| City: | Cordova, Alaska |
| City Alias: | Chenega Bay |
| Borough: | Chugach Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:22:27 AM |
| Population: | 2,691 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 60.6969, -145.5298 |
| Land Area: | 3292.273 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Cordova sits at the edge of Prince William Sound in Alaska's Chugach region, accessible only by air or sea. This isolated fishing community spans 2,319 square miles of coastal territory, where 2,691 residents depend entirely on PO Boxes for mail delivery. There's no road connection to the rest of Alaska. Ferry service and flights are the only way in or out.
The Cordova post office maintains 1,207 PO Boxes for 1,047 local households, a 115% adoption rate. This is a PO Box Only Zone. No street delivery exists anywhere in the territory. Two rural carrier routes serve addresses scattered along the limited road system, but all mail goes to boxes at the post office. The ZIP also handles mail for Chenega Bay, a community accessible only by boat or float plane.
Street names tell the story of Cordova's maritime and industrial heritage. Copper River Highway leads east along the coast. Cannery Row and Railroad Avenue recall the salmon industry and the historic Copper River and Northwestern Railway. Whitshed Road, Orca Road, and Prince William Marina Road connect residents to the waterfront. Eyak Drive references the native Eyak people, whose ancestral lands these are.
Cordova's economy runs on commercial fishing, seafood processing, and transportation services. With 208 businesses employing 638 people, the town supports itself through seasonal fishing operations. Public administration employs 385 workers (26% of the workforce), reflecting strong municipal and tribal government presence. Another 583 workers (39%) are in transportation and warehousing, running the small boat harbor, airport, and freight operations that keep this roadless community supplied. Only 7.4% of workers work from home, lower than most remote Alaska towns.
Housing costs run high for a small Alaska community. Median home value is $382,300, and median rent is $1,346 per month. Seasonal vacancy reaches 16% (222 of 1,350 units), as some homes serve as seasonal fishing accommodations. Homeownership is 61%, with 639 owner-occupied homes and 408 rentals. The population is 62% white, 14% Asian (mostly Filipino and Asian workers in the fishing industry), 10% Native American, and 11% multiracial. Median age is 39.1 years.
Mail to Cordova takes one of two routes. Address mail to "PO Box [number], Cordova, AK 99574" for the main post office. For Chenega Bay residents, use "PO Box [number], Chenega Bay, AK 99574." Rural route addresses exist for properties along the road system, but PO Box delivery is the standard for everyone in this isolated coastal community.
Street names blend coastal geography (Whitshed, Orca, Prince William Marina) with fishing industry heritage (Cannery Row, Railroad Avenue) and a small numbered grid in town.
ZIP Code 99574 has 2,691 residents and 1,047 households (average 2.43 persons per household). The median age is 39.1 years, older than the state (35.6) and about the same as the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.1% male and 46.9% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (62.1%, slightly higher than the state average of 59.4%) and Asian (13.8%, much higher than the state average of 6.0% and well above the national average of 6.0%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.3%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 2,691Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 2,551Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $85,132Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 1,047Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $418,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.43Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.97Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 2,475 | 2,548 | 2,692 | 2,721 | 2,696 | 3,099 | 3,218 | 3,111 | 2,903 | 2,302 | 2,671 | 2,616 | 2,517 | 2,551 |
| Decennial Census | 2,348 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,691 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 39.1
Male Median Age: 39.2
Female Median Age: 39
| 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 | 84 | 87 | 78 | 92 | 64 | 98 | 117 | 118 | 67 | 65 | 81 | 108 | 137 | 97 | 60 | 37 | 22 | 18 |
| Female | 84 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 54 | 92 | 98 | 97 | 67 | 69 | 75 | 101 | 111 | 79 | 51 | 28 | 14 | 19 |
| Total | 168 | 159 | 152 | 168 | 118 | 190 | 215 | 215 | 134 | 134 | 156 | 209 | 248 | 176 | 111 | 65 | 36 | 37 |
| White: | 1,671 | 66.89% |
| Black: | 14 | 0.56% |
| Hispanic:* | 116 | 4.64% |
| Asian: | 372 | 14.89% |
| American Indian: | 275 | 11.01% |
| Hawaiian: | 8 | 0.32% |
| Other: | 42 | 1.68% |
| Total: | 2,498 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,430 | 53.14% | 39.2 years |
| Females: | 1,261 | 46.86% | 39.0 years |
| Total: | 2,691 | 100% | 39.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 2,305 | 90.36% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 33 | 1.29% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 118 | 4.63% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 95 | 8.35% |
| Total Population: | 2,551 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 2,338 | 91.65% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 213 | 8.35% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $85,132, which is well above the national median ($80,734), is up $6,319 (8.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $8,233. Family households earn a median of $96,000 versus $55,234 for nonfamily households (a difference of $40,766). By gender, male median income is $70,921 and female is $56,292, which is modestly greater than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $14,629 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 72.4%, which is far greater than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 7.7%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (44.3%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $78,813 | $87,917 | $94,375 | $89,844 | $84,716 | $104,821 | $92,396 | $85,833 | $93,365 | $90,577 | $76,667 | $79,483 | $88,555 | $85,132 |
| Median Family Income | $96,875 | $104,650 | $115,541 | $107,443 | $111,500 | $120,820 | $112,944 | $103,050 | $110,353 | $110,227 | $97,039 | $95,833 | $106,017 | $96,000 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $40,769 | $31,399 | $55,625 | $57,100 | $76,354 | $83,563 | $83,107 | $65,332 | $54,621 | $53,333 | $53,792 | $58,526 | $61,488 | $55,234 |
| Median Male Income | $69,479 | $76,042 | $79,744 | $79,932 | $0 | $80,103 | $81,902 | $62,583 | $53,377 | $52,422 | $53,852 | $66,615 | $61,490 | $70,921 |
| Median Female Income | $41,453 | $40,000 | $50,733 | $54,779 | $0 | $69,050 | $72,049 | $47,917 | $42,760 | $45,463 | $43,553 | $50,265 | $54,063 | $56,292 |
| Employed: | 1,133 | 58.80% |
| Unemployed: | 108 | 5.60% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 686 | 35.60% |
| Total: | 1,927 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 502 | 44.31% |
| Service: | 186 | 16.42% |
| Sales and Office: | 202 | 17.83% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 160 | 14.12% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 83 | 7.33% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 1,133 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $418,400, which is much higher than the national median ($332,700), is up $229,100 (121.02%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $89,100. The median gross rent is $1,214, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is up $504 (70.99%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $109. Of occupied housing, owners make up 64.09% (37.80% with a mortgage, 62.20% free-and-clear) and renters 35.91% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 28.45%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.12%).
Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $189,300 | $242,200 | $271,600 | $278,400 | $283,400 | $299,300 | $319,000 | $314,900 | $329,300 | $340,100 | $335,200 | $338,300 | $382,300 | $418,400 |
| Less than $500: | 40 | 10.75% |
| $500 to $999: | 72 | 19.35% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 106 | 28.49% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 18 | 4.84% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 45 | 12.10% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 3 | 0.81% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 88 | 23.66% |
| Total: | 372 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $710 | $904 | $764 | $833 | $855 | $866 | $951 | $1,055 | $1,105 | $1,415 | $1,334 | $1,335 | $1,346 | $1,214 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 251 | 24.23% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 413 | 39.86% |
| Renter Occupied: | 372 | 35.91% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 1,036 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 1,036 | 71.55% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 412 | 28.45% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,448 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,009 | 69.68% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 299 | 20.65% |
| Other Units: | 140 | 9.67% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,448 | 100% |
In 2024, 31.00% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is comparable to the national rate (35.70%). High school or higher is 96.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 8.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). The share of people in poverty is 0.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (8.80%), down 0.70 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 0.10 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is college (39.69%). College enrollment is 39.69%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 18 | 1.01% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 37 | 2.07% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 558 | 31.24% |
| Some college, no degree: | 439 | 24.58% |
| Associate's degree: | 181 | 10.13% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 384 | 21.50% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 169 | 9.46% |
| Total: | 1,786 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,731 | 96.92% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 553 | 30.96% |
| Private Insurance: | 1,545 | 56.33% |
| Public Insurance: | 992 | 36.16% |
| No Insurance: | 206 | 7.51% |
| Total: | 2,743 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,537 | 92.49% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 1.1% | 1.8% | 1.0% | 1.1% | 1.0% | 1.0% | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.5% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.4% |
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.
| Nursery School, Preschool: | 18 | 3.47% |
| Kindergarten: | 64 | 12.33% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 175 | 33.72% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 56 | 10.79% |
| College or graduate school: | 206 | 39.69% |
| Total: | 519 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 82 | 15.80% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 295 | 56.84% |
ZIP Code 99574 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 196 business establishments, employing about 641 people with an annual payroll of $51,344,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,342Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 196Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $7,527,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $51,344,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 641Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 99574 is located in Chugach Borough, Alaska, within the Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA ) and Alaska's 0th Congressional District. This area has a population of 0 people, about 0.00% of whom live in ZIP Code 99574. It covers 3292.273 sq mi of land and a water area of 1426.087 sq mi.
| 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: | 3292.273 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1426.087 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: | 0217410Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Cordova city; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99574 is part of 2 school districts, including: Cordova City School District (Grades PK thru 12) and Chugach School District (Grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th). There are 4 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 1 private school(s). It also has 2 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on February 1, 2026.