| City: | Point Lay, Alaska |
| City Alias: | Barrow |
| Borough: | North Slope Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:24:18 AM |
| Population: | 330 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 69.8724, -162.4598 |
| Land Area: | 25.733 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Point Lay sits on Alaska's North Slope, 300 miles northwest of Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), where 330 residents live in one of the state's most isolated Iñupiat communities. This isn't a place with street delivery options. It's a true PO Box-only zone where the post office provides the only mail service across 32.3 square miles of Arctic coastal terrain.
The numbers tell the isolation story. Of the 330 residents, 92% are Native American, forming a concentrated Iñupiat community where extended families share housing. With 83 occupied homes, that's nearly four people per household—well above the national average of 2.5. This reflects traditional multigenerational living patterns common in Alaska Native villages.
The post office maintains boxes for a community spread across vast distances where roads barely exist. Qigalik Street appears in the ZIP+4 database as the only named street, but this doesn't mean Point Lay has conventional street delivery infrastructure. Rural Route 1 serves the area, with General Delivery handling mail for those without specific addresses. The carrier route designation confirms what residents already know: this is rural carrier territory, not city delivery.
Point Lay's mail service connects to the outside world in ways that matter for subsistence living. Median household income of $92,000 might seem high, but Alaska's cost of living is extreme this far north. The post office becomes essential infrastructure when supply chains depend on air cargo and seasonal barge deliveries. There's no alternative—the nearest neighboring post office requires either a plane or a very long snowmobile trip.
With only one named street in postal records, Point Lay's addressing reflects Arctic Alaska's reality: communities exist without conventional street grids. Qigalik Street represents the minimal road infrastructure typical of remote Iñupiat villages, where geographic position and building descriptions often matter more than street addresses.
ZIP Code 99759 has 330 residents and 83 households (average 3.98 persons per household). The median age is 19.7 years, significantly younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 49.7% male and 50.3% female, which is slightly lower than the state male share (52.0%). Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (92.1%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (5.8%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.3%, 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: | 330Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 390Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 12.8 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $104,063Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 83Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $119,100Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.98Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.89Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 314 | 301 | 274 | 246 | 285 | 306 | 273 | 251 | 227 | 176 | 229 | 172 | 288 | 390 |
| Decennial Census | 189 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 330 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 19.7
Male Median Age: 20.3
Female Median Age: 19
| 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 | 17 | 20 | 32 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 13 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 27 | 30 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Total | 44 | 50 | 46 | 26 | 22 | 29 | 26 | 12 | 11 | 15 | 7 | 14 | 13 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| White: | 19 | 5.86% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 1 | 0.31% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 304 | 93.83% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 324 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 164 | 49.70% | 20.3 years |
| Females: | 166 | 50.30% | 19.0 years |
| Total: | 330 | 100% | 19.7 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 387 | 99.23% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 3 | 0.77% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.77% |
| Total Population: | 390 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 387 | 99.23% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 3 | 0.77% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $104,063, which is much higher than the national median ($80,734), is up $61,875 (146.7%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $44,896. Family households earn a median of $110,577 versus $88,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $21,827). By gender, male median income is $86,250 and female is $93,750, which is much higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $7,500 that has widened from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 60.1%, which is below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 16.4%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (35.3%).
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 | $42,188 | $76,250 | $73,125 | $60,000 | $61,563 | $59,375 | $58,750 | $63,750 | $59,167 | $60,250 | $78,750 | $89,583 | $92,000 | $104,063 |
| Median Family Income | $49,375 | $72,083 | $69,375 | $51,875 | $60,000 | $53,750 | $56,250 | $56,250 | $0 | $61,094 | $85,417 | $115,000 | $113,333 | $110,577 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $17,321 | $78,750 | $50,000 | $44,375 | $58,125 | $46,250 | $46,250 | $48,750 | $51,250 | $28,333 | $0 | $57,813 | $62,000 | $88,750 |
| Median Male Income | $31,875 | $54,688 | $33,125 | $36,250 | $0 | $49,583 | $43,750 | $53,542 | $52,917 | $54,375 | $56,250 | $75,417 | $73,125 | $86,250 |
| Median Female Income | $42,250 | $46,250 | $47,750 | $53,750 | $0 | $56,250 | $52,500 | $53,750 | $43,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $78,125 | $93,750 |
| Employed: | 102 | 50.25% |
| Unemployed: | 20 | 9.85% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 81 | 39.90% |
| Total: | 203 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 36 | 35.29% |
| Service: | 13 | 12.75% |
| Sales and Office: | 4 | 3.92% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 24 | 23.53% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 25 | 24.51% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 102 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $119,100, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $10,000 (9.17%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $12,800. The median gross rent is $1,042, which is much lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $204 (24.34%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $254. Of occupied housing, owners make up 45.78% (23.68% with a mortgage, 76.32% free-and-clear) and renters 54.22% - making this ZIP Code higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 18.63%, which is much 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 | $109,100 | $102,500 | $92,500 | $80,000 | $92,500 | $85,000 | $76,700 | $104,200 | $106,300 | $107,800 | $107,100 | $118,200 | $117,000 | $119,100 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 11 | 24.44% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 9 | 20.00% |
| $1,500 to $1,999: | 5 | 11.11% |
| $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: | 20 | 44.44% |
| Total: | 45 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $838 | $900 | $917 | $1,050 | $950 | $900 | $825 | $775 | $788 | $875 | $1,375 | $0 | $825 | $1,042 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 9 | 10.84% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 29 | 34.94% |
| Renter Occupied: | 45 | 54.22% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 83 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 83 | 81.37% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 19 | 18.63% |
| Total Housing Units: | 102 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 86 | 84.31% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 16 | 15.69% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 102 | 100% |
In 2024, 10.20% 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 85.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 11.80%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 40.50%, which is falls below the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 55.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 10.60%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), down 12.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 27.80 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 (61.03%). College enrollment is 5.13%, 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: | 4 | 2.72% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 18 | 12.24% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 63 | 42.86% |
| Some college, no degree: | 41 | 27.89% |
| Associate's degree: | 6 | 4.08% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 5 | 3.40% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 10 | 6.80% |
| Total: | 147 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 125 | 85.03% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 15 | 10.20% |
| Private Insurance: | 158 | 37.53% |
| Public Insurance: | 217 | 51.54% |
| No Insurance: | 46 | 10.93% |
| Total: | 421 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 375 | 89.07% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 18.5% | 7.8% | 12.2% | 19.6% | 29.2% | 31.7% | 26.8% | 29.5% | 34.1% | 20.0% | 13.5% | 23.3% | 6.3% | 10.6% |
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: | 8 | 4.10% |
| Kindergarten: | 12 | 6.15% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 119 | 61.03% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 46 | 23.59% |
| College or graduate school: | 10 | 5.13% |
| Total: | 195 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 20 | 10.26% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 177 | 90.77% |
ZIP Code 99759 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 99759 is located in North Slope 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 99759. It covers 25.733 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.482 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: | 25.733 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.482 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: | 0261700Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Point Lay CDP; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99759 is in the North Slope 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.