| City: | Elim, Alaska |
| Borough: | Nome Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:24:02 AM |
| Population: | 366 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 64.6870, -162.0915 |
| Land Area: | 2902.378 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Elim is a remote Alaska Native community on the Seward Peninsula, where 89% of the 366 residents are Native American (325 people). This is a PO Box Only Zone. There's no alternative mail delivery across the 1,549 square mile territory.
The Elim post office maintains 76 PO Boxes for 97 households. That's a 78% adoption rate. Most families rely on PO Box service because standard street addressing doesn't exist here. The ZIP+4 records show only one street: Main Street. Across 1,549 square miles, there's minimal street infrastructure. One rural carrier route serves limited delivery, but PO Boxes remain the primary option.
The population is young, with a median age of 27.1 years. Households average 3.8 people, typical of Alaska Native communities where extended families often live together. Of the 143 total housing units, 97 are occupied year-round. Another 34 units sit vacant for seasonal or occasional use, reflecting subsistence hunting and fishing patterns.
Public administration employs 40 workers, the dominant sector in this economy. That includes tribal government and local services. Median household income is $35,000, and per capita income is $14,740. Only 11% of adults hold bachelor's degrees. Four business establishments employ 29 people total.
The post office serves as a vital link to the outside world. Residents collect mail, packages, government documents, and essential deliveries. In communities this remote, the PO Box isn't an inconvenience. It's essential infrastructure for survival.
Use this format:
[Recipient Name]
PO Box [Number]
Elim, AK 99739Street addresses don't work here. PO Box addressing is required.
With only Main Street recorded, this community has essentially no street addressing infrastructure across its vast 1,549 square mile territory.
ZIP Code 99739 has 366 residents and 97 households (average 3.77 persons per household). The median age is 27.1 years, significantly younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 54.1% male and 45.9% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (88.8%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (4.9%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 1.4%, 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: | 366Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 383Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $37,031Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 97Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $120,000Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.77Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.43Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 363 | 354 | 358 | 319 | 328 | 300 | 296 | 303 | 268 | 220 | 279 | 293 | 278 | 383 |
| Decennial Census | 330 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 366 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 27.1
Male Median Age: 28
Female Median Age: 26.6
| 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 | 19 | 22 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 12 | 16 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Female | 18 | 23 | 20 | 10 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 37 | 45 | 38 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 33 | 23 | 28 | 18 | 8 | 12 | 25 | 9 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| White: | 18 | 5.11% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 5 | 1.42% |
| Asian: | 2 | 0.57% |
| American Indian: | 325 | 92.33% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 2 | 0.57% |
| Total: | 352 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 198 | 54.10% | 28.0 years |
| Females: | 168 | 45.90% | 26.6 years |
| Total: | 366 | 100% | 27.1 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 381 | 99.48% |
| 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: | 2 | 0.52% |
| Total Population: | 383 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 381 | 99.48% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 2 | 0.52% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $37,031, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is up $2,448 (7.1%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $20,052. Family households earn a median of $40,000 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $40,000). By gender, male median income is $73,750 and female is $0, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $73,750 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 54.1%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 38.9%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (32.5%).
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 | $34,583 | $36,250 | $37,500 | $34,375 | $37,188 | $36,875 | $39,375 | $43,438 | $57,083 | $58,125 | $40,750 | $35,000 | $35,000 | $37,031 |
| Median Family Income | $51,667 | $55,417 | $38,125 | $36,250 | $38,500 | $40,000 | $40,000 | $46,250 | $56,250 | $41,250 | $40,625 | $44,250 | $47,500 | $40,000 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $17,083 | $18,750 | $19,792 | $19,375 | $15,625 | $20,313 | $17,500 | $16,250 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $11,250 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $24,375 | $26,250 | $37,500 | $28,750 | $43,125 | $30,000 | $40,833 | $36,875 | $43,750 | $42,813 | $45,625 | $31,250 | $0 | $73,750 |
| Median Female Income | $58,125 | $58,333 | $37,188 | $35,625 | $37,500 | $34,375 | $33,750 | $36,563 | $36,250 | $33,750 | $40,250 | $44,375 | $0 | $0 |
| Employed: | 80 | 33.06% |
| Unemployed: | 51 | 21.07% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 111 | 45.87% |
| Total: | 242 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 26 | 32.50% |
| Service: | 23 | 28.75% |
| Sales and Office: | 7 | 8.75% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 10 | 12.50% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 14 | 17.50% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 80 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $120,000, which is far less than the national median ($332,700), is up $50,700 (73.16%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $70,800. The median gross rent is $1,125, which is much lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $450 (66.67%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $387. Of occupied housing, owners make up 73.27% (22.97% with a mortgage, 77.03% free-and-clear) and renters 26.73% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 27.86%, which is far higher than 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 | $69,300 | $72,800 | $79,400 | $62,000 | $72,500 | $80,000 | $87,500 | $50,000 | $49,200 | $52,500 | $86,300 | $106,300 | $117,300 | $120,000 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 3 | 11.11% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 6 | 22.22% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 1 | 3.70% |
| $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: | 17 | 62.96% |
| Total: | 27 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $675 | $688 | $700 | $717 | $731 | $742 | $813 | $775 | $738 | $738 | $775 | $917 | $0 | $1,125 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 17 | 16.83% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 57 | 56.44% |
| Renter Occupied: | 27 | 26.73% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 101 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 101 | 72.14% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 39 | 27.86% |
| Total Housing Units: | 140 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 131 | 93.57% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 9 | 6.43% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 140 | 100% |
In 2024, 8.10% 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 95.90%, which is far higher than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 17.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 17.20%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 70.80%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 37.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), up 6.80 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.90 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 (48.77%). College enrollment is 4.94%, 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: | 2 | 1.16% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 5 | 2.91% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 102 | 59.30% |
| Some college, no degree: | 41 | 23.84% |
| Associate's degree: | 8 | 4.65% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 10 | 5.81% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 4 | 2.33% |
| Total: | 172 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 165 | 95.93% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 14 | 8.14% |
| Private Insurance: | 66 | 16.30% |
| Public Insurance: | 271 | 66.91% |
| No Insurance: | 68 | 16.79% |
| Total: | 405 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 337 | 83.21% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 26.5% | 21.1% | 24.7% | 23.3% | 24.4% | 22.2% | 21.4% | 21.7% | 25.4% | 34.0% | 39.2% | 33.3% | 33.3% | 37.1% |
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: | 15 | 9.26% |
| Kindergarten: | 6 | 3.70% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 79 | 48.77% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 54 | 33.33% |
| College or graduate school: | 8 | 4.94% |
| Total: | 162 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 21 | 12.96% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 139 | 85.80% |
ZIP Code 99739 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 4 business establishments, employing about 29 people with an annual payroll of $2,923,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 56Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 4Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $759,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,923,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 29Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 99739 is located in Nome 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 99739. It covers 2902.378 sq mi of land and a water area of 22.702 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: | 2902.378 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 22.702 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: | 0222250Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Elim city; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99739 is in the Bering Strait 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.