| City: | Teller, Alaska |
| Borough: | Nome Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 11:24:09 PM |
| Population: | 249 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 65.0619, -166.4286 |
| Land Area: | 1.494 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Teller sits on Alaska's Seward Peninsula, about 75 miles northwest of Nome. This remote Native village of 249 residents is home to a predominantly Alaska Native community, with 224 of 249 residents (90%) identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native. The median age is 26.3 years, with households averaging 3.4 people, typical of extended family structures common in Alaska Native communities.
This ZIP serves 443 square miles of territory with minimal street addressing infrastructure. Just one street appears in postal records (Main Street), and the postal system includes a rural carrier route plus general delivery service. The postal facility serves 73 occupied homes spread across this vast coastal area. That's roughly 6 square miles of territory per household.
Public administration dominates the local economy. Of the working population, 65% are employed in public administration roles, likely with tribal government, Alaska Native corporations, or local school district. Another 33% work in transportation, warehousing, and utilities, essential services in this isolated setting. The median household income of $42,500 is modest, though cost of living considerations differ dramatically in remote Alaska.
Teller is classified as a Small Town Hub rather than a PO Box Only Zone, meaning some rural carrier delivery exists alongside PO Box services. The tiny commercial sector includes just 4 business establishments employing 55 workers. Education levels are low, with only 2.9% of adults holding bachelor's degrees. Of 84 total housing units, 73 are occupied year-round, with just 3 used seasonally. Home ownership is roughly split: 39 owner-occupied units and 34 renter-occupied.
Addresses in Teller, AK 99778 can use either PO Box format or the limited rural carrier route delivery available. Given the sparse addressing infrastructure across 443 square miles, PO Box service provides reliable mail access for this isolated coastal community.
With only one street in postal records across 443 square miles, addressing infrastructure is minimal and most mail delivery relies on PO Boxes and general delivery.
ZIP Code 99778 has 249 residents and 73 households (average 3.40 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 54.6% male and 45.4% female, which is higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (90.0%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (3.6%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.8%, 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: | 249Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 309Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 166.7 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $42,500Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 73Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $56,700Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.40Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 4.40Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 311 | 274 | 267 | 227 | 205 | 206 | 227 | 225 | 238 | 286 | 250 | 279 | 309 |
| Decennial Census | 254 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 249 | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 26.3
Male Median Age: 28
Female Median Age: 24.2
| 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 | 16 | 20 | 14 | 7 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Female | 16 | 14 | 7 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 4 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 32 | 34 | 21 | 18 | 15 | 18 | 14 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 6 | 18 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| White: | 9 | 3.75% |
| Black: | 0 | 0% |
| Hispanic:* | 2 | 0.83% |
| Asian: | 5 | 2.08% |
| American Indian: | 224 | 93.33% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 240 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 136 | 54.62% | 28.0 years |
| Females: | 113 | 45.38% | 24.2 years |
| Total: | 249 | 100% | 26.3 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 309 | 100.00% |
| 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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Population: | 309 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 309 | 100.00% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 0 | 0.00% |
In 2023, the Median household income is $42,500, which is much lower than the state median ($89,336), is up $8,393 (24.6%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $15,000. Family households earn a median of $44,375 versus $0 for nonfamily households (a difference of $44,375). By gender, male median income is $37,000 and female is $56,875, which is higher than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $19,875 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 47.9%, which is markedly below the state rate (66.4%). The unemployment rate is 13.3%, which is markedly higher than the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (46.9%).
Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation
| Income Type | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $34,107 | $27,250 | $25,500 | $26,667 | $24,792 | $26,875 | $33,750 | $27,083 | $27,500 | $28,958 | $32,083 | $34,688 | $42,500 |
| Median Family Income | $36,250 | $27,500 | $26,500 | $27,500 | $25,000 | $25,625 | $29,250 | $27,083 | $31,250 | $29,643 | $32,083 | $37,250 | $44,375 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $9,063 | $9,688 | $6,250 | $10,000 | $2,499 | $0 | $11,250 | $0 | $11,250 | $5,417 | $12,500 | $11,250 | $0 |
| Median Male Income | $24,728 | $28,438 | $28,047 | $28,370 | $0 | $25,278 | $20,909 | $21,932 | $25,903 | $25,625 | $30,417 | $34,167 | $37,000 |
| Median Female Income | $31,667 | $33,542 | $31,667 | $32,188 | $0 | $26,111 | $27,059 | $29,750 | $28,977 | $33,750 | $42,500 | $44,750 | $56,875 |
| Employed: | 98 | 41.53% |
| Unemployed: | 15 | 6.36% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 123 | 52.12% |
| Total: | 236 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 46 | 46.94% |
| Service: | 14 | 14.29% |
| Sales and Office: | 9 | 9.18% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 4 | 4.08% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 25 | 25.51% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 98 | 100% |
In 2023, the median home value is $56,700, which is well under the state median ($333,300), is down $30,800 (35.20%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $56,700. The median gross rent is $1,008, which is considerably lower than the state median ($1,388), is up $208 (26.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $568. Of occupied housing, owners make up 58.33% (3.57% with a mortgage, 96.43% free-and-clear) and renters 41.67% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 16.52%, which is markedly above the national rate (10.43%).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $87,500 | $104,200 | $112,500 | $67,500 | $62,500 | $103,100 | $106,300 | $105,000 | $113,400 | $112,500 | $109,100 | $109,400 | $56,700 |
| Less than $500: | 3 | 7.50% |
| $500 to $999: | 12 | 30.00% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 16 | 40.00% |
| $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: | 9 | 22.50% |
| Total: | 40 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $800 | $775 | $625 | $488 | $533 | $475 | $513 | $450 | $440 | $900 | $927 | $1,055 | $1,008 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 2 | 2.08% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 54 | 56.25% |
| Renter Occupied: | 40 | 41.67% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 96 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 96 | 83.48% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 19 | 16.52% |
| Total Housing Units: | 115 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 108 | 93.91% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 7 | 6.09% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 115 | 100% |
In 2023, 2.90% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 79.20%, which is markedly below the state rate (93.50%). The uninsured rate is 22.70%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 18.10%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 63.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.30%). The share of people in poverty is 28.90%, which is markedly above the state rate (6.80%), down 3.20 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 2.40 percentage points. This suggests a positive shift in the local economic and social landscape - higher incomes, steadier consumer demand, and a strengthening tax base. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (55.24%). College enrollment is 7.62%, 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: | 34 | 19.65% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 115 | 66.47% |
| Some college, no degree: | 13 | 7.51% |
| Associate's degree: | 4 | 2.31% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 5 | 2.89% |
| Total: | 173 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 137 | 79.19% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 5 | 2.89% |
| Private Insurance: | 56 | 17.45% |
| Public Insurance: | 195 | 60.75% |
| No Insurance: | 70 | 21.81% |
| Total: | 321 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 251 | 78.19% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 32.1% | 38.0% | 37.5% | 41.3% | 33.3% | 31.8% | 29.8% | 36.2% | 31.3% | 40.6% | 39.7% | 34.2% | 28.9% |
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 | 2.86% |
| Kindergarten: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 58 | 55.24% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 36 | 34.29% |
| College or graduate school: | 8 | 7.62% |
| Total: | 105 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 3 | 2.86% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 94 | 89.52% |
ZIP Code 99778 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2024), there are 4 business establishments, employing about 43 people with an annual payroll of $1,273,000.
| # 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: | 4Source: CBP |
| 1st Quarter Payroll: | $333,000Source: CBP |
| Annual Payroll: | $1,273,000Source: CBP |
| # of Employees: | 43Source: CBP |
ZIP Code 99778 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 99778. It covers 1.494 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.186 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: | 1.494 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 0.186 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: | 0275930Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Teller city; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99778 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 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.
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 January 1, 2026.