ZIP Code 99606 in Iliamna, AK

Community Overview

Iliamna sits on the north shore of Lake Iliamna, Alaska's largest lake, in the remote Lake and Peninsula Borough. Of the 428 residents, 316 (74%) are Alaska Native, making this one of the state's predominantly indigenous communities. The nearest road-accessible town is hundreds of miles away. Air service and boat travel connect Iliamna to the outside world.

Why PO Boxes Are Essential

This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the 218 square mile territory. The Iliamna post office maintains 150 PO Boxes for 137 occupied households (a 1.09 adoption rate). With only four streets recorded in the ZIP+4 database over such vast area, traditional street addressing doesn't exist in any meaningful form. Mail to a PO Box isn't a preference. It's the only option.

Geographic Context

The village of Kokhanok, located about 25 miles south along the lakeshore, shares this ZIP code. USPS recognizes Kokhanok as a valid mailing name, though both communities receive mail through the Iliamna post office. Two rural carrier routes serve some addresses, but most residents rely on PO Boxes due to the scattered settlement pattern and lack of developed road infrastructure.

Population and Demographics

Households here average 3.12 people, typical for Alaska Native communities where extended family living arrangements are common. Median age is 29.7 years. Public administration employs 53% of the workforce, pointing to tribal government and federal agencies (including National Park Service and Fish & Wildlife Service) as major employers. Median household income is $63,438, and per capita income is $28,925.

Economic Context

The region's economy blends subsistence activities with wage employment. Iliamna sits near the headwaters of one of the world's most productive salmon fisheries. The area also borders Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. Of the 209 total housing units, 40 are used seasonally (19%), likely fishing cabins and seasonal worker housing. Some 79% of occupied homes are owner-occupied.

The Post Office as Regional Hub

With 17 business establishments employing 53 people, and 29 business delivery points, commercial activity focuses on aviation services (Iliamna has Alaska's second-largest seaplane base), lodge and guiding operations, and community services. The airport serves as a critical link for mail, supplies, and access to medical care in Anchorage, 200 miles northeast.

Mailing to Iliamna

Correct format:

Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Iliamna, AK 99606

For Kokhanok residents:

Recipient Name
PO Box [number]
Kokhanok, AK 99606

Both addresses route to the Iliamna post office for pickup.

Street Name Patterns

The four recorded streets include the airport road (critical infrastructure), a road to Kokhanok village, and minimal local streets. This sparse addressing shows why PO Boxes are essential.