| City: | Ambler, Alaska |
| Borough: | Northwest Arctic Borough |
| Timezone: | Alaska (GMT -09:00) |
| Local Time: | 9:24:36 AM |
| Population: | 274 [See All] |
| Area Code: | 907 |
| Classification: | PO Box |
| Coordinates: | 67.6806, -156.8758 |
| Land Area: | 10.33 sq mi |
| Quick Link: |
Ambler is a remote Iñupiaq village in Alaska's Northwest Arctic Borough, about 45 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Of the 274 residents, 236 are Native American (86%), making this one of Alaska's predominantly indigenous communities. With a median age of 27.8 years, Ambler is home to a young, growing population.
Ambler's ZIP code spans 7,257 square miles of Arctic wilderness. The village itself occupies about 10 square miles of land and 1.6 square miles of water. This vast service territory includes remote areas accessible primarily by air, boat, or snow machine depending on the season.
This is a PO Box Only Zone. Mail doesn't arrive by carrier across the 7,257 square mile territory. The post office maintains just 1 PO Box and minimal delivery infrastructure. General delivery and a single rural route serve the community, but residents rely almost entirely on visiting the post office to receive mail, packages, and essential documents.
Households here average 3.47 people, higher than the national typical of 2.5. This pattern is common in Alaska Native communities, where extended families often share housing. Of the 79 occupied homes, 60 are owner-occupied. Many homes were built before 1939 (109 of the housing units in the broader area), contributing to the village's historic character.
Median household income is $41,563, with per capita income at $16,320. The workforce includes 11 people in public administration (often tribal government) and 11 in educational services and health care. Only 5.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 29.4% of the population was born in the United States (the remainder includes those born in Alaska before statehood or with different census classifications).
All mail to Ambler uses the 99786 ZIP code with General Delivery or the limited PO Box:
Recipient Name
General Delivery
Ambler, AK 99786ZIP+4 data shows only Ambler Avenue with a single delivery record, indicating very limited addressing infrastructure typical of remote Alaska villages.
ZIP Code 99786 has 274 residents and 79 households (average 3.46 persons per household). The median age is 27.8 years, significantly younger than the state (35.6) and significantly younger than the nation (38.8). The gender split is 50.7% male and 49.3% female, which is slightly higher than the national male share (49.1%), making this a male-majority area. Largest groups are American Indian & Alaska Native (86.1%, much higher than the state average of 15.2% and well above the national average of 1.1%) and White (6.2%, much lower than the state average of 59.4% and well below the national average of 61.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 0.7%, 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: | 274Source: Census DHC |
| 2024 ACS Population Estimate: | 182Source: Census ACS |
| 2026 ZC Population Estimate: | 0Source: ZIP-Codes.com |
| Population Density: | 26.5 people per sq mile |
| Average Income: | $40,556Source: Census ACS |
| Households: | 79Source: Census DHC |
| Average House Value: | $96,900Source: Census ACS |
| Persons Per Household: | 3.46Source: Census DHC |
| Average Family Size: | 3.24Source: Census ACS |
| Group | 2010 | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Census ACS Population Estimate | -- | 260 | 240 | 290 | 329 | 280 | 295 | 299 | 299 | 260 | 275 | 273 | 277 | 201 | 182 |
| Decennial Census | 259 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 274 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
Median Age: 27.8
Male Median Age: 23.8
Female Median Age: 28.8
| 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 | 13 | 18 | 18 | 10 | 11 | 3 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Female | 13 | 11 | 8 | 21 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 10 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 26 | 29 | 26 | 31 | 17 | 12 | 22 | 20 | 9 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| White: | 17 | 6.59% |
| Black: | 3 | 1.16% |
| Hispanic:* | 2 | 0.78% |
| Asian: | 0 | 0% |
| American Indian: | 236 | 91.47% |
| Hawaiian: | 0 | 0% |
| Other: | 0 | 0% |
| Total: | 258 | 100% |
| Gender | Count | % | Median Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Males: | 139 | 50.73% | 23.8 years |
| Females: | 135 | 49.27% | 28.8 years |
| Total: | 274 | 100% | 27.8 years |
| Native, born in the United States: | 178 | 97.80% |
| Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen: | 4 | 2.20% |
| Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen: | 0 | 2.20% |
| Total Population: | 182 | 100% |
| Total Native Population: | 178 | 97.80% |
| Total Foreign-born Population: | 4 | 2.20% |
In 2024, the Median household income is $40,556, which is considerably lower than the national median ($80,734), is down $17,069 (29.6%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,694. Family households earn a median of $55,288 versus $20,750 for nonfamily households (a difference of $34,538). By gender, male median income is $0 and female is $77,917, which is much higher than the national female median ($55,274), with a current gap of $77,917 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2024. The labor-force participation rate is 29.4%, which is markedly below the national rate (63.5%). The unemployment rate is 16.2%, which is considerably above the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (25.8%).
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 | $57,625 | $43,333 | $38,750 | $41,944 | $42,344 | $41,429 | $44,500 | $43,214 | $46,250 | $34,750 | $35,750 | $37,857 | $41,563 | $40,556 |
| Median Family Income | $45,000 | $45,000 | $38,750 | $42,250 | $42,188 | $41,071 | $51,875 | $43,750 | $53,750 | $45,288 | $47,917 | $50,341 | $53,021 | $55,288 |
| Median NonFamily Income | $22,083 | $17,000 | $18,125 | $30,938 | $40,625 | $37,500 | $42,813 | $38,750 | $31,250 | $18,250 | $17,813 | $19,375 | $21,250 | $20,750 |
| Median Male Income | $71,875 | $65,000 | $75,625 | $41,875 | $51,875 | $51,875 | $53,750 | $60,625 | $80,313 | $80,938 | $83,750 | $71,875 | $0 | $0 |
| Median Female Income | $68,750 | $67,917 | $64,375 | $35,000 | $35,625 | $36,250 | $36,667 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $78,333 | $77,917 |
| Employed: | 31 | 24.60% |
| Unemployed: | 6 | 4.76% |
| Not In Labor Force: | 89 | 70.63% |
| Total: | 126 | 100% |
| Management, business, science, and arts: | 8 | 25.81% |
| Service: | 7 | 22.58% |
| Sales and Office: | 4 | 12.90% |
| Natural resources, construction, and maintenance: | 7 | 22.58% |
| Production, transportation, and material moving: | 5 | 16.13% |
| Total Civilian Employed Population: | 31 | 100% |
In 2024, the median home value is $96,900, which is considerably lower than the national median ($332,700), is up $18,100 (22.97%) since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $5,200. The median gross rent is $0, which is well under the national median ($1,413), is down $1,313 (100.00%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $0. Of occupied housing, owners make up 85.14% (0.00% with a mortgage, 100.00% free-and-clear) and renters 14.86% - making this ZIP Code under national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 30.19%, 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 | $78,800 | $78,300 | $75,000 | $72,500 | $59,000 | $100,000 | $79,000 | $106,300 | $102,100 | $77,500 | $75,700 | $86,700 | $86,700 | $96,900 |
| Less than $500: | 4 | 36.36% |
| $500 to $999: | 3 | 27.27% |
| $1,000 to $1,499: | 0 | 0.00% |
| $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: | 4 | 36.36% |
| Total: | 11 | 100% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Rent | $1,313 | $1,167 | $1,125 | $950 | $850 | $775 | $650 | $1,094 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $475 | $0 |
| Owner Occupied (with mortgage): | 0 | 0.00% |
| Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage): | 63 | 85.14% |
| Renter Occupied: | 11 | 14.86% |
| Total Occupied Housing Units: | 74 | 100% |
| Occupied Housing Units: | 74 | 69.81% |
| Vacant Housing Units (not graphed): | 32 | 30.19% |
| Total Housing Units: | 106 | 100% |
| Single-Family Units: | 102 | 96.23% |
| Multi-Family Units: | 4 | 3.77% |
| Other Units: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total Housing Units: | 106 | 100% |
In 2024, 3.50% 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 67.80%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.60%). The uninsured rate is 32.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.40%). Private coverage is 13.70%, which is far lower than the national rate (67.10%). Public coverage is 61.00%, which is far higher than the national rate (36.70%). The share of people in poverty is 16.30%, which is comparable to the national rate (8.80%), up 0.50 percentage points since 2011 and below its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 6.30 percentage points. Poverty has been broadly stable, which may reflect structural barriers or offsetting gains and setbacks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (69.23%). College enrollment is 0.00%, which is comparable to the national rate (26.70%), meaning the community mirrors broader higher-education participation.
Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment
| Less than 9th grade: | 14 | 12.17% |
| 9th to 12th grade, no diploma: | 23 | 20.00% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency): | 45 | 39.13% |
| Some college, no degree: | 29 | 25.22% |
| Associate's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Bachelor's degree: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Graduate or professional degree: | 4 | 3.48% |
| Total: | 115 | 100% |
| High school or higher: | 78 | 67.83% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher: | 4 | 3.48% |
| Private Insurance: | 25 | 12.82% |
| Public Insurance: | 111 | 56.92% |
| No Insurance: | 59 | 30.26% |
| Total: | 195 | 100% |
| Has Health Insurance: | 136 | 69.74% |
| Group | 2011 | 2102 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| % of People in Poverty | 25.0% | 28.9% | 38.9% | 31.7% | 19.7% | 25.0% | 30.5% | 25.9% | 31.8% | 23.7% | 25.9% | 21.3% | 25.5% | 16.3% |
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: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Kindergarten: | 5 | 12.82% |
| Elementary school (grades 1-8): | 27 | 69.23% |
| High school (grades 9-12): | 7 | 17.95% |
| College or graduate school: | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total: | 39 | 100% |
| Early Childhood: | 5 | 12.82% |
| K-12 (Primary & Secondary School): | 39 | 100.00% |
ZIP Code 99786 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: | 1Source: 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 99786 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 99786. It covers 10.33 sq mi of land and a water area of 1.517 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: | 10.33 sq miSource: Census |
| Water Area: | 1.517 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: | 0201970Source: Census |
| Place Name: | Ambler city; AlaskaSource: Census |
ZIP Code 99786 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 February 1, 2026.