Moving to Wrangell, Alaska

Wrangell, Alaska is a small community located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest and at the mouth of the Stikine River. It is the oldest town in Southeast Alaska and has a rich history that dates back to Russian colonization in 1834. This quaint town has a population of about 2,400 people, making it one of the smaller communities in Alaska. Despite its size, Wrangell offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike.

The town’s location at the confluence of two rivers makes it an ideal spot for fishing, kayaking, boating, and other outdoor activities. The Stikine River is home to five species of salmon and provides plenty of opportunities for anglers to catch their limit. In addition to fishing, Wrangell is surrounded by lush forests filled with wildlife such as black bears, moose, deer, mountain goats, eagles and many more species of birds and animals.

Wrangell also boasts some unique cultural attractions including Petroglyph Beach State Historical Park which features petroglyphs carved into rocks along the beach by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. There are also several historic sites around town including Chief Shakes Tribal House which was built in 1866 to honor Chief Shakes who was instrumental in negotiating peace between local tribes during his lifetime.

For those looking for a bit more adventure there is Fort Wrangell which was built during World War II as part of an effort to protect Alaska from Japanese invasion forces. Today it serves as an interpretive center where visitors can learn about its history through artifacts and displays.

Wrangell also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping with several stores located downtown that offer everything from groceries to souvenirs. Additionally there are several restaurants serving up local seafood dishes such as salmon chowder or halibut tacos that will satisfy any appetite!

During summer months Wrangell is alive with festivals such as Little Norway Festival which celebrates Wrangell’s Norwegian heritage with traditional music and dance performances or Salmonfest which celebrates all things related to wild Alaskan salmon! Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities or cultural attractions Wrangell has something for everyone.

Population: 2,308. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,117 (-8.3% change)
Males: 1,188 (51.5%), Females: 1,120 (48.5%)

Zip code: 99929

Demographics

Median resident age: 39.1 years
Median household income: $43,250
Median house value: $132,100

Population by Race

Races in Wrangell:

• White Non-Hispanic (73.2%)
• American Indian (23.8%)
• Two or more races (9.7%)
• Hispanic (1.0%)

Ancestries: German (20.4%), English (12.6%), Irish (11.5%), Norwegian (10.2%), United States (5.3%), Italian (4.6%).

Land area: 45.3 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Wrangell

• High school or higher: 82.2%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.7%
• Graduate or professional degree: 3.8%
• Unemployed: 8.5%
• Mean travel time to work: 12.7 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Wrangell city

• Never married: 20.6%
• Now married: 60.3%
• Separated: 0.9%
• Widowed: 6.7%
• Divorced: 11.6%

0.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -170 (-6.9%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Wrangell:

• WRANGELL MEDICAL CENTER (310 BENNETT STREET PO BOX 1081)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Wrangell:

• PETERSBURG MEDICAL CENTER (about 47 miles; PETERSBURG, AK)
• KETCHIKAN GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 90 miles; KETCHIKAN, AK)
• BARTLETT REGIONAL HOSPITAL (about 199 miles; JUNEAU, AK)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Wrangell:

• WRANGELL (about 3 miles; WRANGELL, AK; Abbreviation: WRG)
• PETERSBURG JAMES A JOHNSON (about 46 miles; PETERSBURG, AK; Abbreviation: PSG)
• KETCHIKAN INTL (about 90 miles; KETCHIKAN, AK; Abbreviation: KTN)

Other public-use airports nearest to Wrangell:

• WRANGELL (about 1 miles; WRANGELL, AK; Abbreviation: 68A)
• COFFMAN COVE (about 45 miles; COFFMAN COVE, AK; Abbreviation: KCC)
• LLOYD R. ROUNDTREE SEAPLANE FACILITY (about 47 miles; PETERSBURG, AK; Abbreviation: 63A)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Wrangell:

• PENINSULA COLLEGE (about 846 miles; PORT ANGELES, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,374)
• WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 866 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)
• WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 868 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 2,656)
• SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE (about 887 miles; MT VERNON, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,420)
• OLYMPIC COLLEGE (about 910 miles; BREMERTON, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,889)
• EVERETT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 914 miles; EVERETT, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,970)
• EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE (about 917 miles; OLYMPIA, WA; Full-time enrollment: 3,749)

Schools

Public high school in Wrangell:

• WRANGELL HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 134; Location: REID STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Wrangell:

• EVERGREEN ELEMENTARY (Students: 160; Location: 350 BENNETT STREET; Grades: KG – 05)
• STIKINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 99; Location: 312 CHURCH STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)

Private primary/middle school in Wrangell:

• CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 16; Location: PO BOX 1831; Grades: PK – 5)

Libraries

Library in Wrangell:

• IRENE INGLE PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $202,598; Location: 124 SECOND AVENUE; 43,429 books; 767 audio materials; 1,198 video materials; 81 serial subscriptions)