Moving to Stebbins, Alaska

Stebbins, Alaska is located on the north side of the Seward Peninsula and is one of the most remote villages in the state. It has a population of about 600 people and is accessible only by small planes. The geography of Stebbins consists mainly of tundra and rocky terrain. It lies on the edge of Bering Sea and has a long coastline with many small islands.

The climate in Stebbins is mostly arctic with temperatures ranging from -40°F in winter to 50°F in summer. Snowfall usually begins in October and continues until May. The landscape is dotted with lakes, rivers, streams, marshes, and even glaciers that are home to abundant wildlife including caribou, moose, bears, foxes, wolves, ptarmigans and more.

The history of Stebbins dates back to 1885 when it was founded by gold miners who were attracted to the rich natural resources available in this region. The city was incorporated as a first-class city in 1964 after it became a hub for commercial fishing activities due to its proximity to Bering Sea.

Politics in Stebbins are largely influenced by subsistence activities such as hunting and fishing that have been integral parts of life for generations here. The community also values its traditions like Yup’ik dancing which are celebrated during various events throughout the year such as Nalukataq or “Blanket Toss” festival which marks the end of whaling season every springtime.

The economy of Stebbins relies heavily on commercial fishing which provides jobs for many residents here as well as other industries such as tourism and government services like healthcare professionals who work at local clinic or teachers at schools here.

Stebbins has two schools: an elementary school for grades K-6th grade called Stebbins Elementary School; and a high school called Stebbins High School where students can take classes from 7th grade through 12th grade level courses including college preparatory classes that prepare them for higher education opportunities beyond high school graduation.

Landmarks in Stebbins include churches like Sacred Heart Catholic Church built by Russian Orthodox settlers; the old post office which served villagers since 1901; traditional Yup’ik houses known as qasgiq that were used for communal gatherings; Old Man Lake where locals go berry picking during summer months; Polar Bear Monument dedicated to early settlers who survived harsh winters here; Whalebone Arch carved from whalebones by local carvers; historical sites like Russian Mission State Historical Park which tells stories about area’s past; and many others that make this small village unique place full of rich culture and history worth exploring!

Population: 547. Estimated population in July 2024: 552 (+0.9% change)
Males: 293 (53.6%), Females: 254 (46.4%)

Zip code: 99671

Demographics

Median resident age: 19.6 years
Median household income: $23,125
Median house value: $53,900

Population by Race

Races in Stebbins:

• American Indian (94.7%)
• White Non-Hispanic (5.1%)
• Two or more races (0.7%)

Ancestries: Scotch-Irish (2.2%), German (1.6%), Irish (1.6%), English (1.3%).

Land area: 35.2 square miles

Population by Education

Stebbins, Alaska is a small rural town in the Northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska. It is located on the south bank of the Kobuk River, approximately 45 miles east of Kotzebue. With a population of just over 800 residents, Stebbins is one of the smallest communities in Alaska. The majority of Stebbins’ residents are Inupiat Eskimos, but there is also a small population of other Native Alaskans, as well as non-Native Alaskans and immigrants from other countries.

The Inupiat Eskimos are an integral part of the town’s culture and identity. They have lived in the area for generations and their traditional values and lifestyle still play a large role in daily life. Hunting and fishing are two primary subsistence activities that are important to many families in Stebbins. Additionally, there are several local businesses that provide employment opportunities for residents including grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and car repair shops. Education is also a priority for many families in Stebbins; there is an elementary school which serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade as well as a high school for grades nine through twelve.

For population 25 years and over in Stebbins

• High school or higher: 62.6%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.2%
• Graduate or professional degree: 7.8%
• Unemployed: 22.6%
• Mean travel time to work: 4.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Stebbins city

• Never married: 51.7%
• Now married: 37.3%
• Separated: 2.3%
• Widowed: 5.1%
• Divorced: 3.7%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +146 (+36.4%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Stebbins:

• YUKON KUSKOKWIM DELTA REG HOSPITAL (about 191 miles; BETHEL, AK)
• NORTON SOUND REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 209 miles; NOME, AK)
• MANILAQ HEALTH CENTER (about 234 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Stebbins:

• BETHEL (about 192 miles; BETHEL, AK; Abbreviation: BET)
• NOME (about 229 miles; NOME, AK; Abbreviation: OME)
• RALPH WIEN MEMORIAL (about 233 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK; Abbreviation: OTZ)

Other public-use airports nearest to Stebbins:

• STEBBINS (about 1 miles; STEBBINS, AK; Abbreviation: WBB)
• ST MICHAEL (about 13 miles; ST MICHAEL, AK; Abbreviation: 5S8)
• ELIM (about 75 miles; ELIM, AK; Abbreviation: ELI)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Stebbins:

• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 877 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 1004 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
• PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 2890 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
• BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 2893 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)
• LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2909 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
• HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 2915 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
• HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 2916 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)

Public primary/middle school in Stebbins:

• TUKURNGAILNGUQ SCHOOL (Students: 203; Location: MAIN STREET; Grades: PK – 12)