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
What distinguishes Northwest Arctic Borough is density: among the most sparsely settled of US counties, around 0 people per square mile. Northwest Arctic Borough is a county in Alaska with a population of 7,611. It ranks #13 among counties in Alaska by population.
Median household income is $81,298, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 16.0%, above the national 12.4%. Median home value is $162,500, with typical rent around $1,336.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.4%, below the national 35.0%. Around 6.2% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 6 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+
Largest cities in Alaska
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Part of Alaska
Metro areas in Alaska
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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Statewide data for Alaska
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.