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Point Lay, Alaska Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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Point Lay, Alaska is a small town located on the Chukchi Sea coast. It is situated on the western coast of Alaska’s North Slope, approximately 280 miles northwest of Barrow. Point Lay has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short summers. Temperatures typically range from -20 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the year. The town has a population of about 500 people and is mostly inhabited by Inupiat Eskimos.

The economy of Point Lay is based on subsistence hunting and fishing, as well as oil exploration in the nearby waters. The town also receives money from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). The local school district serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade at one elementary school and one high school.

The town has several landmarks, including the Point Lay Fish Camp, which was established in 1974 to provide subsistence food for local families; a post office that was built in 1978; and a traditional Inupiat village site located just north of the community. There are also several churches located within the town limits that provide spiritual guidance to its residents.

Population: 247
Males: 142 (57.5%), Females: 105 (42.5%)

Zip code: 99759

Demographics

Median resident age: 20.8 years
Median household income: $68,750
Median house value: $115,600

Population by Race

Races in Point Lay:

  • American Indian (88.3%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (9.7%)
  • Two or more races (5.7%)
  • Hispanic (2.4%)

Ancestries: Irish (2.0%), German (1.6%), French (1.2%), Welsh (1.2%).

Land area: 30.5 square miles

Map of Point Lay, AK

Population by Education

Point Lay, Alaska is a small, remote village located on the Chukchi Sea coast of the Arctic Ocean. It is home to a population of approximately 300 people. The majority of the population is Inupiat Eskimo, with a small percentage of other Native American and non-Native American residents. The majority of Point Lay’s population is employed in subsistence activities such as hunting and fishing. Other industries include light manufacturing, tourism, and oil exploration.

Due to its remote location, Point Lay has limited access to modern amenities such as electricity, running water, and internet access. Though there are some stores located in town that sell basic items such as food and clothing, most supplies must be shipped in from elsewhere. There are no roads leading into or out of Point Lay; travel is done primarily by boat or plane during the summer months when weather permits it. During winter months travel can be difficult due to dangerous ice conditions on the sea and surrounding rivers. Despite these challenges, Point Lay remains an important cultural center for many local Inupiat communities who continue to practice their traditional way of life in this isolated environment.

For population 25 years and over in Point Lay

  • High school or higher: 73.9%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.1%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 0.0%
  • Unemployed: 4.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 4.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Point Lay CDP

  • Never married: 36.0%
  • Now married: 52.7%
  • Separated: 2.0%
  • Widowed: 3.3%
  • Divorced: 6.0%

0.0% Foreign born

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Point Lay:

  • MANILAQ HEALTH CENTER (about 198 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK)
  • NORTON SOUND REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 387 miles; NOME, AK)
  • SAMUEL SIMMONDS MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 446 miles; BARROW, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Point Lay:

  • RED DOG (about 119 miles; RED DOG, AK; Abbreviation: AED)
  • RALPH WIEN MEMORIAL (about 199 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK; Abbreviation: OTZ)
  • NOME (about 398 miles; NOME, AK; Abbreviation: OME)

Other public-use airports nearest to Point Lay:

  • POINT LAY LRRS (about 2 miles; POINT LAY, AK; Abbreviation: PIZ)
  • CAPE SABINE (about 77 miles; CAPE BEAUFORT, AK; Abbreviation: Z53)
  • NOATAK (about 151 miles; NOATAK, AK; Abbreviation: WTK)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Point Lay:

  • UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 1085 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 1103 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
  • PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 3117 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
  • WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 3153 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
  • WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 3155 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)
  • SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE (about 3171 miles; MT VERNON, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,420)
  • EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE (about 3177 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,749)

Public primary/middle school in Point Lay:

  • KALI SCHOOL (Students: 77; Location: 1029 QASIGIAKIK ST.; Grades: PK – 12)

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