Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 13th-largest in Alaska
The population of Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is 7,611 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 13th-largest county in Alaska. The median household income is $81,298, the median home value is $162,500, and the median age is 28.3.
The population of Northwest Arctic Borough has declined 5.7% since 2010 (7,562 → 7,134), a -0.42% annualized rate.
7,611
Population
-0.42%
Annual growth
0
People / sq mi
$81,298
Median Income
$162,500
Median Home Value
Northwest Arctic Borough covers 35,672 sq mi of land at 0.2 people per square mile.
About Northwest Arctic Borough, AK
Northwest Arctic Borough is a county in Alaska with a population of 7,611. It ranks #13 among counties in Alaska by population. The median age is 28.3, younger than the national median. The population is 52.8% male and 47.2% female.
The median household income in Northwest Arctic Borough is $81,298, above the US median of $74,580. 16.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $162,500, with monthly rent averaging $1,336. The homeownership rate of 60.5% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Northwest Arctic Borough reflects 12.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 6.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 6.4 minutes each way.
Northwest Arctic Borough Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Northwest Arctic Borough had a population of 7,562 in 2010 and 7,134 in 2024, a -5.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,805 in 2017. Average annual growth rate: -0.41%.
7,134
Population (2024)
7,562
Population (2010)
7,805
Peak (2017)
-0.41%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,562 |
| 2011 | 7,711 |
| 2012 | 7,715 |
| 2013 | 7,735 |
| 2014 | 7,785 |
| 2015 | 7,787 |
| 2016 | 7,709 |
| 2017 | 7,805 |
| 2018 | 7,715 |
| 2019 | 7,673 |
| 2020 | 7,795 |
| 2021 | 7,588 |
| 2022 | 7,401 |
| 2023 | 7,286 |
| 2024 | 7,134 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 10.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 85.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.3% |
Age & Sex
28.3
Median Age
47.2%
Female
52.8%
Male
8.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 31.9% · Seniors (65+): 8.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $81,298$-8,038 vs state |
| Mean household income | $100,502 |
| Per-capita income | $28,467 |
| Poverty rate | 16.0%+9.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 9.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Northwest Arctic Borough is professional & business services, accounting for 29.5% of workers.
How residents commute
1.9%
Drive alone
45.9%
Carpool
14.8%
Public transit
6.2%
Work from home
6.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$162,500$-170,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,336
Median rent
60.5%
Homeownership rate
2,744
Total housing units
66.2%
Occupied
33.8%
Vacant
39.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
81.2%
With health insurance
94.0%
With broadband internet
9.7%
Foreign-born
5.4%
Veterans (18+)
9.6%
With a disability
73.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.9%
High School+
12.4%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Alaska
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska has a population of 7,611 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 13th-largest county in Alaska. Population density is 0 people per square mile.
The population of Northwest Arctic Borough has declined 5.7% since 2010 (7,562 → 7,134), a -0.42% annualized rate.
The median household income in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is $81,298, with mean (average) household income of $100,502 and per-capita income of $28,467. 16.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Northwest Arctic Borough, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Hispanic or Latino (85.2%), White (10.4%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is 28.3 years. Residents are 47.2% female and 52.8% male.
The median home value in Northwest Arctic Borough is $162,500 and median monthly rent is $1,336. 60.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 2,744 total housing units, 33.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 29.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 9.6%.
Anchorage is among the largest cities associated with Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska, with a population of 289,069.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.