Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Alaska
The population of Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is 13,870 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Alaska. The median household income is $89,155, the median home value is $379,000, and the median age is 40.8.
The population of Ketchikan Gateway Borough has grown 0.7% since 2010 (13,584 → 13,677), a +0.05% annualized rate.
13,870
Population
+0.05%
Annual growth
3
People / sq mi
$89,155
Median Income
$379,000
Median Home Value
Ketchikan Gateway Borough covers 4,857 sq mi of land at 2.9 people per square mile.
About Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Ketchikan Gateway Borough stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 3 people per square mile. Ketchikan Gateway Borough is a county in Alaska with a population of 13,870. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Alaska in the country, at #7 by population.
Earnings sit at the high end: a median household income of $89,155, above the US median of $78,538. Only 5.9% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Housing is expensive: the median home is worth $379,000, with typical rent around $1,388.
About 27.0% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Just 4.7% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ketchikan Gateway Borough had a population of 13,584 in 2010 and 13,677 in 2024, a 0.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 13,912 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.05%.
13,677
Population (2024)
13,584
Population (2010)
13,912
Peak (2020)
0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 13,584 |
| 2011 | 13,688 |
| 2012 | 13,743 |
| 2013 | 13,748 |
| 2014 | 13,826 |
| 2015 | 13,737 |
| 2016 | 13,760 |
| 2017 | 13,874 |
| 2018 | 13,881 |
| 2019 | 13,905 |
| 2020 | 13,912 |
| 2021 | 13,823 |
| 2022 | 13,719 |
| 2023 | 13,708 |
| 2024 | 13,677 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 21.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.8
Median Age
47.9%
Female
52.1%
Male
17.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 17.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $89,155$-181 vs state |
| Mean household income | $112,238 |
| Per-capita income | $46,608 |
| Poverty rate | 5.9%-0.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 60.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ketchikan Gateway Borough is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
2.9%
Drive alone
6.9%
Carpool
68.1%
Public transit
4.7%
Work from home
14.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$379,000+$45,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,388
Median rent
67.3%
Homeownership rate
6,659
Total housing units
84.4%
Occupied
15.6%
Vacant
32.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.5%
With health insurance
95.1%
With broadband internet
48.8%
Foreign-born
8.8%
Veterans (18+)
13.7%
With a disability
88.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.9%
High School+
27.0%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska has a population of 13,870 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Alaska. Population density is 3 people per square mile.
The population of Ketchikan Gateway Borough has grown 0.7% since 2010 (13,584 → 13,677), a +0.05% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is $89,155, with mean (average) household income of $112,238 and per-capita income of $46,608. 5.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ketchikan Gateway Borough, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.5%), Hispanic or Latino (21.6%), Black or African American (0.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is 40.8 years. Residents are 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
The median home value in Ketchikan Gateway Borough is $379,000 and median monthly rent is $1,388. 67.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,659 total housing units, 15.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Anchorage is among the largest cities associated with Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska, with a population of 289,069.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK Climate
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK has an average annual temperature of 5.9°C (43°F) and receives about 2842 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.9°C
Avg Temp
2842
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -1° / 30° | 281 mm |
| February | 0° / 33° | 235 mm |
| March | 2° / 35° | 211 mm |
| April | 4° / 40° | 190 mm |
| May | 8° / 47° | 162 mm |
| June | 12° / 53° | 132 mm |
| July | 14° / 56° | 126 mm |
| August | 14° / 57° | 185 mm |
| September | 11° / 51° | 271 mm |
| October | 6° / 43° | 415 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 321 mm |
| December | 0° / 32° | 313 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 Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
The most comfortable months to visit Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK are typically July, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 18°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). October is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ketchikan Gateway Borough
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.