Bethel Census Area

Bethel Census Area
Census area
Location in the state of Alaska Location in the state of Alaska
Coordinates: 60°47′N 161°45′W Fatal error: The format of the coordinate could not be determined. Parsing failed.
Country	United States
State	Alaska
Area
• Total	45,508 sq mi (117,866 km2)
• Land	40,505 sq mi (104,907 km2)
• Water	5,003 sq mi (12,959 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	18,466
• Density	0.41/sq mi (0.16/km2)
Time zone	UTC-9 (Alaska)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-8 (AKDT)

Bethel Census Area is a census area located in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,466. Bethel Census Area is part of the Unorganized Borough and therefore has no borough seat. The largest community in the area is the city of Bethel.

Geography

Bethel Census Area encompasses a vast region in western Alaska, covering an area of approximately 117,866 square kilometers (45,511 square miles). It is bordered by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta to the west, the Kuskokwim Mountains to the north, and the Bristol Bay region to the south. The area is characterized by its remote wilderness, numerous rivers, and tundra landscapes.

Major Rivers

The Kuskokwim River is the most significant river in the area, providing a vital transportation route for the communities along its banks. Other important rivers include the Yukon River, which forms part of the northern boundary, and the Johnson River.

Demographics

The population of Bethel Census Area is predominantly Yup'ik and other Alaska Native peoples. The area has a rich cultural heritage, with many residents maintaining traditional subsistence lifestyles, including fishing, hunting, and gathering.

Communities

Bethel Census Area includes several communities, with Bethel being the largest and most developed. Other communities include:

• Aniak
• Kwethluk
• Napaskiak
• Tuntutuliak

Economy

The economy of Bethel Census Area is primarily based on subsistence activities, government services, and some commercial fishing. The region's remote location and lack of infrastructure pose challenges to economic development.

Transportation

Transportation in Bethel Census Area is limited, with no road connections to the rest of Alaska. The primary means of transportation are by air and river. Bethel serves as a regional transportation hub, with the Bethel Airport providing regular flights to Anchorage and other communities.

Education

Education services in the area are provided by the Lower Kuskokwim School District, which operates several schools in the region. The district offers educational programs that incorporate local culture and languages.

See also

• List of census areas in Alaska
• Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta

External links

• Bethel Census Area at the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development