808; Afognak Native Corporation which provides cultural exhibits; Saltery Cove State Historic Park which provides access to beach recreation; Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park which offers trails with stunning views; Fort Abercrombie State Monument which commemorates World War II battles; Alutiiq Museum & Archaeological Repository which houses artifacts from thousands of years ago; Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge which offers opportunities for wildlife viewing; and more!

Population: 237. Estimated population in July 2024: 217 (-8.4% change)
Males: 133 (56.1%), Females: 104 (43.9%)

Zip code: 99643

Demographics

Median resident age: 27.1 years
Median household income: $32,500
Median house value: $98,500

Population by Race

Races in Old Harbor:

• American Indian (85.7%)
• Two or more races (13.9%)
• White Non-Hispanic (13.1%)

Ancestries: German (6.3%), Danish (1.7%), English (1.7%), Irish (1.3%), Norwegian (1.3%).

Land area: 21.0 square miles

Population by Education

Old Harbor, Alaska is a small fishing village located on Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska. It has a population of around 600 people and is one of the oldest settlements in the state. Most of the population are Alutiiq Native Americans, with some other ethnicities represented as well. The town is known for its salmon fishing and its strong connection to local culture and traditions. The majority of the population is employed in commercial fishing or related businesses such as fish processing, boatbuilding, and tourism. Old Harbor also has a rich cultural history, with many traditional festivals and events held throughout the year including “Fishing for Fun” during summer months and “Elders’ Day” during winter months. The town also boasts numerous recreational opportunities such as camping, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and more. Old Harbor is a vibrant community that celebrates both its past and present residents alike.

For population 25 years and over in Old Harbor

• High school or higher: 85.1%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 5.3%
• Graduate or professional degree: 1.8%
• Unemployed: 23.0%
• Mean travel time to work: 2.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Old Harbor city

• Never married: 46.8%
• Now married: 33.3%
• Separated: 2.8%
• Widowed: 5.0%
• Divorced: 12.1%

1.7% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -49 (-17.1%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Old Harbor:

• PROVIDENCE KODIAK ISLAND MEDICAL CENTE (about 67 miles; KODIAK, AK)
• SOUTH PENINSULA HOSPITAL (about 213 miles; HOMER, AK)
• CENTRAL PENINSULA GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 277 miles; SOLDOTNA, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Old Harbor:

• KODIAK (about 68 miles; KODIAK, AK; Abbreviation: ADQ)
• ILIAMNA (about 208 miles; ILIAMNA, AK; Abbreviation: ILI)
• HOMER (about 211 miles; HOMER, AK; Abbreviation: HOM)

Other public-use airports nearest to Old Harbor:

• OLD HARBOR (about 4 miles; OLD HARBOR, AK; Abbreviation: 6R7)
• SAN JUAN /UGANIK/ (about 36 miles; SAN JUAN, AK; Abbreviation: WSJ)
• WEST POINT VILLAGE (about 43 miles; WEST POINT, AK; Abbreviation: KWP)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Old Harbor:

• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 367 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 649 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
• PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 2161 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
• WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 2210 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
• EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE (about 2211 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,749)
• SOUTH PUGET SOUND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2211 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,908)
• WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2213 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)

Public primary/middle school in Old Harbor:

• OLD HARBOR SCHOOL (Students: 58; Location: MAIN STREET; Grades: KG – 12)