Nome Census Area, Alaska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in Alaska
The population of Nome Census Area, Alaska is 9,925 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in Alaska. The median household income is $76,643, the median home value is $201,000, and the median age is 29.4.
The population of Nome Census Area has grown 3.1% since 2010 (9,543 → 9,836), a +0.22% annualized rate.
9,925
Population
+0.22%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
$76,643
Median Income
$201,000
Median Home Value
Nome Census Area covers 22,970 sq mi of land at 0.4 people per square mile.
About Nome Census Area, AK
What distinguishes Nome Census Area is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 0 people per square mile. With 9,925 residents, Nome Census Area is a county in Alaska. It is the #10-largest of all counties in Alaska nationally.
The typical household earns $76,643 a year, near the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 18.6%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $201,000, with typical rent around $1,328.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 17.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 6.3%, and the average commute runs about 6 minutes each way.
Nome Census Area Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Nome Census Area had a population of 9,543 in 2010 and 9,836 in 2024, a 3.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 10,073 in 2018. Average annual growth rate: 0.22%.
9,836
Population (2024)
9,543
Population (2010)
10,073
Peak (2018)
0.22%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,543 |
| 2011 | 9,775 |
| 2012 | 9,825 |
| 2013 | 9,851 |
| 2014 | 9,812 |
| 2015 | 9,901 |
| 2016 | 9,983 |
| 2017 | 10,038 |
| 2018 | 10,073 |
| 2019 | 10,040 |
| 2020 | 10,019 |
| 2021 | 9,882 |
| 2022 | 9,804 |
| 2023 | 9,790 |
| 2024 | 9,836 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 14.1% |
| Black or African American | 1.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 81.8% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
29.4
Median Age
47.7%
Female
52.3%
Male
8.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 28.4% · Seniors (65+): 8.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $76,643$-12,693 vs state |
| Mean household income | $98,246 |
| Per-capita income | $30,047 |
| Poverty rate | 18.6%+11.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 10.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Nome Census Area is professional & business services, accounting for 38.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
31.6%
Carpool
29.6%
Public transit
6.3%
Work from home
5.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$201,000$-132,300 vs state
Median home value
$1,328
Median rent
63.4%
Homeownership rate
4,109
Total housing units
67.8%
Occupied
32.2%
Vacant
36.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.0%
With health insurance
94.9%
With broadband internet
12.4%
Foreign-born
5.5%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
74.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.6%
High School+
17.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alaska
Other counties in Alaska
Part of Alaska
Metro areas in Alaska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Nome Census Area, Alaska has a population of 9,925 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in Alaska. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of Nome Census Area has grown 3.1% since 2010 (9,543 → 9,836), a +0.22% annualized rate.
The median household income in Nome Census Area, Alaska is $76,643, with mean (average) household income of $98,246 and per-capita income of $30,047. 18.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Nome Census Area, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (81.8%), White (14.1%), 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 Nome Census Area, Alaska is 29.4 years. Residents are 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
The median home value in Nome Census Area is $201,000 and median monthly rent is $1,328. 63.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,109 total housing units, 32.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Nome Census Area, Alaska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 38.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 10.0%.
Anchorage is among the largest cities associated with Nome Census Area, Alaska, with a population of 289,069.
Nome Census Area, AK Climate
Nome Census Area, AK has an average annual temperature of -3.6°C (26°F) and receives about 450 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
-3.6°C
Avg Temp
450
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -16° / 3° | 24 mm |
| February | -14° / 6° | 20 mm |
| March | -14° / 6° | 21 mm |
| April | -8° / 17° | 20 mm |
| May | 0° / 32° | 20 mm |
| June | 9° / 47° | 30 mm |
| July | 11° / 52° | 53 mm |
| August | 10° / 50° | 90 mm |
| September | 5° / 41° | 70 mm |
| October | -3° / 27° | 42 mm |
| November | -9° / 16° | 34 mm |
| December | -14° / 8° | 26 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 Nome Census Area, AK
The most comfortable months to visit Nome Census Area, AK are typically July, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 16°C high). The coldest is January (near -19°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Nome Census Area
Visiting or relocating to Nome Census Area, AK? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Nome Census Area
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Nome Census Area?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Nome Census Area, AK by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from Alaska
Population 289,069
Population 110,677
Population 95,555
Population 59,843
Full rankings of Alaska counties
Statewide data for Alaska
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Alaska
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.