| City: | Girdwood, Alaska |
| Borough: | Anchorage Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 11:20:37 PM |
| Population: | 2,167 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 60.9731, -149.1194 |
| Land Area: | 343.134 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Girdwood sits 40 miles south of Anchorage in the Chugach Mountains, Alaska's premier ski resort community. This isn't just any mountain town. It's home to Alyeska Resort, and the street names tell the story: Gstaad Way, Davos Road, Vail Drive, and St. Johann Loop pay homage to famous European ski destinations. With 2,167 year-round residents spread across 367 square miles of mountain terrain, Girdwood combines ski culture with Alaska wilderness.
The post office is everyone's mailbox. Girdwood is a PO Box Only Zone, meaning there's no street delivery anywhere in the territory. The post office maintains 1,188 PO Boxes for 980 occupied homes, a 1.21 adoption rate that captures both the permanent community and seasonal property owners. In a place where homes are valued at a median of $672,100, maintaining a year-round PO Box is standard practice.
Seasonal patterns shape everything here. Of 1,715 total housing units, 625 (36%) sit vacant most of the year, occupied only during ski season or summer hiking months. The 980 year-round households include ski industry workers, remote professionals (36% work from home), and outdoor enthusiasts who chose mountain life. Median household income of $154,414 suggests these aren't struggling ski bums but established residents who can afford Alaska's mountain real estate.
Girdwood's history runs deeper than skiing. Street names like Crow Creek Road, Omega Mine Circle, and Hottentot Mine Road reference the gold mining heritage that predates the resort. The community sits in Turnagain Arm, surrounded by dramatic peaks and accessible only via the Seward Highway. Rural carrier routes serve the limited street delivery that exists, mostly for businesses along Alyeska Highway.
This is a working ski town, not a wealthy enclave. Yes, home values are high, but that's Alaska mountain property. The 90 local businesses employ 538 people in hospitality, retail, and ski operations. When ski season ends, many workers leave, the seasonal homes empty, and the year-round community of 2,167 settles into the quieter rhythm of an Alaska town that happens to have world-class skiing.
Street names blend European ski resort homages (Gstaad, Davos, Vail) with Alaska gold mining history (Crow Creek, Omega Mine, Hottentot Mine).
ZIP Code 99587 has 2,167 residents and 980 households (average 2.19 persons per household). The median age is 38.9 years, older than the state (35.6) and about the same as the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.5% male and 46.5% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are White (88.9%, much higher than the state average of 59.4% and well above the national average of 61.6%) and Hispanic or Latino (4.2%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 4.2%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%).
Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 2,167Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 1,857Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 6.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $154,414Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 980Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $672,100Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 2.19Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 2.91Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 1,726 | 1,975 | 2,278 | 2,446 | 2,255 | 2,271 | 2,233 | 2,065 | 1,742 | 2,025 | 2,029 | 1,889 | 1,857 |
| Decennial Census | 2,250 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2,167 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 38.9
Male Median Age: 39.1
Female Median Age: 38.7
| 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 | 63 | 74 | 58 | 43 | 46 | 57 | 124 | 132 | 107 | 81 | 84 | 70 | 73 | 56 | 63 | 17 | 8 | 3 |
| Female | 49 | 64 | 60 | 46 | 29 | 76 | 101 | 104 | 104 | 72 | 67 | 52 | 82 | 65 | 21 | 10 | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 112 | 138 | 118 | 89 | 75 | 133 | 225 | 236 | 211 | 153 | 151 | 122 | 155 | 121 | 84 | 27 | 12 | 5 |
| White: | 1,926 | 90.81% |
| Black: | 8 | 0.38% |
| Hispanic:* | 92 | 4.34% |
| Asian: | 48 | 2.26% |
| American Indian: | 30 | 1.41% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 17 | 0.80% |
| Total: | 2,121 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 1,159 | 53.48% | 39.1 years |
| Females: | 1,008 | 46.52% | 38.7 years |
| Total: | 2,167 | 100% | 38.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 1,622 | 87.35% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 23 | 1.24% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 87 | 4.68% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 125 | 11.42% |
| Total Population: | 1,857 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 1,645 | 88.58% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 212 | 11.42% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $154,414, which is markedly greater than the national median ($78,538), is up $88,320 (133.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $68,516. Family households earn a median of $198,000 versus $47,448 for nonfamily households (a difference of $150,552). By gender, male median income is $119,515 and female is $105,324, which is considerably higher than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $14,191 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 56.9%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (66.4%). The unemployment rate is 4.7%, which is narrowly below the state rate (5.4%). The largest occupation group is Management (47.0%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $66,094 | $80,087 | $81,949 | $84,826 | $84,467 | $103,241 | $108,362 | $105,433 | $85,898 | $98,026 | $104,938 | $111,797 | $154,414 |
| Median Family Income | $110,313 | $95,662 | $87,344 | $92,917 | $88,558 | $136,542 | $158,511 | $163,710 | $165,641 | $141,645 | $156,250 | $147,278 | $198,000 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $52,708 | $62,361 | $69,063 | $82,556 | $82,857 | $69,428 | $68,717 | $68,198 | $68,769 | $69,663 | $57,301 | $56,146 | $47,448 |
| Median Male Income | $57,542 | $51,574 | $52,137 | $65,313 | $0 | $67,137 | $68,065 | $66,555 | $68,750 | $69,917 | $74,199 | $71,190 | $119,515 |
| Median Female Income | $36,098 | $36,063 | $35,625 | $32,500 | $0 | $35,576 | $39,722 | $61,538 | $66,434 | $73,125 | $78,975 | $90,875 | $105,324 |
| Employed: | 854 | 50.59% |
| Unemployed: | 45 | 2.67% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 789 | 46.74% |
| Total: | 1,688 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 401 | 46.96% |
| Service: | 96 | 11.24% |
| Sales and Office: | 118 | 13.82% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 130 | 15.22% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 109 | 12.76% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 854 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $672,100, which is much higher than the national median ($303,400), is up $321,900 (91.92%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $237,800. The median gross rent is $0, which is far less than the state median ($1,388), is down $1,011 (100.00%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,306. Of occupied housing, owners make up 75.84% (79.21% with a mortgage, 20.79% free-and-clear) and renters 24.16% - making this ZIP Code more home ownership than the state and under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 49.65%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $350,200 | $389,700 | $384,000 | $442,300 | $471,500 | $447,100 | $440,900 | $435,900 | $434,300 | $452,300 | $490,400 | $506,700 | $672,100 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 113 | 58.55% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 29 | 15.03% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 24 | 12.44% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 27 | 13.99% |
| No Rent: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 193 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,011 | $975 | $979 | $983 | $967 | $1,108 | $1,207 | $1,247 | $1,306 | $1,336 | $1,214 | $1,327 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 480 | 60.08% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 126 | 15.77% |
| Renter Occupied: | 193 | 24.16% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 799 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 799 | 50.35% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 788 | 49.65% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,587 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 1,159 | 73.03% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 428 | 26.97% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 1,587 | 100% |
In 2023, 44.20% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is markedly above the state rate (31.20%). High school or higher is 96.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 14.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.60%). The share of people in poverty is 3.40%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.70%), down 0.70 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 3.40 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is high school (79.14%). College enrollment is 12.88%, 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 47 | 3.17% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 186 | 12.53% |
| Some college, no degree: | 350 | 23.58% |
| Associate's degree: | 245 | 16.51% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 352 | 23.72% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 304 | 20.49% |
| Total: | 1,484 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 1,437 | 96.83% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 656 | 44.20% |
| Private Insurance: | 1,333 | 58.18% |
| Public Insurance: | 701 | 30.60% |
| No Insurance: | 257 | 11.22% |
| Total: | 2,291 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 2,034 | 88.78% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 4.1% | 3.6% | 3.3% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 3.7% | 3.5% | 4.0% | 3.4% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 13 | 7.98% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 129 | 79.14% |
| College or graduate school: | 21 | 12.88% |
| Total: | 163 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 142 | 87.12% |
ZIP Code 99587 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 87 business establishments, employing about 600 people with an annual payroll of $26,397,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 1,272Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 87Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $6,005,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $26,397,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 600Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 99587 is located in Anchorage Borough, Alaska, within the Anchorage, AK Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 11260) and Alaska's 0th Congressional District. This Metro area has a population of 399,746 people, about 0.54% of whom live in ZIP Code 99587. It covers 343.134 sq mi of land and a water area of 16.371 sq mi.
| CBSA Name: | Anchorage, AKSource: Census |
| CBSA Number: | 11260Source: Census |
| CBSA Type: | MetroSource: Census |
| CBSA Division: | --Source: Census |
| CBSA Population: | 399,746Source: Census |
| MSA: | Anchorage, AK MSASource: Census |
| Land Area: | 343.134 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 16.371 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: | --Source: Census |
| Place Name: | --Source: Census |
ZIP Code 99587 is in the Anchorage School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 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 January 1, 2026.