| City: | Deering, Alaska |
| Borough: | Northwest Arctic Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:24:00 AM |
| Population: | 182 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 66.0152, -163.1006 |
| Land Area: | 5.01 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Deering sits in Northwest Arctic Borough where 92% of the 182 residents are Native American. This isn't just a high percentage—it's one of Alaska's most homogeneous tribal communities. The post office doesn't supplement street delivery here. It's the only delivery option for 5.7 square miles of tribal land.
The 54 occupied households share a single street, B Street, that handles carrier delivery. One rural route covers the area, but that route still delivers exclusively to PO Boxes. The adoption rate of 0.02 (just one PO Box per 54 households) tells an unusual story. Unlike most rural Alaska communities where every household maintains a box, Deering's delivery pattern suggests centralized pickup or shared boxes among extended families. The population-to-household ratio of 3.4 is typical for Alaska Native communities, where multi-generational living is common.
The median household income of $55,625 sits below Alaska's statewide average but reflects subsistence lifestyles where cash income doesn't capture fishing, hunting, and traditional activities. Home values average $106,300. The community has 72 total housing units, with 18 sitting vacant—a 25% vacancy rate that's standard for Alaska bush communities where seasonal migration and subsistence camps mean houses sit empty for parts of the year.
The POSTMASTER building appears in the ZIP+4 records as a named delivery point, reflecting the post office's role as the mail hub. With only five total ZIP+4 records (three for PO Boxes, two for street delivery), this is one of Alaska's smallest postal footprints. That doesn't mean the community is struggling. It means delivery needs are simple, direct, and centered on the post office that's served this area since before 2004.
With just one street in the postal system, Deering represents the simplest possible delivery infrastructure—a single rural route covering the entire community through centralized PO Box service.
ZIP Code 99736 has 182 residents and 54 households (average 3.37 persons per household). The median age is 26.3 years, significantly younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 56.0% male and 44.0% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-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 (3.3%, 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: | 182Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 227Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 36.3 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $58,333Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 54Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $110,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.37Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.88Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 68 | 87 | 97 | 128 | 144 | 150 | 152 | 154 | 143 | 150 | 163 | 189 | 205 | 227 |
| Decennial Census | 122 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 182 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 26.3
Male Median Age: 26.3
Female Median Age: 26.3
| 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 | 10 | 14 | 8 | 12 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Female | 9 | 8 | 11 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Total | 19 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 10 | 18 | 19 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 6 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| White: | 6 | 3.43% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 0 | 0% |
| Asian: | 1 | 0.57% |
| American Indian: | 168 | 96.00% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 175 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 102 | 56.04% | 26.3 years |
| Females: | 80 | 43.96% | 26.3 years |
| Total: | 182 | 100% | 26.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 223 | 98.24% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 4 | 1.76% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 1.76% |
| Total Population: | 227 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 223 | 98.24% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 4 | 1.76% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $58,333, which is far less than the national median ($80,734), is up $22,083 (60.9%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $15,833. Family households earn a median of $55,833 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $55,833). By gender, male median income is $55,000 and female is $85,833, which is much higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $30,833 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 62.0%, which is a bit lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 17.0%, which is far worse than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (42.5%).
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 | $36,250 | $37,250 | $47,000 | $51,250 | $50,000 | $43,750 | $44,375 | $41,667 | $42,500 | $40,000 | $44,375 | $49,375 | $55,625 | $58,333 |
| Median Family Income | $35,625 | $41,250 | $57,813 | $56,250 | $51,250 | $46,250 | $52,917 | $47,500 | $49,375 | $48,125 | $45,625 | $53,125 | $53,125 | $55,833 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $57,813 | $28,750 | $24,375 | $38,750 | $43,750 | $43,125 | $22,500 | $0 | $17,083 | $15,625 | $0 | $31,250 | $33,750 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $0 | $0 | $0 | $26,250 | $31,875 | $30,625 | $31,250 | $43,750 | $36,250 | $0 | $56,250 | $52,500 | $57,917 | $55,000 |
| Median Female Income | $0 | $20,000 | $45,000 | $46,250 | $46,250 | $45,625 | $46,667 | $53,750 | $52,500 | $46,250 | $48,750 | $0 | $90,000 | $85,833 |
| Employed: | 73 | 51.41% |
| Unemployed: | 15 | 10.56% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 54 | 38.03% |
| Total: | 142 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 31 | 42.47% |
| Service: | 7 | 9.59% |
| Sales and Office: | 9 | 12.33% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 12 | 16.44% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 14 | 19.18% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 73 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $110,900, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $56,700 (104.61%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $50,900. The median gross rent is $675, which is far less than the national median ($1,413), is down $63 (8.54%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $408. Of occupied housing, owners make up 81.03% (59.57% with a mortgage, 40.43% free-and-clear) and renters 18.97% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. 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 | $54,200 | $75,000 | $56,300 | $65,000 | $75,000 | $63,800 | $62,000 | $67,000 | $60,000 | $65,000 | $104,200 | $108,800 | $106,300 | $110,900 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 8 | 72.73% |
| $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: | 3 | 27.27% |
| Total: | 11 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $738 | $950 | $850 | $817 | $900 | $1,125 | $1,208 | $1,188 | $1,083 | $1,000 | $1,000 | $0 | $625 | $675 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 28 | 48.28% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 19 | 32.76% |
| Renter Occupied: | 11 | 18.97% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 58 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 58 | 79.45% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 15 | 20.55% |
| Total Housing Units: | 73 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 69 | 94.52% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 4 | 5.48% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 73 | 100% |
In 2024, 12.30% 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 85.10%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 22.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 33.00%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 53.30%, which is well above the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 13.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 4.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 5.10 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (54.41%). College enrollment is 4.41%, 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 AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 0 | 0.00% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 17 | 14.91% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 58 | 50.88% |
| Some college, no degree: | 21 | 18.42% |
| Associate's degree: | 4 | 3.51% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 14 | 12.28% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 114 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 97 | 85.09% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 14 | 12.28% |
| Private Insurance: | 75 | 30.49% |
| Public Insurance: | 121 | 49.19% |
| No Insurance: | 50 | 20.33% |
| Total: | 246 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 196 | 79.67% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 13.0% | 12.5% | 13.0% | 16.7% | 12.5% | 13.8% | 9.1% | 9.4% | 12.0% | 22.2% | 10.7% | 8.1% | 17.1% | 13.6% |
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: | 3 | 4.41% |
| Kindergarten: | 4 | 5.88% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 37 | 54.41% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 21 | 30.88% |
| College or graduate school: | 3 | 4.41% |
| Total: | 68 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 7 | 10.29% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 62 | 91.18% |
ZIP Code 99736 is designated for PO Box delivery only; business establishment and employment data are not available.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 0Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 0Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $0Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 0Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 99736 is located in Northwest Arctic 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 99736. It covers 5.01 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.079 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: | 5.01 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.079 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: | 0218510Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Deering city; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99736 is in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 1 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 0 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.