North Slope Borough, Alaska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 9th-largest in Alaska
The population of North Slope Borough, Alaska is 10,891 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 9th-largest county in Alaska. The median household income is $86,313, the median home value is $219,600, and the median age is 35.2.
The population of North Slope Borough has grown 17.6% since 2010 (9,067 → 10,663), a +1.16% annualized rate.
10,891
Population
+1.16%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
$86,313
Median Income
$219,600
Median Home Value
North Slope Borough covers 88,793 sq mi of land at 0.1 people per square mile.
About North Slope Borough, AK
North Slope Borough stands apart on settlement density — it is among the most sparsely settled of US counties, at roughly 0 people per square mile. North Slope Borough is a county in Alaska with a population of 10,891. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Alaska in the country, at #9 by population.
The typical household earns $86,313 a year, above the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 11.4%, below the national 12.4%. The typical home is valued at $219,600, with typical rent around $1,167.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.9%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 14 minutes each way.
North Slope Borough Population History (2010-2024)
The county of North Slope Borough had a population of 9,067 in 2010 and 10,663 in 2024, a 17.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,006 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 1.25%.
10,663
Population (2024)
9,067
Population (2010)
11,006
Peak (2020)
1.25%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,067 |
| 2011 | 9,145 |
| 2012 | 9,287 |
| 2013 | 9,383 |
| 2014 | 9,370 |
| 2015 | 9,382 |
| 2016 | 9,292 |
| 2017 | 9,401 |
| 2018 | 9,455 |
| 2019 | 9,433 |
| 2020 | 11,006 |
| 2021 | 10,969 |
| 2022 | 10,789 |
| 2023 | 10,621 |
| 2024 | 10,663 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 31.6% |
| Black or African American | 2.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 54.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Age & Sex
35.2
Median Age
39.0%
Female
61.0%
Male
7.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.2% · Seniors (65+): 7.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $86,313$-3,023 vs state |
| Mean household income | $110,508 |
| Per-capita income | $60,295 |
| Poverty rate | 11.4%+4.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 72.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in North Slope Borough is agriculture, accounting for 30.4% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
38.8%
Carpool
18.9%
Public transit
4.9%
Work from home
13.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$219,600$-113,700 vs state
Median home value
$1,167
Median rent
49.5%
Homeownership rate
2,640
Total housing units
83.5%
Occupied
16.5%
Vacant
50.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
85.7%
With health insurance
89.7%
With broadband internet
29.9%
Foreign-born
4.4%
Veterans (18+)
11.4%
With a disability
62.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.2%
High School+
14.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Alaska
Other counties in Alaska
Part of Alaska
Metro areas in Alaska
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
North Slope Borough, Alaska has a population of 10,891 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 9th-largest county in Alaska. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of North Slope Borough has grown 17.6% since 2010 (9,067 → 10,663), a +1.16% annualized rate.
The median household income in North Slope Borough, Alaska is $86,313, with mean (average) household income of $110,508 and per-capita income of $60,295. 11.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In North Slope Borough, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (54.0%), White (31.6%), Black or African American (2.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in North Slope Borough, Alaska is 35.2 years. Residents are 39.0% female and 61.0% male.
The median home value in North Slope Borough is $219,600 and median monthly rent is $1,167. 49.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,640 total housing units, 16.5% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in North Slope Borough, Alaska is agriculture, forestry, fishing, and mining, employing 30.4% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.1%.
Anchorage is among the largest cities associated with North Slope Borough, Alaska, with a population of 289,069.
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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.