99559 Bethel, AK - Regional Hub for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

ZIP Code 99559, Bethel

Tribal

LocationBethel County, AK

Area228.5 sq mi

Population7,985

Households2,277

PO Boxes1,893 (83% adoption)

Median Age29.2 years

ZIP CreatedBefore Oct 2004

Key Facts

With 7,985 residents and 72% Alaska Native population (5,748 people), this is one of Alaska's largest Native communities with PO Box classification
The post office maintains 1,893 PO Boxes for 2,277 households, showing 83% adoption despite some rural route delivery being available
Average household size is 3.5 people, typical for Alaska Native communities where extended families live together
The post office accepts mail for Bethel plus three Yup'ik village names: Newtok, Napaskiak, and Atmautluak
With 1,977 workers in transportation and warehousing (24% of jobs), Bethel functions as the logistics hub for the roadless Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region
Public administration employs 906 workers, many working for tribal governments and Native regional corporations

Community Overview

Bethel serves as the regional hub for Alaska's Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, a vast roadless region where dozens of Yup'ik villages depend on this town for mail, supplies, and transportation. With 7,985 residents, 72% are Alaska Native (5,748 people), making Bethel one of Alaska's largest Native communities. The post office accepts mail addressed to Bethel and three village aliases: Newtok, Napaskiak, and Atmautluak.

PO Box Services and Delivery Patterns

The Bethel post office maintains 1,893 PO Boxes for 2,277 households, an 83% adoption rate. That's not because street delivery doesn't exist. Limited rural routes serve some addresses, but most residents rely on PO Boxes. Extended families are common, with an average of 3.5 people per household, typical for Alaska Native communities where multi-generational living is the norm.

Geographic Context

This isn't a PO Box Only Zone. Some addresses receive rural route delivery across the 228.5 square mile territory. Street names include Chief Eddy Hoffman Highway, Newtok Road, and Napaskiak Road, connecting Bethel to surrounding communities accessible only by boat or plane.

Economic Context

Bethel's economy centers on regional services and transportation. With 1,977 workers in transportation and warehousing, the town functions as the logistics hub for the Delta. Another 906 people work in public administration, many for tribal governments and regional corporations. The median household income of $103,676 is higher than the national average, but costs in remote Alaska are extreme. Air freight drives up prices for everything from groceries to building materials.

Mail Access and Regional Service

Mail arrives by air year-round. The Kuskokwim River freezes solid in winter, making aviation the only reliable connection to the outside world. Residents pick up packages, prescriptions, and government documents at the post office. For the surrounding villages, mail comes through Bethel before continuing by bush plane to communities like Newtok (relocating due to erosion), Napaskiak (across the river), and Atmautluak (60 miles downriver).

Mailing to Bethel

Address mail to:

Recipient Name
PO Box [Number]
Bethel, AK 99559

For villages served through Bethel, use the community name:

Recipient Name
General Delivery
Newtok, AK 99559

Street Name Patterns

Yupik Village Names Regional Connections Honored Leaders

Street names honor Yup'ik leader Chief Eddy Hoffman and connect to surrounding villages (Newtok, Napaskiak, Atmautluak) accessible only by boat or plane.

Interactive charts load automatically as you scroll. Hover for data, click to explore trends, and use the menu to export.

Population & Demographics

ZIP Code 99559 has 7,985 residents and 2,277 households (average 3.35 persons per household). The median age is 29.2 years, younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 52.4% male and 47.6% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (72.0%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (15.5%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.9%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and American Indian & Alaska Native share is much higher than both the state (15.2%) and national averages (1.1%).

Explore More:Population Over Time By Age & Gender By Race By Gender Nativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.

2020 Population:	7,985Source: Census DHC
2024 ACS Population Estimate:	7,241Source: Census ACS
2026 ZC Population Estimate:	3Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:	141.2 people per sq mile
Average Income:	$113,333Source: Census ACS

Households:	2,277Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:	$342,400Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:	3.35Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:	3.48Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Line chart of ZIP 99559 population estimates from 2011-2024, with markers for the 2010 and 2020 Decennial Census counts to show growth or decline over time. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2010	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Census ACS Population Estimate	--	7,571	7,693	7,769	7,808	7,869	7,907	7,901	7,888	7,857	8,036	7,702	7,465	7,272	7,241
Decennial Census	7,632	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	--	7,985	--	--	--	--

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Median Age: 29.2

Male Median Age: 29.3

Female Median Age: 29

Line chart for ZIP 99559 showing total, male, and female population by age group. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	< 5	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-24	25-29	30-34	35-39	40-44	45-49	50-54	55-59	60-64	65-69	70-74	75-79	80-84	85+
Male	389	370	350	342	320	370	322	269	234	214	207	272	205	152	82	59	23	5
Female	348	363	345	277	312	333	297	255	212	179	154	226	193	135	78	51	17	25
Total	737	733	695	619	632	703	619	524	446	393	361	498	398	287	160	110	40	30

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Population by Race

Pie chart of the racial and ethnic makeup of ZIP 99559. Table below includes counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

White:	1,238	16.59%
Black:	76	1.02%
Hispanic:*	153	2.05%
Asian:	188	2.52%
American Indian:	5,748	77.02%
Hawaiian:	2	0.03%
Other:	58	0.78%
Total:	7,463	100%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Gender Breakdown

Simple chart showing male vs female share of the population in ZIP Code 99559. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Gender	Count	%	Median Age
Males:	4,185	52.41%	29.3 years
Females:	3,800	47.59%	29.0 years
Total:	7,985	100%	29.2 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship

Pie chart showing nativity in ZIP 99559. Categories include native residents (born in the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Island Areas, or abroad to American parents) and foreign-born residents. A table below lists counts and percentages. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Native, born in the United States:	6,923	95.61%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:	18	0.25%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:	194	2.68%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:	106	4.14%
Total Population:	7,241	100%
Total Native Population:	6,941	95.86%
Total Foreign-born Population:	300	4.14%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment

In 2024, the Median household income is $113,333, which is much higher than the national median ($80,734), is up $36,395 (47.3%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $38,505. Family households earn a median of $126,890 versus $74,712 for nonfamily households (a difference of $52,178). By gender, male median income is $70,109 and female is $86,948, which is far above the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $16,839 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 68.4%, which is above the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 9.5%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (45.2%).

Explore More:Income Over Time Household Income Employment Status By Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Line chart showing median income in ZIP 99559 from 2011-2024 for five series: household, family, nonfamily, male, and female. The table below lists the yearly values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Income Type	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Household Income	$76,938	$78,393	$71,719	$74,274	$72,381	$72,695	$78,404	$82,417	$74,828	$80,698	$91,840	$94,313	$103,676	$113,333
Median Family Income	$78,015	$75,938	$69,330	$72,883	$68,988	$70,588	$75,872	$79,621	$72,222	$80,742	$97,188	$98,214	$108,977	$126,890
Median NonFamily Income	$52,188	$63,162	$55,855	$63,894	$65,536	$64,116	$77,685	$77,875	$66,250	$61,921	$80,104	$69,531	$72,284	$74,712
Median Male Income	$64,250	$62,733	$63,913	$71,688	$61,799	$61,301	$61,339	$66,667	$59,055	$64,292	$66,742	$63,438	$63,663	$70,109
Median Female Income	$48,971	$49,838	$49,261	$53,000	$52,544	$56,894	$61,563	$57,475	$49,528	$60,153	$61,532	$59,750	$77,961	$86,948

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income

Bar chart showing average household income comparing ZIP 99559, city of Bethel, Bethel Borough, state of Alaska, and United States national values. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Employment Status

Pie chart of employment status for ZIP 99559, showing the shares who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Employed:	3,182	61.12%
Unemployed:	338	6.49%
Not In Labor Force:	1,686	32.39%
Total:	5,206	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Donut Chart showing the distribution of employed civilians aged 16 and over by occupation category: management, service, sales and office, natural resources and construction, and production and transportation. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Management, business, science, and arts:	1,439	45.22%
Service:	531	16.69%
Sales and Office:	648	20.36%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:	226	7.10%
Production, transportation, and material moving:	338	10.62%
Total Civilian Employed Population:	3,182	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability

In 2024, the median home value is $342,400, which is slightly above the national median ($332,700), is up $134,700 (64.85%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $83,000. The median gross rent is $1,662, which is much higher than the national median ($1,413), is up $491 (41.93%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $139. Of occupied housing, owners make up 49.25% (57.86% with a mortgage, 42.14% free-and-clear) and renters 50.75% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 17.13%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.12%).

Explore More:Compare Home Value Home Value Over Time Rent & Over Time Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Bar chart showing the median home value for ZIP 99559, compared with Bethel, Bethel Borough, state of Alaska, and the U.S. National Average. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time

Line chart showing median home values for ZIP 99559 across years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart displays the typical dollar value of owner-occupied housing units. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Home Value	$207,700	$207,800	$217,200	$218,700	$217,400	$232,400	$245,800	$236,900	$259,400	$263,700	$276,400	$303,700	$328,300	$342,400

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid

Pie chart of gross rent for renter-occupied homes in ZIP 99559, showing monthly rent brackets and the share of units in each range. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than $500:	97	8.41%
$500 to $999:	57	4.94%
$1,000 to $1,499:	226	19.58%
$1,500 to $1,999:	439	38.04%
$2,000 to $2,499:	135	11.70%
$2,500 to $2,999:	91	7.89%
$3,000 or more:	0	0.00%
No Rent:	109	9.45%
Total:	1,154	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Line chart displaying median gross rent for ZIP 99559 over the years 2011-2024 using ACS 5-year estimates. The chart represents typical monthly housing costs for renter households. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Median Rent	$1,171	$1,242	$1,367	$1,380	$1,345	$1,350	$1,410	$1,475	$1,523	$1,474	$1,544	$1,522	$1,637	$1,662

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy

Pie chart showing housing occupancy for ZIP 99559. Categories include owner-occupied units with a mortgage, owner-occupied units free and clear, and renter-occupied units. A table below lists counts and percentages. Vacant housing units are shown separately in the Vacancy chart. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Owner Occupied (with mortgage):	648	28.50%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):	472	20.76%
Renter Occupied:	1,154	50.75%
Total Occupied Housing Units:	2,274	100%

Occupied Housing Units:	2,274	82.87%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):	470	17.13%
Total Housing Units:	2,744	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Pie chart showing housing type distribution for ZIP 99559. Categories include single-family units (detached or attached), multi-family units (from 2 units up to 50 or more units), and other structures such as mobile homes or boats/RVs. A table below lists counts and percentages for each group.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Single-Family Units:	1,827	66.58%
Multi-Family Units:	813	29.63%
Other Units:	104	3.79%
Total Housing Units:	2,744	100%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community

In 2024, 22.30% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 86.70%, which is falls below the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 14.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 9.90%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 2.80 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.60 percentage points. This points to rising hardship - a weaker consumer base, greater strain on public services, and job-market headwinds. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (48.05%). College enrollment is 13.43%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational Attainment Health Insurance Poverty Over Time School Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Pie chart of educational attainment for adults (25+) in ZIP 99559, including each level from less than 9th grade to graduate/professional. Summary rows show high school or higher and bachelor's or higher. A table lists counts and percentages.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Less than 9th grade:	214	4.98%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:	360	8.37%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):	1,722	40.05%
Some college, no degree:	731	17.00%
Associate's degree:	312	7.26%
Bachelor's degree:	601	13.98%
Graduate or professional degree:	360	8.37%
Total:	4,300	100%
High school or higher:	3,726	86.65%
Bachelor's degree or higher:	961	22.35%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Pie Chart & Table Comparison Chart

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Pie chart illustrating health insurance coverage by type for ZIP Code 99559. Categories include private insurance, public coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid, and individuals with no health insurance. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Private Insurance:	3,593	46.65%
Public Insurance:	3,096	40.20%
No Insurance:	1,013	13.15%
Total:	7,702	100%
Has Health Insurance:	6,689	86.85%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

Line chart displaying the share of families and people in ZIP 99559 whose income falls below the federal poverty threshold, using ACS 5-year estimates from 2011 through 2024. The chart shows year-to-year changes in the percentage of people in poverty. Chart loads automatically and replaces this content. Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Group	2011	2102	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
% of People in Poverty	8.9%	12.3%	12.5%	14.1%	14.1%	16.3%	15.6%	15.6%	15.3%	18.7%	13.9%	12.6%	11.7%	9.9%

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Pie Chart showing enrollment of residents ages 3 and older in Nursery School or Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary (grades 1-8), High School (grades 9-12), and College or Graduate School. A table with the same data and percentages is provided as well.Load Chart Manually (if needed)

Nursery School, Preschool:	110	5.73%
Kindergarten:	176	9.16%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):	923	48.05%
High school (grades 9-12):	454	23.63%
College or graduate school:	258	13.43%
Total:	1,921	100%
Early Childhood:	286	14.89%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):	1,553	80.84%

Source: U.S. Census 2020-2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

City:	Bethel, Alaska
City Alias:	Atmautluak, Napaskiak, Newtok
Borough:	Bethel Borough
Timezone:	Alaska (GMT -09:00)
Local Time:	9:22:18 AM
Population:	7,985 [See All]
Area Code:	907
Classification:	PO Box
Coordinates:	60.9125, -161.9762
Land Area:	56.561 sq mi
Quick Link:	https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/99559/zip-code-99559.asp

# Residential Mailboxes:	1Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:	0Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:	1,705Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:	1Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:	0Source: USPS

# of Businesses:	127Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:	$27,634,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:	$125,133,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:	1,643Source: CBP

CBSA Name:	--Source: Census
CBSA Number:	--Source: Census
CBSA Type:	--Source: Census
CBSA Division:	--Source: Census
CBSA Population:	0Source: Census
MSA:	Source: Census
Land Area:	56.561 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:	8.868 sq miSource: Census

Congressional District:	00Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:	571951.26 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:	Source: Census
Intro Date:	< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:	0206520Source: Census
Place Name:	Bethel city; AlaskaSource: Census

ZIP Code 99559 in Bethel, AK

99559 Bethel, AK - Regional Hub for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

ZIP Code 99559, Bethel

Key Facts

Community Overview

PO Box Services and Delivery Patterns

Geographic Context

Economic Context

Mail Access and Regional Service

Mailing to Bethel

Street Name Patterns

Population & Demographics

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)

Population by Race

Gender Breakdown

Nativity & Citizenship

Income & Employment

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)

Average Household Income

Employment Status

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)

Housing & Affordability

Median Home Value (Comparison)

Median Home Value Over Time

Gross Rent Paid

Median Gross Rent Over Time

Housing Occupancy

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)

Education, Health & Community

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2024)

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)

Business & Employment Statistics

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes

Schools in ZIP Code 99559

Sources & References