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Population Review

Denali Borough, Alaska Population 2026

Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in Alaska

The population of Denali Borough, Alaska is 2,029 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in Alaska. The median household income is $88,935, the median home value is $262,000, and the median age is 44.1.

The population of Denali Borough has declined 11.9% since 2010 (1,839 → 1,621), a -0.90% annualized rate.

Denali Borough within Alaska · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

2,029

Population

-0.90%

Annual growth

0

People / sq mi

$88,935

Median Income

$262,000

Median Home Value

Denali Borough covers 12,641 sq mi of land at 0.2 people per square mile.

About Denali Borough, AK

What distinguishes Denali Borough is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 0 people per square mile. With 2,029 residents, Denali Borough is a county in Alaska. It ranks #26 among counties in Alaska by population.

Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $88,935, above the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 3.9%, below the national 12.4%. The median home value is $262,000, with typical rent around $938.

Roughly 23.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.2% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 15 minutes each way.

Denali Borough Population History (2010-2024)

The county of Denali Borough had a population of 1,839 in 2010 and 1,621 in 2024, a -11.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 2,125 in 2019. Average annual growth rate: -0.62%.

2019 · 2K20102024
Denali Borough population, 2010–2024 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau — decennial census & Population Estimates

1,621

Population (2024)

1,839

Population (2010)

2,125

Peak (2019)

-0.62%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
20101,839
20111,878
20121,915
20131,948
20141,922
20151,940
20162,068
20172,103
20182,047
20192,125
20201,614
20211,595
20221,583
20231,595
20241,621

Race & Ethnicity

White78.3%
Black or African American1.0%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)6.4%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

44.1

Median Age

36.8%

Female

63.2%

Male

13.6%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
3.9%
5–9
2.4%
10–14
4.8%
15–19
3.7%
20–24
3.2%
25–34
17.1%
35–44
30.7%
45–54
10.2%
55–59
8.2%
60–64
2.2%
65–74
10.5%
75–84
2.5%
85+
0.6%

Children (under 15): 11.1% · Seniors (65+): 13.6%

Income & Poverty

Median household income$88,935$-401 vs state
Mean household income$103,321
Per-capita income$73,423
Poverty rate3.9%-2.9% vs state
Unemployment rate0.9%
Employment-to-population75.0%

Top Industries by Employment

Agriculture
37.8%
Education & health care
17.0%
Manufacturing
11.8%
Retail trade
7.4%
Professional & business services
6.2%
Public administration
4.1%
Construction
3.9%
Finance & real estate
3.9%

The largest employment sector in Denali Borough is agriculture, accounting for 37.8% of workers.

How residents commute

0.0%

Drive alone

39.3%

Carpool

25.2%

Public transit

5.2%

Work from home

14.8 min

Avg commute

Housing

$262,000$-71,300 vs state

Median home value

$938

Median rent

78.2%

Homeownership rate

1,306

Total housing units

40.8%

Occupied

59.2%

Vacant

21.8%

Renter-occupied

Social & access

94.9%

With health insurance

97.6%

With broadband internet

63.3%

Foreign-born

10.2%

Veterans (18+)

9.7%

With a disability

91.2%

Speak language other than English at home

Education

93.4%

High School+

23.6%

Bachelor's+

Largest cities in Alaska

Other counties in Alaska

Part of Alaska

Metro areas in Alaska

County rankings

Frequently Asked Questions

Denali Borough, Alaska has a population of 2,029 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in Alaska. Population density is 0 people per square mile.

The population of Denali Borough has declined 11.9% since 2010 (1,839 → 1,621), a -0.90% annualized rate.

The median household income in Denali Borough, Alaska is $88,935, with mean (average) household income of $103,321 and per-capita income of $73,423. 3.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.

In Denali Borough, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (78.3%), Hispanic or Latino (6.4%), Black or African American (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.

The median age in Denali Borough, Alaska is 44.1 years. Residents are 36.8% female and 63.2% male.

The median home value in Denali Borough is $262,000 and median monthly rent is $938. 78.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 1,306 total housing units, 59.2% of which are vacant.

The largest employment sector in Denali Borough, Alaska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 37.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 0.9%.

Anchorage is among the largest cities associated with Denali Borough, Alaska, with a population of 289,069.


Denali Borough, AK Climate

Denali Borough, AK has an average annual temperature of -3.7°C (25°F) and receives about 542 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.

-3.7°C

Avg Temp

542

Precip (mm/yr)

Jul

Hottest Month

Jan

Coldest Month

-25°-15°-5°5°15°25°93mmJFMAMJJASOND
Avg temp (°C) Precipitation (mm)
Denali Borough, AK — monthly temperature & precipitation (1970–2000 normals) · Source: WorldClim 2.1
MonthAvg (°C/°F)Precip
January-18° / -1°25 mm
February-15° / 5°25 mm
March-13° / 9°27 mm
April-5° / 24°26 mm
May4° / 40°23 mm
June11° / 51°66 mm
July13° / 55°86 mm
August11° / 51°93 mm
September4° / 40°68 mm
October-6° / 21°40 mm
November-14° / 7°31 mm
December-16° / 3°32 mm

1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.

Best time to visit Denali Borough, AK

The most comfortable months to visit Denali Borough, AK are typically July, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 19°C high). The coldest is January (near -22°C low). August is usually the wettest month.

JulyJuneAugust

Where to stay near Denali Borough

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Top-rated places to stay near Denali Borough

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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.