Northwest Arctic Borough, AK

Northwest Arctic Borough, AK The Northwest Arctic Borough is a borough located in the U.S. state of Alaska. The borough seat is Kotzebue. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,793. The borough was formed on June 2, 1986.

Geography

The Northwest Arctic Borough encompasses a total area of 40,749 square miles, of which 35,898 square miles is land and 4,851 square miles is water. The borough is located in the northwestern part of Alaska and is bordered by the North Slope Borough to the north, the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area to the east, and the Nome Census Area to the south.

National protected areas

• Cape Krusenstern National Monument
• Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
• Kobuk Valley National Park
• Noatak National Preserve

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of the Northwest Arctic Borough was 7,793. The borough has a diverse population with a significant percentage of Iñupiat people. The primary languages spoken in the borough include English and Iñupiat.

Economy

The economy of the Northwest Arctic Borough is primarily based on subsistence hunting, fishing, and mining. The Red Dog Mine, one of the world's largest zinc mines, is located within the borough and is a significant source of employment and revenue.

Education

The Northwest Arctic Borough School District provides educational services to the region. The district operates several schools in various communities, including Kotzebue Middle High School.

Transportation

Transportation in the Northwest Arctic Borough is primarily by air and water. The Ralph Wien Memorial Airport in Kotzebue is the main airport serving the region. There are also several smaller airports and airstrips in the borough. During the summer months, barges deliver supplies to the communities via the Kobuk River.

Communities

The Northwest Arctic Borough includes one city and several census-designated places (CDPs):

• Kotzebue (City)
• Ambler
• Buckland
• Deering
• Kiana
• Kivalina
• Noatak
• Noorvik
• Selawik
• Shungnak

Related Pages

• Alaska
• Kotzebue, Alaska
• North Slope Borough, Alaska
• Nome Census Area, Alaska
• Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska
• Red Dog Mine
• Iñupiat