| City: | Shishmaref, Alaska |
| Borough: | Nome Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:24:27 AM |
| Population: | 580 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 65.7753, -167.6941 |
| Land Area: | 3978.131 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Shishmaref sits on a barrier island in the Chukchi Sea, three miles from mainland Alaska and just 30 miles south of the Arctic Circle. The Iñupiaq community of 580 people has lived here for centuries, hunting seals, walrus, and bowhead whales. There's no road to Shishmaref. Supplies and mail arrive by small plane, and residents travel across the frozen sea by snowmobile in winter.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. The post office maintains 159 PO Boxes for 154 households, meaning every family relies on a box for mail. There's no alternative delivery option. The adoption rate of 1.03 boxes per household shows complete community dependence on postal services.
With 96% of residents identifying as Alaska Native (557 of 580 people), Shishmaref remains one of the most culturally intact Iñupiaq villages in the region. Extended families are common, with 3.8 people per household on average. The median age is 28.9 years, younger than most rural communities.
The local economy centers on subsistence hunting and government jobs. Of the employed residents, 84 work in public administration, primarily for tribal government and the school. Median household income is $62,083. Homes here are modest, with a median value of $116,700, built to withstand extreme Arctic conditions.
About 22% of housing units sit vacant for seasonal use, serving hunting camps and family gatherings rather than vacation purposes. The village has only one named street, Main Street. Everyone knows where everyone lives. The post office isn't just a mail hub. It's where news spreads, supplies arrive, and the community connects with the outside world.
The village has just one named street, Main Street, running through the community center.
ZIP Code 99772 has 580 residents and 154 households (average 3.77 persons per household). The median age is 28.9 years, younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 56.4% male and 43.6% female, which is much higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (96.0%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (2.8%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.5%, 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: | 580Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 466Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 0.1 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $61,458Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 154Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $109,400Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.77Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.42Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 659 | 633 | 623 | 699 | 640 | 611 | 594 | 597 | 498 | 499 | 560 | 568 | 462 | 466 |
| Decennial Census | 567 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 580 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 28.9
Male Median Age: 29.3
Female Median Age: 28.3
| 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 | 17 | 32 | 32 | 34 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 14 | 17 | 13 | 19 | 24 | 17 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| Female | 22 | 22 | 33 | 20 | 24 | 11 | 15 | 10 | 11 | 6 | 20 | 20 | 12 | 13 | 8 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 39 | 54 | 65 | 54 | 52 | 40 | 40 | 24 | 28 | 19 | 39 | 44 | 29 | 22 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 1 |
| White: | 16 | 2.76% |
| Black: | 4 | 0.69% |
| Hispanic:* | 3 | 0.52% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 557 | 96.03% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 580 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 327 | 56.38% | 29.3 years |
| Females: | 253 | 43.62% | 28.3 years |
| Total: | 580 | 100% | 28.9 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 461 | 98.93% |
| 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: | 5 | 1.07% |
| Total Population: | 466 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 461 | 98.93% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 5 | 1.07% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $61,458, which is well under the national median ($80,734), is up $23,645 (62.5%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $23,333. Family households earn a median of $60,208 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $60,208). 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 narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 47.2%, which is much lower than the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 29.4%, which is much higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Service (25.0%).
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 | $37,813 | $37,500 | $36,750 | $36,750 | $29,375 | $29,792 | $35,000 | $38,636 | $38,125 | $51,111 | $53,182 | $56,875 | $62,083 | $61,458 |
| Median Family Income | $34,286 | $34,107 | $36,000 | $35,000 | $27,431 | $28,750 | $31,250 | $38,068 | $31,875 | $45,833 | $49,375 | $49,722 | $59,375 | $60,208 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $2,499 | $10,938 | $11,042 | $2,499 | $0 | $14,375 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $46,250 | $41,875 | $0 | $95,938 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $52,813 | $55,417 | $40,625 | $26,250 | $30,625 | $24,375 | $36,250 | $38,750 | $48,125 | $48,500 | $52,083 | $52,083 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $35,000 | $36,500 | $41,875 | $41,625 | $41,932 | $41,500 | $42,375 | $50,625 | $72,083 | $79,375 | $71,250 | $66,875 | $68,125 | $0 |
| Employed: | 108 | 33.33% |
| Unemployed: | 45 | 13.89% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 171 | 52.78% |
| Total: | 324 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 26 | 24.07% |
| Service: | 27 | 25.00% |
| Sales and Office: | 25 | 23.15% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 8 | 7.41% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 22 | 20.37% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 108 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $109,400, which is much lower than the national median ($332,700), is down $17,900 (14.06%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $31,100. The median gross rent is $950, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,413), is up $417 (78.24%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $107. Of occupied housing, owners make up 75.68% (22.62% with a mortgage, 77.38% free-and-clear) and renters 24.32% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 47.39%, 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 | $127,300 | $120,200 | $147,900 | $101,800 | $78,900 | $76,100 | $73,400 | $74,100 | $78,300 | $89,600 | $103,800 | $118,300 | $116,700 | $109,400 |
| Less than $500: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $500 to $999: | 5 | 18.52% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 1 | 3.70% |
| $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: | 21 | 77.78% |
| Total: | 27 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $533 | $554 | $513 | $550 | $719 | $757 | $773 | $825 | $843 | $825 | $840 | $900 | $950 | $950 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 19 | 17.12% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 65 | 58.56% |
| Renter Occupied: | 27 | 24.32% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 111 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 111 | 52.61% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 100 | 47.39% |
| Total Housing Units: | 211 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 207 | 98.10% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 3 | 1.42% |
| Other Units: | 1 | 0.47% |
| Total Housing Units: | 211 | 100% |
In 2024, 7.10% 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 85.50%, which is comparable to the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 20.20%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 12.40%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 72.30%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 20.60%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.80%), down 10.80 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 19.20 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 (56.39%). College enrollment is 5.26%, 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: | 1 | 0.35% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 40 | 14.13% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 182 | 64.31% |
| Some college, no degree: | 39 | 13.78% |
| Associate's degree: | 1 | 0.35% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 6 | 2.12% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 14 | 4.95% |
| Total: | 283 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 242 | 85.51% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 20 | 7.07% |
| Private Insurance: | 58 | 11.86% |
| Public Insurance: | 337 | 68.92% |
| No Insurance: | 94 | 19.22% |
| Total: | 489 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 395 | 80.78% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 29.4% | 26.7% | 23.8% | 27.4% | 37.6% | 32.3% | 32.1% | 34.3% | 37.8% | 29.5% | 30.3% | 27.8% | 18.6% | 20.6% |
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: | 16 | 12.03% |
| Kindergarten: | 10 | 7.52% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 75 | 56.39% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 25 | 18.80% |
| College or graduate school: | 7 | 5.26% |
| Total: | 133 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 26 | 19.55% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 110 | 82.71% |
ZIP Code 99772 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 6 business establishments, employing about 98 people with an annual payroll of $2,357,000.
| # Residential Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| # Business Mailboxes: | 0Source: USPS |
| Total Delivery Receptacles: | 170Source: USPS |
| Single Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| Multi Family Delivery Units: | 0Source: USPS |
| # of Businesses: | 6Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $655,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $2,357,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 98Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 99772 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 99772. It covers 3978.131 sq mi of land and a water area of 327.911 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: | 3978.131 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 327.911 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: | 0269770Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Shishmaref city; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99772 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.