Moving to Teller, Alaska

Teller, Alaska is a small remote community located on the Seward Peninsula in Northwest Alaska. The population of Teller is approximately 500 people, most of whom are of Yupik Eskimo heritage. The geography of the area is mostly tundra and mountains with few trees, and the climate is cold and dry with temperatures often reaching below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Teller has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s when it was first established as a trading post for fur traders. In recent years, Teller has become an important hub for subsistence activities such as fishing and hunting, as well as providing access to natural resources like walrus ivory and seal skins. Politically, Teller falls under the jurisdiction of Nome County in Alaska’s North Slope region.

The economy of Teller is largely based on subsistence activities such as fishing and hunting, though there are also some employment opportunities in local businesses such as a general store, gas station, fish processing plant, and restaurant. There are no schools in Teller; however, students can attend school in nearby Nome or go online for educational opportunities.

When it comes to landmarks in Teller there are plenty to explore including the historic trading post ruins which date back to the early 1900s. Other notable landmarks include Seal Cape which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape; Kigigak Island which provides excellent bird watching opportunities; and Campo Point where visitors can observe walrus haul-outs during summer months.

Population: 268. Estimated population in July 2024: 269 (+0.4% change)
Males: 154 (57.5%), Females: 114 (42.5%)

Zip code: 99778

Demographics

Median resident age: 24.0 years
Median household income: $23,000
Median house value: $33,800

Population by Race

Races in Teller:

• American Indian (92.5%)
• White Non-Hispanic (7.1%)

Ancestries: German (2.6%), French (1.5%).

Land area: 1.9 square miles

Population by Education

Teller, Alaska is a small fishing village on the Seward Peninsula in the Bering Strait region of northwestern Alaska. Located approximately 40 miles northeast of Nome, Teller has a population of about 400 people, making it one of the smallest towns in Alaska. The majority of the population is Native Alaskan, with most people speaking Inupiat as their primary language. The main industry in Teller is fishing, and many residents are employed by local fish processing plants. Other local jobs include subsistence hunting and trapping, tourism services, and government employment.

Teller also has an active cultural life that includes traditional celebrations such as the New Year’s Festival and the Summer Solstice Festival. These festivals provide an opportunity for locals to come together to celebrate their culture and share stories from their past. Additionally, there are several art galleries that showcase artwork from local artists, as well as traditional Native Alaskan crafts such as beadwork and basket weaving. In addition to these activities, many locals enjoy outdoor activities like snowmobiling or hunting in the nearby wilderness areas during winter months or fishing or kayaking during summer months. Overall, Teller is a tight-knit community with a strong sense of cultural identity and pride.

For population 25 years and over in Teller

• High school or higher: 60.2%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.8%
• Graduate or professional degree: 3.8%
• Unemployed: 14.7%
• Mean travel time to work: 4.2 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Teller city

• Never married: 47.7%
• Now married: 41.3%
• Separated: 1.2%
• Widowed: 4.7%
• Divorced: 5.2%

0.7% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +35 (+15.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Teller:

• NORTON SOUND REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 100 miles; NOME, AK)
• MANILAQ HEALTH CENTER (about 284 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK)
• YUKON KUSKOKWIM DELTA REG HOSPITAL (about 437 miles; BETHEL, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Teller:

• NOME (about 83 miles; NOME, AK; Abbreviation: OME)
• RALPH WIEN MEMORIAL (about 284 miles; KOTZEBUE, AK; Abbreviation: OTZ)
• RED DOG (about 305 miles; RED DOG, AK; Abbreviation: AED)

Other public-use airports nearest to Teller:

• TELLER (about 3 miles; TELLER, AK; Abbreviation: K54)
• BREVIG MISSION (about 8 miles; BREVIG MISSION, AK; Abbreviation: KTS)
• FEATHER RIVER (about 35 miles; FEATHER RIVER, AK; Abbreviation: 3Z1)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Teller:

• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE (about 1178 miles; ANCHORAGE, AK; Full-time enrollment: 9,453)
• UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (about 1282 miles; FAIRBANKS, AK; Full-time enrollment: 5,034)
• BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-HAWAII CAMPUS (about 3053 miles; LAIE, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,273)
• LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 3069 miles; PEARL CITY, HI; Full-time enrollment: 3,511)
• HONOLULU COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 3075 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 2,787)
• HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY (about 3076 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 6,186)
• UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA (about 3077 miles; HONOLULU, HI; Full-time enrollment: 14,113)

Public primary/middle school in Teller:

• JAMES C. ISABELL SCHOOL (Students: 83; Location: MAIN STREET; Grades: PK – 12)