| City: | Noatak, Alaska |
| Borough: | Northwest Arctic Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:24:19 AM |
| Population: | 570 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 67.3288, -162.7686 |
| Land Area: | 15.805 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Noatak is an Iñupiat village located 55 miles north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska's Northwest Arctic Borough. Of the 570 residents, 531 (93%) are Native American, making this one of the most homogeneous Alaska Native communities in the state. The village sits within the traditional territory of the Noatagmiut, a group of Iñupiat people who have lived along the Noatak River for thousands of years.
The community spans 227 square miles of territory, but almost all residents live in the compact village center. With 133 households and a population of 570, the average household size is 4.3 people, typical for Alaska Native communities where multi-generational families are common. The median age is 26.2 years, younger than Alaska's overall median of 35 years.
Postal delivery in Noatak relies primarily on PO Boxes, though the ZIP data shows one rural route serving Noatak Road. General Delivery is also available for residents without boxes. This isn't a PO Box Only Zone, but the sparse addressing infrastructure means most mail goes to the post office for pickup. In a village this remote, the post office works as the central hub for receiving government checks, subsistence hunting permits, and supplies ordered from outside.
Noatak's economy centers on subsistence activities and government employment. Census data shows 73 workers in public administration (primarily tribal government) and 96 in transportation and warehousing (likely supporting air cargo operations, since there are no roads connecting Noatak to other communities). The median household income is $77,500, but per capita income is just $19,255, indicating large families sharing resources. Only 4.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher.
The village is accessible only by air year-round, with seasonal boat and snow machine access. Mail arrives by air cargo several times per week, weather permitting. All addresses use the 99761 ZIP code followed by "Noatak, AK." There's no street delivery in the traditional sense. Residents pick up mail at the post office, which serves as a daily gathering point for the community.
With only one street name in the postal database (Noatak Road), this ZIP has minimal formal addressing infrastructure typical of remote Alaska Native villages.
ZIP Code 99761 has 570 residents and 133 households (average 4.29 persons per household). The median age is 26.2 years, significantly younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 53.2% male and 46.8% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (93.2%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (4.4%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.4%, 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: | 570Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 786Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 36.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $83,750Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 133Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $168,800Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 4.29Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.60Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 525 | 465 | 442 | 452 | 443 | 403 | 424 | 422 | 415 | 422 | 488 | 536 | 700 | 786 |
| Decennial Census | 514 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 570 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 26.2
Male Median Age: 26.1
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 | 35 | 23 | 35 | 22 | 29 | 33 | 18 | 17 | 19 | 9 | 15 | 16 | 12 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| Female | 24 | 28 | 38 | 17 | 16 | 22 | 26 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 18 | 19 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 59 | 51 | 73 | 39 | 45 | 55 | 44 | 31 | 29 | 19 | 33 | 35 | 18 | 12 | 9 | 6 | 9 | 3 |
| White: | 25 | 4.47% |
| Black: | 1 | 0.18% |
| Hispanic:* | 2 | 0.36% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 531 | 94.99% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 559 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 303 | 53.16% | 26.1 years |
| Females: | 267 | 46.84% | 26.6 years |
| Total: | 570 | 100% | 26.2 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 781 | 99.36% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 5 | 0.64% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 786 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 786 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $83,750, which is above the national median ($80,734), is up $21,875 (35.4%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $37,500. Family households earn a median of $81,625 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $81,625). By gender, male median income is $48,750 and female is $48,750, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $0 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 55.3%, which is considerably lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 33.2%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (23.2%).
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 | $61,875 | $57,000 | $58,250 | $56,250 | $51,250 | $44,464 | $50,000 | $53,333 | $46,250 | $55,000 | $56,667 | $67,500 | $77,500 | $83,750 |
| Median Family Income | $62,031 | $59,250 | $58,571 | $57,500 | $57,500 | $46,250 | $51,250 | $51,875 | $47,813 | $54,688 | $61,250 | $68,750 | $69,583 | $81,625 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $8,750 | $8,438 | $15,625 | $16,250 | $21,250 | $18,750 | $25,417 | $24,375 | $20,000 | $19,375 | $21,250 | $20,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $32,143 | $27,344 | $33,636 | $24,583 | $0 | $22,917 | $22,500 | $21,875 | $16,667 | $21,250 | $34,583 | $37,083 | $35,000 | $48,750 |
| Median Female Income | $30,000 | $26,563 | $38,750 | $35,417 | $0 | $38,125 | $37,188 | $38,750 | $65,000 | $74,375 | $0 | $55,000 | $55,625 | $48,750 |
| Employed: | 185 | 36.93% |
| Unemployed: | 92 | 18.36% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 224 | 44.71% |
| Total: | 501 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 43 | 23.24% |
| Service: | 29 | 15.68% |
| Sales and Office: | 43 | 23.24% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 30 | 16.22% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 40 | 21.62% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 185 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $168,800, which is well under the national median ($332,700), is up $62,500 (58.80%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $88,800. The median gross rent is $1,063, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $284 (36.46%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $1,063. Of occupied housing, owners make up 83.71% (24.16% with a mortgage, 75.84% free-and-clear) and renters 16.29% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 10.55%, 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 | $106,300 | $110,900 | $108,300 | $106,300 | $120,500 | $120,800 | $109,400 | $100,000 | $80,000 | $115,000 | $119,300 | $157,500 | $156,300 | $168,800 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 5 | 17.24% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 10 | 34.48% |
| $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: | 14 | 48.28% |
| Total: | 29 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $779 | $779 | $850 | $950 | $1,000 | $850 | $688 | $775 | $0 | $975 | $644 | $0 | $850 | $1,063 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 36 | 20.22% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 113 | 63.48% |
| Renter Occupied: | 29 | 16.29% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 178 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 178 | 89.45% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 21 | 10.55% |
| Total Housing Units: | 199 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 186 | 93.47% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 10 | 5.03% |
| Other Units: | 3 | 1.51% |
| Total Housing Units: | 199 | 100% |
In 2024, 4.60% 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 83.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 15.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 27.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 65.50%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 11.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 4.80 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 12.20 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 (58.92%). College enrollment is 2.49%, 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: | 17 | 4.34% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 47 | 11.99% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 261 | 66.58% |
| Some college, no degree: | 45 | 11.48% |
| Associate's degree: | 4 | 1.02% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 16 | 4.08% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 2 | 0.51% |
| Total: | 392 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 328 | 83.67% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 18 | 4.59% |
| Private Insurance: | 213 | 25.18% |
| Public Insurance: | 515 | 60.87% |
| No Insurance: | 118 | 13.95% |
| Total: | 846 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 728 | 86.05% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 4.0% | 5.2% | 8.3% | 15.5% | 20.5% | 28.0% | 25.9% | 21.5% | 21.0% | 15.2% | 7.7% | 10.6% | 8.8% | 11.5% |
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: | 5 | 2.07% |
| Kindergarten: | 19 | 7.88% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 142 | 58.92% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 69 | 28.63% |
| College or graduate school: | 6 | 2.49% |
| Total: | 241 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 24 | 9.96% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 230 | 95.44% |
ZIP Code 99761 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 99761 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 99761. It covers 15.805 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.123 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: | 15.805 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.123 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: | 0254700Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Noatak CDP; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99761 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 March 1, 2026.