| City: | Circle, Alaska |
| Borough: | Yukon Koyukuk Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:23:58 AM |
| Population: | 91 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 65.6279, -143.4491 |
| Land Area: | 106.899 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Circle sits at the end of the Steese Highway in Alaska's Interior, a 162-mile drive north from Fairbanks. It's one of the oldest gold mining camps in Alaska, established during the late 1800s gold rush. Despite its name, Circle isn't actually on the Arctic Circle. It's about 50 miles south of it.
Of the 91 residents, 84 are Alaska Native (92%), primarily Gwich'in Athabascan. The community has 49 occupied homes spread across 140 square miles of subarctic terrain. With a median age of 45.5 years, this is an established community of long-term residents rather than transient workers.
Mail service here is PO Box only. There's no street delivery alternative anywhere in the ZIP code's 140-square-mile territory. The post office maintains 33 PO Boxes for 49 households, giving a 67% adoption rate. The single named street in postal records is Steese Highway, the lifeline road connecting Circle to the outside world.
Median household income is $32,500, with 15 workers employed in public administration (likely tribal government or borough services). Education levels are modest: 20% of adults over 25 hold a bachelor's degree. Of the 59 total housing units, 49 are occupied year-round and 6 are seasonal or recreational properties.
The only named street is Steese Highway, the sole road connecting Circle to Fairbanks and the outside world.
ZIP Code 99733 has 91 residents and 49 households (average 1.86 persons per household). The median age is 45.5 years, significantly older than the state (35.6) and older than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.3% male and 52.7% female, which is lower than the state male share (52.0%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (92.3%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (7.7%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.0%, 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 TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship
| 2020 Population: | 91Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 54Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.9 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $24,500Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 49Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $53,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 1.86Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.25Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 61 | 74 | 103 | 103 | 118 | 116 | 108 | 74 | 64 | 42 | 29 | 45 | 48 | 54 |
| Decennial Census | 104 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 91 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 45.5
Male Median Age: 47.1
Female Median Age: 45.3
| 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 | 2 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 14 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 11 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| White: | 7 | 7.69% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 0 | 0% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 84 | 92.31% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 91 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 43 | 47.25% | 47.1 years |
| Females: | 48 | 52.75% | 45.3 years |
| Total: | 91 | 100% | 45.5 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 54 | 100.00% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 54 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 54 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $24,500, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $7,000 (40.0%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $9,250. Family households earn a median of $33,438 versus $23,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $9,688). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has stayed about the same from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 28.9%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 18.2%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (77.8%).
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 | $17,500 | $20,000 | $17,361 | $19,375 | $17,125 | $16,667 | $16,806 | $0 | $33,750 | $27,188 | $26,875 | $18,750 | $32,500 | $24,500 |
| Median Family Income | $21,250 | $32,917 | $21,250 | $21,250 | $15,000 | $18,125 | $11,932 | $19,583 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $33,438 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $16,563 | $16,563 | $16,250 | $16,250 | $10,625 | $9,063 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $25,625 | $25,625 | $19,583 | $0 | $23,750 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $35,625 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $36,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 9 | 23.68% |
| Unemployed: | 2 | 5.26% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 27 | 71.05% |
| Total: | 38 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 7 | 77.78% |
| Service: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 2 | 22.22% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 9 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $53,800, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $48,000 (47.15%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $53,800. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Insufficient data for owner/renter mix. Insufficient data for vacancy rate.
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 | $101,800 | $65,000 | $85,000 | $112,500 | $168,800 | $237,500 | $320,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $225,000 | $94,400 | $0 | $53,800 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,000 to $2,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $2,500 to $2,999: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $3,000 or more: | 0 | 0.00% |
| No Rent: | 4 | 100.00% |
| Total: | 4 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $0 | $0 | $0 | $425 | $623 | $621 | $625 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 32 | 88.89% |
| Renter Occupied: | 4 | 11.11% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 36 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 36 | 67.92% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 17 | 32.08% |
| Total Housing Units: | 53 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 51 | 96.23% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Other Units: | 2 | 3.77% |
| Total Housing Units: | 53 | 100% |
In 2024, 15.80% 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 60.50%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 3.70%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 9.30%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 96.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 38.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 19.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 1.80 percentage points. This points to a pronounced improvement in local conditions - rising incomes, firmer consumer demand, and a stronger tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (75.00%). College enrollment is 0.00%, 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: | 2 | 5.26% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 13 | 34.21% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 9 | 23.68% |
| Some college, no degree: | 8 | 21.05% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 6 | 15.79% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 38 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 23 | 60.53% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 6 | 15.79% |
| Private Insurance: | 5 | 8.47% |
| Public Insurance: | 52 | 88.14% |
| No Insurance: | 2 | 3.39% |
| Total: | 59 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 57 | 96.61% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 63.6% | 46.2% | 57.1% | 55.0% | 58.8% | 55.2% | 65.5% | 53.3% | 46.2% | 50.0% | 0.0% | 62.5% | 44.4% | 38.5% |
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): | 12 | 75.00% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 4 | 25.00% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 16 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 0 | 0.00% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 16 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 99733 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 3 business establishments, employing about 3 people with an annual payroll of $26,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 39Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 3Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $10,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $26,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 3Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 99733 is located in Yukon Koyukuk 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 99733. It covers 106.899 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.569 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: | 106.899 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.569 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: | 0214880Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Circle CDP; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99733 is in the Yukon Flats School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 2 private school(s).
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.